Summary
  Previous page

Adjusting the shadow-caster

Initially, Calcad creates the sundial layout with the shadow-caster identical to the temporary gnomon that you used to record the two shadow points. Changing its size or its position may lead to more accurate readings and/or a more useful layout. Calcad allows you to simulate moving and resizing the shadow caster to see how the layout changes. You can do this using the mouse or the keyboard, or by entering values in the input box Dial tab.

o   Using the mouse:
  *   Click on the sundial diagram. Its outline becomes red to indicate that the diagram is selected
  *   Hold down the mouse button (the cursor takes the shape of 4 arrows) and move the mouse. The shadow-caster will follow the movement
  *   Roll the wheel of the mouse to make the shadow-caster larger or smaller
  *   Unselect the diagram by right-clicking or by clicking outside the diagram

o   Using the keyboard:
  *   If necessary, enable the main window by using the 'Escape' key
  *   Select the diagram by pressing the 'Tab' key until its outline turns red
  *   Move the shadow-caster using the up, down, left and right arrow keys, or the 8, 2, 4 and 6 keys of the numeric keypad
  *   Make the shadow-caster larger or smaller by using the 'Page up' and 'Page down' keys, or the 9 and 3 keys of the numeric keypad

o   Using the input box:
  *   In the Dial tab, check the Final shadow-caster box
  *   Modify the values that define the size and position of the style or the gnomon
  *   Press the Calculate button

Note: when the Final shadow-caster box is unchecked, the gnomon or the first end of the style tallies with the temporary gnomon that you used to establish the shadow points.

The configuration of the sundial is now finished. The next step is either to make a small scale model of the sundial or to go directly to its final realization. Beforehand, in both cases, use the File menu to save or print the data.

  Next page