Astro skeleton clock celestial train demonstration drive Mark Frank 2024-04-26 | Astro skeleton clock celestial train demonstration drive
Chicago Time lock/Diebold Marsh v 2, demonstration of bolt dog arming option. Mark Frank 2023-09-30 | This video demonstrates the delay action of arming the Marsh v.2 time lock. Normally when all the movements in a time lock are wound to the desired time, the lock will go 'on guard' preventing the operator from dialing in the combination, In this lock, it will not go on guard until the operator turns a separate arbor to arm the lock. This allows the operator to wind up the movements to the desired time, but still allow the safe to be accessed as if the lock were off guard. This could be useful if one doesn't know when the safe is to be closed permanently for the day. To see the full details about this lock go to: http://www.my-time-machines.net/diebold_chicago_marsh.htm
Hollar Model 2, 1896. Initial powering up of the motor and solenoid systems Mark Frank 2023-09-15 | The Hollar Model 2 used an electrical system to allow the operator to keep the time lock on guard indefinitely. This was seen as a contingency in the case of civil disturbance or even invasion, where the vault door may need to remain closed past the maximum 72 hours available on the timer movements. The system uses 4.5 to 4.75 VDC, at about 1 amp. See more photos of the restoration of this time lock here: http://www.my-time-machines.net/hollar_model_2_restoration.htm.
Hollar Model 2, 1896. Timer movement finished Mark Frank 2023-09-15 | The platform escapement assembly has been completely cleaned anis now running well. To see the full restoration of this lock: http://www.my-time-machines.net/hollar_model_2_restoration.htm.
Hollar Lock Inspection and Guarantee Co., Model 2, 1896, time lock demonstration video. Mark Frank 2023-09-14 | This video demonstrates the Hollar Model 2 introduced in 1896. This time lock used a motor to allow the user to rewind one of the three time locks indefinitely to keep the vault closed after the maximum 72 hours denoted on the timer movement dials. This was thought to be useful in the event of civil disturbance or possible invasion. It was an improvement from their Model 1 that used a massive spring to rewind the timer giving the operator only a few times to rewind the time lock without having to open the vault door to rewind the spring.One of the issues with this type of design is that under the emergency of the rewinding period, only one movement would be used to keep the time lock on guard - a fundamental violation of having redundancy in the timer movements to prevent a lockout. There were features in this design to remediate this problem and are described at the end of this video as well as the web page.For a full discussion one can see this time lock at: http://www.my-time-machines.net/hollar_model_2.htm
Consolidated Concussion and Calendar Time Lock Mark Frank 2023-05-07 | This is a demonstration video of the Consolidated Time Lock Company concussion and calendar time lock. The full description and history of the lock can be seen here: http://www.my-time-machines.net/consol_concussion_1mvt.htm .
Demonstration of Yale Model #1 w. auto off-guard let off, c. 1876 Mark Frank 2023-03-11 | This video demonstrates a Yale Model #1, aka Yale Double Pin Dial, c. 1876.The example shown has a unique automatic off guard setting device that allows the operator to let the time lock off guard without having to readjust the time set on the pin dials which is necessary on all other Model #1 time locks. To this author's knowledge, as explained in the video, this particular feature never went into production.
