Constructing A Byzantine Sundial-Calendar - Part 1 (Making The Cutters)
103,824
Published 2024-06-28
Designed and constructed in 2016-2019 as a companion project to the Antikythera mechanism, this video series is an alternative look at the second oldest geared mechanism from antiquity: The Byzantine (London) Sundial-Calendar.
I designed the project as a sort of 'gateway' project into more complex horological work, especially if you're already comfortable with model engineering, and maybe feel like tackling something a little unusual. I've seen some outstanding builds of this project over the intervening years and would love to see more. So, if you'd like to build along with the series and help me make these videos, the plans for the project are available as part of the $1 tier on Patreon, find out more here: www.patreon.com/clickspring/about
Those of you who are Patrons will notice that for this YouTube release of the series I've spruced up the intro card and soundtrack, and also combined a few episodes together to make it all a bit more efficient for the viewer. For those who are seeing this narrated build series for the first time, do please enjoy!
Cheers.
Chris.
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A very special thank you to Patrons:
Sinking Valley Woodworks
Glenn Trewitt
Christopher Warnock
Guy Loughridge
Charles Frodsham & Co.
Peter John Richardson
Adam Slagle
Robin Haerens
Mitchell Collins
L'Enfant Watch Company
C. A. Patrick Voigt
Steven R. Crider
Gary Levario
Mark Coburn
Pete Askew
Jeff Armstrong
Ralph McCoy
Jim Popwell
Kaedenn
Bradley Pirtle
PaxAndromeda
Thomas Eriksen
Michael Hardel
Tim Ball
Grant Michener
Jonathan Teegarden
Steve Hossner
RuKiddin06
John Maksim
RobinP556
Lea Bruder
Armagus
John S Dilsaver
matt mcparland
Daniel Cohen
Larry Pardi
Sean Kuyper
Samuel Irons
Dan Keen
Florian Ragwitz
Matthew Middleton
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References:
Original Artefact:
collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/objects/co108…
Michael T. Wright (curator): en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_T._Wright_(curator)
J.V. Field & M.T. Wright, “Gears from the Byzantines: a Portable Sundial with Calendrical Gearing”, Annals of Science, 42 (1985), pp. 87 – 138.
D.R. Hill, “Al-Bīrūnī’s Mechanical Calendar”, Annals of Science, 42 (1985), pp.139 – 163.
J.V. Field, “Some Roman and Byzantine Portable Sundials and the London Sundial-Calendar”, History of Technology, 12 (1990), pp. 103 – 135.
M.T. Wright, “Rational and Irrational Reconstruction: the London Sundial-Calendar and the Early History of Geared Mechanisms”, History of Technology, 12 (1990), pp.65 – 102.
You can also help me make these videos by purchasing via the following Amazon Affiliate links:
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Panasonic GH5 - amzn.to/2rEzhh2
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Sherline Lathe: amzn.to/2pnXM19
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All Comments (21)
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did you see the news that the antikythera mechanism calendar ring was very likely to have 354 holes? soon as I saw it I checked your channel and caught a new upload pretty early on!
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@clickspring “I know, in my spare time, for no reward, I think I’ll outdo the British Museum. And do it brilliantly. And film it like poetry.” What a star, Chris!
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CLICKSPRING IS HERE, DROP EVERYTHING!!!
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Hey Folks, Designed and constructed in 2016-2019 as a companion project to the Antikythera mechanism, this video series is an alternative look at the second oldest geared mechanism from antiquity: The Byzantine (London) Sundial-Calendar. I designed the project as a sort of 'gateway' project into more complex horological work, especially if you're already comfortable with model engineering, and maybe feel like tackling something a little unusual. I've seen some outstanding builds of this project over the intervening years and would love to see more. So, if you'd like to build along with the series and help me make these videos, the plans for the project are available as part of the $1 tier on Patreon, find out more here: www.patreon.com/clickspring/about Those of you who are Patrons will notice that for this YouTube release of the series I've spruced up the intro card and soundtrack, and also combined a few episodes together to make it all a bit more efficient for the viewer. For those who are seeing this narrated build series for the first time, do please enjoy! Cheers. Chris.
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Hey, Chris! Great video as always, and the timing couldn't be better. Five years ago, it was watching your skeleton clock series that gave me the idea that maybe I should get a second degree after applied linguistics, this time in mechanical engineering. In less than 10 hours, I'll be attending my graduation ceremony as a future mechanical engineer. Keep making these videos; no matter how big or small, they're having an impact. Cheers mate, from a far corner of the world!
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The absolute joy that comes with a clickspring upload notifcation is only bettered by the video itself! Time to put the kettle on and enjoy youtubes best content!
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A true artist. I've been a machinist for over 40 years. You still amaze me.
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Clickspring is the GOAT.
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As a Patreon Member I love the opportunity to see this series again and slightly reimagined to boot! Thanks Chris!
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I'm glad Zurich made it onto the Dial... and I can confirm it is currently sunny here :)
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I am a 75 Year old knowledgeable educated electrician, what knows stuff. Or...At least I thought I did. Thank You world, for our Clicksprings. They warm our cockles and amaze us.
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I only subscribed earlier today and I’m treated to a rare episode on my first day 😮
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Chris is the hero we all need!
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Happy to see more new video's lately, Thanks Chris!
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Disciplined on many levels. Cinema magic achieved with a very modest toolset and a commendable focus for research. Followed with the heart of an innovative teacher. 👍
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SOHCAHTOA That took me right back to the classroom.
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What a marvelous device and project. Knowing your skill, this will be surely be captivating to watch. And educational, as well :D Thanks Clickspring.
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What a instrument, thanks Chris, looking forward! 👍🤙✌️
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The brilliant genius known as Clickspring is in the building with a new video!
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Thank you for continuing your projects!!!
