Mark Frank | Astro-skeleton, Celestial demonstration selector @MarkFrankclocks | Uploaded 2 years ago | Updated May 12 2024
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