Overmyer & Huston Model 1 time lock, 1876 Mark Frank 2023-01-20 | This video outlines and demonstrates a time lock by the inventors of Overmyer & Huston, Lexington, Ohio in 1876. This was an early entrant into the rapidly expanding field of time lock makers, started by Sargent & Greenleaf with the first commercially successful time lock in 1874. By 1876 Yale had entered the business along with New Britain Bank Lock Co. (Pillard) and Hall Safe and Lock. These makers had quite expensive, complex as well as visually beautiful time locks. They were in the price range of $400 to $450, a great deal of money at the time; equivalent to about $10,000 today.This lock has the distinction of being the first to try using commercially made pocket watch movements in place of special-built movements designed from scratch for use in a time lock by using a pair of altered Waltham size 18 movements. The inventors were trying to make a far less expensive product, using a simple design and bypassing the expensive special-built time lock movements, usually made by E. Howard, with commercially available pocket watch movements. There were several problems with their design and these are discussed in the video. The time lock never went into production. There was also a model 2, but this too was never commercially produced. There is only one example known of each model, the Model 2 is in the Mossman Collection at the General Society of Tradesman and Mechanics Museum in New York City.It wasn't until 1888 that Yale tried this, again with Waltham movements. As with this lock the movements had to be slightly modified to make them work within a time lock. But in the case of Yale, they were simply not up to the task, as I suspect was the case with this lock, and so were a commercial failure with only a few of the Yale Model A though EE locks produced. It wasn't until 1902 that the Consolidated Time Lock Co. successfully employed Elgin Watch Co. movements. This was followed by Banker's Dustproof and Mosler. But for the most part purpose-made movements were the norm for the industry. Time locks based on pocket watch movements held a small percentage of the market. One can see the entire explanation of this lock here: http://www.my-time-machines.net/overmyer_huston.htm.
Charles Fasoldt's entry in the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition winning a gold medal. Mark Frank 2022-11-13 | This video shows the innovation that Charles Fasoldt made in designing his detached gravity escapement. In addition he also incorporated his remontoire dial drive - an especially elegant and visually appealing device.This model was displayed at the Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition of 1876 and won a gold medal. What is shown is his design for these systems as incorporated into the four tower clocks he made as well as the limited number of domestic clocks. Fasoldt had a total output of about 600 timepieces of which over 570 were watches. This piece was unique. Fasoldt is considered one of the finest and more innovated horologist in the United States. His limited output makes his timepieces especially collectible.
Charles Fasoldt, 1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia Mark Frank 2022-11-06 | Charles Fasoldt made this one-off model to demonstrate his detached gravity escapement and separate clock dial drive which was later used in the few tower and domestic clocks that he made. He was awarded a gold medal for this clock's unique design.Charles Fasoldt is considered to be one of the most innovative and finest clock and watch makers in the United States. His limited output of horological and scientific instruments make his examples rare and sought after.Video curtesy of Donald Saff.
Astro-skeleton overview montage, Oct, 2022 Mark Frank 2022-10-15 | The Astronomical Skeleton Clock is finished and has been delivered to its current owner. This is a video montage of it after successful reassembly. I have to add the personal observation that no video can really do justice to the seeing this magnificent creation in reality.
Astro-skeleton, Planisphere bearings demo Mark Frank 2022-09-30 | This video shows the rear view of the planisphere using the nearly frictionless bearings used throughout the Astro-skeleton project. Since the machine has over 500 wheels, friction is our constant enemy. Only though the use of ceramic, oil free bearings can we accomplish the drive of this machine with a reasonably sized motor spring.
Ratchet demo of main winding crank Mark Frank 2022-09-28 | The main winding crank is a one-way key, aka a "tipsy key" where winding can only be done in one direction. This is to prevent inadvertent winding force being applied in the wrong direction. This is particularly needed when, as is the case here, the correct direction in counterclockwise.
Correction for dual Wagner remontoire phasing Mark Frank 2022-09-27 | This video shows a pair of wheels that slave together the output power from the pair of Wagner gravity remontoire which, in turn, power the dual Harrison grasshopper escapement wheels. This corrects for the 'phase drift' between the remontoire carriages so they will stay in anti-phase instead of drifting between in-phase to anti-phase. Please look at http://www.my-time-machines.net/my_current_project4.htm to see how the carriages should work. This is the last mechanical change to the project.
