I found out about the sundial mailing list from "Sundials on the Internet"
My wife has been given a sundial and before fixing it I have done some
investigation. Only one problem - the upper surface of the gnomen is
convex - how do I measure the angle of the gnomen ?
If I measure in a straight line from the base of the gnomen to it's tip, the
angle is 44degrees. Do I use that figure to mount it at an incline ? I
live in Scotland - 57 degrees north.
Advice would be much appreciated !
I am not sure why the upper surface of the gnomon would be curved, other than for aesthetics, as this would detract from its accuracy. You would tip the dial forward so the gnomon projects up at 57 degrees, the same as your latitude. If you are not in the center of your time zone, then this will also add to the dial's inaccuracy. There is an alignment software (sundialalign.exe free at my website) which may help some, but don't expect miracles if the dial is not accurately made.
Bill Gottesman
Managing Member
Precision Sundials LLC
100 Overlake Park
Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 864-3714 Voice
(802) 862-6597 Fax
www.precisionsundials.com