Holmes model 2[2] internal override system, c. 1882 Mark Frank 2022-06-03 | This video demonstrates the Holmes Time Lock Model 2[2] electro-mechanical override system, c. 1882. A few time lock makers wanted to be able to override the mechanical time lock should there be a catastrophic failure of the mechanical timer movements. Usually these timers are in pairs to prevent just such a failure, but given a large enough explosive charge there could be damage to both, thus without an alternative method of putting the lock 'off guard' would result in a lockout. Now the fact is that such a large concussion would probably result in damage to the electro-mechanical override system, but it still was a good marketing tool.To best of this author's knowledge Holmes was the only company to use an electromechanical design to achieve this. The other company to use an override was the Consolidated Time Lock company, but theirs was a purely mechanical system. There was one other company that introduced an electromechanical system into a mechanical time lock was the Hollar company that used a motor not to override, but to extend, the duration of the time lock past the maximum time on the dials in case of an emergency such as civil disturbance or riot by rewinding them from a control outside the vault.
BHI, February 2022 Zoom presentation, 2 Mark Frank 2022-05-28 | This video is a Power Point presentation of the Astro-skeleton clock that will give the viewer an overall sense of the entire project. It explores the philosophy guiding the design, many of the concepts behind various components and photos of the construction process of the machine.
Astro-skeleton, Presentation video Mark Frank 2021-12-21 | This video shows the completed Astro-skeleton project. The videos were taken October 2021. Debugging, durations trials and year end holidays will delay delivery until January or February 2022. One can see the entire project from the Index page here: http://www.my-time-machines.net/, and download a set of four articles here: http://www.my-time-machines.net/papers_and_presentations.htm.
Astro-skeleton, Sidereal roller cage demonstration Mark Frank 2021-11-30 | Demonstration of the sidereal time roller cage.
Astro-skeleton, Views and demonstrations of components, 10 2021 Mark Frank 2021-11-30 | This video shows the various components of the machine both still and being demonstrated. these are the final photos taken before the project's completion and delivery to its final destination. You can see this and other videos and detailed photos of the machine here: http://www.my-time-machines.net/astro_10-21.htm .
Astro-skeleton, The finished overview video Mark Frank 2021-11-30 | The project is complete, finished and polished. It has undergone all debugging and is now ready for partial disassembly and packing to its final destination. What you see here is twelve years of a master clockmaker's work. Buchanan is, in my opinion the finest living clockmaker in the world. This machine was completely hand-built by one man. There was collaboration on design, artwork, enamel dialing, case work and technical consultations, but the entire mechanicals were the work of Buchanan.Congratulations, it has been one wild adventure, to have made this project with you, while halfway around the world and only twice seeing it during the years that it has been in your shop. I have been blessed to have met the only man who could and did build my dream without compromise and to have had the resources to make it come true. Not many men can make that statement.You can see this and other videos and detailed photos of the machine here: http://www.my-time-machines.net/astro_10-21.htm .
Astro-skeleton, Reverse coup perdu correction index wheel Mark Frank 2021-11-26 | Note the inconsistencies in the rotation of the wheel shown by the arrows. This wheel used to be the output for the seconds hand. This is now buffered by the spiral spring (within circle), allowing the indexing seconds count wheel to accurately display jump seconds from the former erratic two seconds output wheel caused by the remontoire reloading cycle. By creating this indexing wheel and spiral spring buffer we have achieved two goals: First was to have a reliable seconds hand output. However, before this change the pendulums as they are designed have a two second period (4 second cycle) meaning that the second hand, even if not erratic, would jump every two seconds. However, the feedback from the remontoire reloading cycle was also causing the hand to act erratically, floating, even skipping a second or going backwards! Not an acceptable situation.The spiral spring and what looks like an escapement wheel, but is actually an indexing wheel, is now the output for the seconds hand achieving a reliable period, but even better, changing the period from a two second to a true one second jump, making the time dial look like a conventional regulator, even though it has a two second pendulum. We chose the two second pendulum because it has a better visual, almost hypnotic effect on the viewer compared to a one second period and I was content to have the seconds hand jump every two seconds. But with this design change we have solved the erratic feedback problem and have given the time dial seconds hand the advantage of a one second readout without losing the two second pendulum period. A rare win-win in engineering design.
Astro skeleton, Wagner remontoire spring failure Mark Frank 2021-11-09 | This video shows a problem with the release of the right hand cam of the Wagner remontoire pair. It releases too fast, and demonstrates some lash as compared with the smooth release of the cam on the left. Unfortunately, to examine this problem the time train had to be removed and disassembled; a major job. One can see the entire repair here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PC2-LKSf31I
Brass exhibition clock, c 1880 Mark Frank 2021-11-02 | A video showing what appears to be an exhibition tower clock movement, but was originally part of a huge tall case clock over 10 feet tall.In as found condition many parts were missing and major portions were recreated, the case, of course was also missing. So I decided to revert this to an exhibition piece. Buchanan of Chelmsford was commissioned in 2007 to do the work. The entire project as well as photos of a sister clock still in its original case can be found here: http://www.my-time-machines.net/gravity_esc_3_train.htm. Other work done by Buchanan can be seen here: http://www.my-time-machines.net/pouvillon_detail.htm and here: http://www.my-time-machines.net/astro_index.htm .
Louis Thouverez, c. 1790, Paris France, Pendulum study. Mark Frank 2021-10-26 | This clock's pendulum has an interesting feature located on the rear of the bob. There is a compartment that can be filled with lead shot to alter the mass of the the bob. What is interesting is that the compartment is quite small and the mass of the lead shot it holds is small compared to the overall mass of the bob. Theoretically this method should not be able to have any effect on the operation of the pendulum, excepting is making a very slight change in the center of gravity, something that the knurl nut at the base of the pendulum should take care of. The entire clock can be seen here: http://www.my-time-machines.net/Thouverez_1.htm .
Louis Thouverez, c. 1790 Mark Frank 2021-10-25 | Louis Thouverez, Paris, France, c. 1790. Dial is signed Thouverez h[orlo]jer From his highness M. {on signueu} r Duke of Orleans. Louis Thouverez is referred to in Baille's Watchmakers and Clockmaker's of the World, p. 313 as Master 1788-1825. Single train great wheel with rafter frame design. The great wheel is seven inches in diameter with crossings being of 'Y' formation. Pinwheel escapement, gridiron, compensated 1/2 second pendulum on knife-edge suspension. Upper dial with center seconds hand. Left hand dial showing date, day of week and its zodiacal sign. Right hand dial indicating the months, their zodiac sign and the seasons. White marble base with putti in bacchanal scene frieze on front and science attributions, telescope and thermometer on sides.The clock was made about 1790 for the Duke of Orleans who was known as 'Philipe Egalite' because of his liberal tendencies. As leader of the liberals and a Jacobin, the Duke of Orleans voted in January 1793 for the death of his cousin Louis XVI and subsequently followed him to the guillotine in November 1793, just a month after the King's wife, Marie Antoinette met the same fate. His eldest son became King of France, as Louis Phillipe, in 1830 and, when later deposed came to England, where he died.You can see the clock here: http://www.my-time-machines.net/Thouverez_1.htm
Astro-skeleton, Close up views of machine running Mark Frank 2021-09-08 | This video has various close up views of the machine running.
Astro-skeleton, Locating jig for keyway holes Mark Frank 2021-09-07 | This video shows a jig made by Buchanan to accurately locate keyway holes that will later be drilled in the front glass of the case.
Astro-skeleton, June 2021 Mark Frank 2021-08-28 | The Astro-skeleton machine is complete. It has undergone debugging for the past few months and will still have some further adjustments. Beginning in July timing and rating trials will begin. We will top out at about 8000 parts and 500 wheels.
Astro-skeleton, Seconds correction and 'reverse coup perdu' device Mark Frank 2021-07-29 | In this video one sees what looks like an unusual escapement. This is not an escapement but a count wheel. The pallet fork is controlled by the two second pendulums so it takes four seconds for the fork to make a full back and forth swing; since the fork has a pair of two separate pallets, these four pallets divide the four second pendulum cycle into four individual contacts with the count wheel, that wheel is connected to the second hand resulting in a true jump seconds from a two seconds pendulum swing (one half cycle). Think of this as a 'reverse coup perdu' device since a typical coup perdu creates a one second dial readout from a half-second pendulum, the words are French for "lost beat" since only every other beat is recorded on the dial. In this case we have a "gained beat" perhaps the French translation could be "battement gagné"? A complete explanation can be found here: http://www.my-time-machines.net/astro_04-21.htm. Look carefully at the movement of the seconds hand in comparison to the twin Harrison grasshopper escapement wheels to the right of the dial and one sees how two jump seconds are generated on the dial for each two second long beat of those escapements.Also turn up the volume during the last frame of the video! This is the first video where one can clearly hear the many different sounds the machine makes, when not striking. It now has what one would expect as a regular 'tick tock'. The grasshopper escapement was always virtually silent. The video was taken close up when the background noise was low so some of the clicking a whirling can be heard.
Astro-skeleton, Seconds buffer spring demonstration Mark Frank 2021-07-08 | This video shows the coil buffer spring that eliminates the erratic rotation of the center seconds arbor through this spring and provides rotational torque to the seconds escape wheel which is controlled by the existing pendulums. What is being demonstrated is the safety/setting feature in this design. If the operator tries to spin the seconds hand around it will slip on the arbor or the inner spring barrel in either direction. But if left alone or turned slowly it grips in either direction. In practical use, it is important that it grips the seconds hand to follow the escapement wheel in a clockwise direction. It would have been easier to design and build and require far less imagination to have simply had the inner coil permanently attached to the original erratic seconds arbor and the endpoint of the outer coil to the escape wheel - however we would have lost the safety feature and it would have made setting this hand to time very difficult.This is another example of the many safety features built into the clock to prevent damage from operator carelessness or ignorance and these features also make the machine more user-friendly. One hundred years from now the operator will have less knowledge than we do now! Although I hope to save as much information in both print and electronically to help the future operator correctly care for the machine but nothing can be guaranteed.
Astro-skeleton, Seconds hand correction Mark Frank 2021-07-06 | This video shows how a two second period can be converted to a one second readout on the dial It is the reverse of what is commonly known in horology as a Coup Perdu escapement where a 1/2 second pendulum is made to show a one second readout on the dial. Coup Perdue is French for lost beat, where every other beat of the 1/2 second pendulum is skipped to get the one jump second readout from the seconds hand on the dial.The action on the video is uneven because it is the first trial, the escapement is not moving at a constant speed and before adjustments were made on the pallets to get a perfect one jump second. It is simply a concept demonstration.This was created because during the current debugging process the seconds hand was moving erratically, coasting past the designed two second intervals, and even sometimes moving backward. The reasons for this are discussed in detail here: http://www.my-time-machines.net/astro_04-21.htm .One of the serendipitous consequences of this fix is that the clock face now looks "correct" in that the second hand jumps each second instead of every two seconds which was the intended consequence of the slower two second compound pendulums. I had decided on the slower pendulums as they have a more hypnotic, pleasant visual effect than a one second period, which to me looked too busy and distracting.
Astro-skeleton, Seconds hand acting erratically Mark Frank 2021-07-05 | This video shows a significant problem we encountered during the debugging process which was begun in February. It is apparent that the seconds hand is acting erratically. As designed, it should move ahead consistently every two seconds; in line with the two second period pendulums. In this video we observe several seconds skipped, hiccups and even the hand moving backwards.Look carefully at the escapement wheels to the right, they are not acting erratically. In fact the clock will still keep good time, it is only the second hand that is suffering the feedback.The reason it did not appear until now is that the machine has now undergone final finishing and everything is now running with the minimum of friction. It turns out that some of the mechanisms we had to install to deal with the moving mass of the large remontoire, began to show through feedback to the seconds hand. The solution is NOT to reintroduce friction, but to design a solution for the problem since those systems are still needed. That solution and a more detailed explanation of the problem can be found here: http://www.my-time-machines.net/astro_04-21.htm .
Atlas orrery clock Mark Frank 2021-06-28 | This video shows the completed and restored Atlas orrery clock. The clock is unsigned, but when the spring was removed it was signed, and dated 1786. For a full description, photos of the clock and its restoration: http://www.my-time-machines.net/Atlas_orrery.htm.
Atlas clock, the celestial sphere Mark Frank 2021-06-28 | This video shows a close up of the glass celestial sphere that surrounds the orrery on the Atlas clock. The illustrations are engraved and the engraving is filled in black ink. The entire clock and restoration project can be seen here: http://www.my-time-machines.net/Atlas_orrery.htm. The clock is unsigned, but the spring is dated 1786 was most likely made in Paris, France.
Astro-skeleton, Celestial demonstration selector Mark Frank 2021-06-06 | This video shows the completion of the celestial demonstration selector. This component allows the operator to select from normal operation where the clock drives all of the sixty complications in real time, to the first demonstration mode where the celestial complications are disconnected from the clock and can be manually driven via a crank by the operator. Then a second demonstration mode can be selected that will run the orrery by itself at a greater speed ratio in order to better see the long duration orbits of Jupiter and Saturn. This is a retrofit of the original design where the select lever was to be located on the left side of the planisphere mask. However, it was decided that the standard operator interventions should be able to be done without the opening of the case to minimize dust infiltration. Therefor, winding, time setting and celestial demonstration must be able to be done through a keyway through the front glass. The case will be designed so as to allow any one pane to be individually removed for cleaning, or access to any of the machine's four quadrants. For more on this: http://www.my-time-machines.net/astro_03-21.htm
Astro-skeleton, mean solar and equation of time setting demo Mark Frank 2021-04-17 | The two winding squares shown demonstrate how one can set the mean solar time (clock time) as well as the equation of time. It can be done in any order.
Astro-skeleton, fitting of the carrying frame to the clock demo. Mark Frank 2021-04-17 | This video shows the redesigned carrying frame, or sedan chair, for the clock. The old design required the removal of the pendulums and attached to the four main barrel arbors. The new design allows one to move the clock without the removal of the pendulums which is a delicate process requiring the removal of several other components. Initially the clock will be delivered without the pendulums and other com[plications attached and the carrying frame will be used to move it to a temporary table stand. A custom table will then be made once the ideal height is determined, and here is where the revised design will come in handy as the clock can be moved in one simple step to the permanent table. When carried with the clock complete the total weight is 204 lbs. (93kg), a hard but not insurmountable lift for two and easy for four people.Furthermore this device connects to the machine via its main base frame rails instead of the four winding barrel arbors, eliminating any possibility of damage due to separation of the eight pillar uprights through which the barrel arbors pass and the main frame is attached from below to those pillars as well as any movement between them. Having the weight of the machine carried by the barrel arbors is an unnatural condition that is now avoided and instead is done through the frame where the support is intended. For further details please go to: http://www.my-time-machines.net/astro_02-21.htm .
Astro-skeleton, cutting a dial hand Mark Frank 2021-02-22 | Here a dial hand is being cut from a steel blank using a CAD-CAM wire spark-erosion machine. If one looks closely at the steel blank it is actually a hacksaw blade. It turns out that the steel these blades are made from will blue up beautifully in the oven. For more detail go to: http://www.my-time-machines.net/astro_01-21.htm .
Astro-skeleton clock on mockup sub base, Jan 2021 Mark Frank 2021-02-22 | In this video the clock is shown on a mockup sub base surround and can be seen just below the clock's brass base. This wooden surround hides a redesigned structural base located within the mockup surround. This new base allows the machine to be placed on any sturdy table top without any needed modifications to the table. The case is also a temporary piece. See more detail here: http://www.my-time-machines.net/astro_01-21.htm
Astro-skeleton, orrery finished, and functional demonstration Mark Frank 2021-01-26 | This video shows the orrery in full demonstration mode from several angles. See this web page for further details: http://www.my-time-machines.net/astro_12-20.htm .
Astro-skeleton, Orrery finished Mark Frank 2021-01-26 | The finished orrery is shown in this video. It is now complete with semi-precious stones and pearls for the planets and moons. The Earth's continents are gold leaf on turquoise and the sun is rutilated quartz to give it a shimmering effect as one changes position relative to it. To see it mounted within the machine go to: http://www.my-time-machines.net/astro_12-20.htm .
Astro-skeleton, Finished Sun and Moon module Mark Frank 2021-01-26 | The finished Sun and Moon module is shown in this video. Total parts count 665. It is now ready to be installed into the machine. To see this within the machine go to: http://www.my-time-machines.net/astro_12-20.htm .
Astro-skeleton, Orrery center gearbox disassembly Mark Frank 2021-01-25 | In this video the orrery is disassembled, the main thrust is the center planets gearbox that controls Mercury, Venus, the Earth/Moon system and Mars. Jupiter is also included, Saturn's outer arm is not seen but easily removed as the first step. Buchanan has provided a series of videos that show in detail how the various components and main trains are disassembled. While I hope to never need these, they will be saved for the future when such extensive and invasive service may be needed. The finished orrery can be found at: http://www.my-time-machines.net/astro_12-20.htm .
Astro-skeleton, Planisphere wheel work is finished Mark Frank 2021-01-07 | In this video the planisphere wheel work is finished. Doesn't it look like a beautiful great-wheel skeleton clock? The main wheel is 5.25" (13.2 cm) in diameter with 514 teeth. http://www.my-time-machines.net/astro_11-20.htm.
Astro-skeleton, Clock running in temporary case, November 2020 Mark Frank 2021-01-07 | This video shows the clock running in its temporary plastic case in November 2020. Notice that there are no weights which was the original design to drive the clock. It is now driven by motor springs and can be displayed at any height and on a solid table top. The case can also be more air-tight since weight lines are now eliminated. The current stand is left over from when a compliment of four weights totaling over 220 lbs. (100kg) would have hung from below, in addition to the weight of the stand at about 120 lbs. for total savings of 340 lbs. (155 kg). Holes will later be drilled in the front case panel to test winding and setting keys. To see the web page this is on and more detail: http://www.my-time-machines.net/astro_11-20.htm .
Astro-skeleton, Great Anomaly and Projection variable differentials Mark Frank 2021-01-07 | This video shows the pair of Janvier variable differentials used to correct the major two components of the Moon's orbital anomaly for display on a two dimensional dial. These are the Projection, which accounts for the Earth's tilt and elliptical orbit in relation to the Moon, and the Great Anomaly accounting for the largest of the Moon's anomalous orbit around the Earth. For a more detailed explanation of how these components work and their importance to the display of the Moon's orbit see: http://www.my-time-machines.net/astro_11-16.htm.
Astro-skeleton, Planisphere finished Mark Frank 2021-01-07 | This video shows the finished planisphere module. If one looks carefully you can see the slight difference in color between the front mask and the cylindrical body of the module. The front mask is now plated in 24 k gold. The Sun is also plated and equipped with two blued screw eyes giving it a wizened and contented look. A close up can be seen at: http://www.my-time-machines.net/astro_11-20.htm.
Astro skeleton, Beat plate bezels being milled Mark Frank 2020-12-05 | The beat plate bezels are cut out of the brass blank on Buchanan's computer-controlled mill. Nearly all parts in this project are cut by hand, but in instances where there are multiples of the same part, the computerized mill allows for faster and identically fabricated components.
Sun Moon, rise set disassembly procedure Mark Frank 2020-12-05 | This video shows the disassembly of one of the more complex modules in the machine, perhaps only surpassed by the third-order perpetual calendar. The videos are essential for those that may need to service these components in the next 50 or 100 years, depending upon how much usage the machine serves. For me, this module contains one of the more interesting designs ever used in horology, that of the Antide Janvier variable, slant-wheel differentials. I only know of three other clocks that have used this design in the past to correct for the equation of time or the various anomalies of the Moon's orbit. For a further discussion of this components see: http://www.my-time-machines.net/astro_11-16.htm .
