Build an Earth Sun & Moon Orbiter

[erick]

Thought I would move out of the Solar System model thread to allow for those interested to share experiences as this build progresses.

Leo76 (with me helping), aims to have this:-

http://www.build-model-orbiter.com/index-aus.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQcxoEv8Ft0

After six issues, Leo76 has a rotating Earth (see attached) and seems thrilled with it! :thumbsup:

We can see an immediate problem being the correct alignment of the angled cog that turns the earth daily on its axis. If the big cog is too high, it jambs. If too low, it loses contact. :sadeyes: We can get it right (and tighten the grub screw that came with Issue 6 at the right point) BUT one has to watch for the "decorative top nut" coming loose and allowing the small cog that drives off the angled cog, to drop and jamb. Later, we'll add a little glue to the top nut and set it to the correct position and leave to dry. A task for somewhere towards the end of the build, I expect.

[Leo76]

I'm loving this little project...just 52 more issues to go until complete...I think!? ;) :lol:

[Allan_L]

Very Cool Erick (and Leo76) :thumbsup:

[JimmyH155]

Hey, where can I get one of those things from?:eyepop:

[White Rabbit]

:)

[erick]

I must say that I am impressed with the little magazines that come each week. About 16-20 pages of well-written, well-illustrated articles covering all sorts of things astronomical. I haven't spotted an error as yet. Up to date as well. Everyone who can read, or even look at pictures, will learn something. I've learnt stuff about the Soviet space program and the Earth's atmospheric circulation. If it was just the model, that's a hell of a lot of money for rotating and revolving balls! ;)

[mswhin63]

Lot of money agreed but the books make the issue worth it as long as you are keen to read Astronomy articles. Good reading too.
It was originally bought for my son but ended up beconming mine as he is not really interested.

[PCH]

Oh yeah, - right :thumbsup:

I wonder how many wives have heard that one ! Awww, it's for him honey, he can't go a moment longer without this latest astro doo-hicky :P

I know that's what I came out with for the Solar System model :lol: Hey, worked a treat too. Unfortunately, my lad was really keen, and I didn't hardly get a look in during the construction phase. Still, it does look good, and works a treat :thumbsup:

[mswhin63]

My wife bought the first 5 episodes before I even found about it. Trying to stop her from buying too many, fortunately this was a good investment.

[erick]

How are ya goin'?

[supernova1965]

For a moment I thought you were talking about a Space Ship:rofl::P

[erick]

Lead won't be long enough from the power socket to allow me to fly it in orbit. :(

[mswhin63]

Mine looks the same, I am checking motion as it goes to make ure by the end of the project it will not jam up. So far so good.:thumbsup:

[erick]

Motion is not bad in the one I am building. I've noted a few locations that will need careful adjustment (and maybe a little superglue!) when all done. There are a few tight spots on rotation of some of the elements, but at the slow speed it will be operating and the mechanical advantage of the motor, I expect them to be no problem.

[mswhin63]

Yes I agree, design issue these tight spots, I have located the bad spot on mine but alll said and done will still work well when completd.

[erick]

Not quite precision engineering! Probably should be, for the final price that my friend will be paying for it!

[astroron]

Eric, At about $415.00, do you think it is a good investment:question:
I am thinking of subscribing.

[GrampianStars]

:) for the non tech heads
Melbournes own Orrery Maker, Brian Greig
http://www.orrerymaker.com/index.htm

[erick]

I make it roughly 52 episodes x $15.95 = over $800 - yikes! I'm not paying it! But an enthusiastic friend is and I'm helping with the build. The magazines are good - better than most introductory magazines - correct and very informative. I've learnt a couple of things after some 27 episodes. They will make a good reference set of information for years to come.

[astroron]

Thanks, I thought there was only 26 issues:rolleyes:
There was one at the Royal Greenwich Observatory for sale when I was there in 1990 for over two thousand pounds,and it was smaller:eyepop:

[mswhin63]

I feel it is worth it as a new Astro guy I like the books which are very good reading and on a couple of occasions had referred back to them.

For more advanced asto's I am not sure.

[Jen]

Dam it im still waiting for mine :rolleyes:
I only have issue 1 :mad2::shrug::tasdevil::tasdevil:

But i soooo love my Solar System Model thats a beauty :thumbsup:

The mags are great too i still havnt recieved the folders for them yet :screwy: I must get onto them :shrug:

[KenGee]

Mines going well, I have no tight spots. Half way through and I find myself really looking forward to the next issues starting on the base I believe.

[AdrianF]

When did the magazine start? I havent even seen it out in Roma.

Adrian

[erick]

Last week was 27th issue - one per week. So six months ago in melbourne

[AdrianF]

Looks like never here in Roma.

Adrian

[mswhin63]

The way i see it from the post everyone is getting the same issues sent, whether it is from timing but wondering if it could be from manufacture. I have issue 27 as well.

So possibly trying to get issues after first release could be difficult.

Notice advertising drops off quickly after release although didn't see any advertising on this issue only the "Build a Solar System".

[erick]

And then........ Issue 28 did not come with the parts as stated (see image). But it came with a smaller set of parts, but not clear what they are for. The packet marking was odd as well, as though they were an extra.

All other issues before and after are as per magazine pictures.

Newsagent says they have been calling the distributer but no positive response as yet re missing parts.

Di you get this engraved drum plate etc? :help: Without it, we cannot make up the drum and move forward.

[peterl]

"And then........ Issue 28 did not come with the parts as stated (see image). But it came with a smaller set of parts, but not clear what they are for. The packet marking was odd as well, as though they were an extra."

Hi Eric,
I am building this model as well.
In issue 28 we were supposed to get the Engraved plate.
What they sent were 2 self adhesive brass tabs to add to 159 tooth solar eclipse gear and a brass round locking collar which is a drive shaft support to be added later after we get the round engraved plate.

Explaining all this was a extra single page insert in my issue 28 that explained that the engraved base plate had some unforseen manufacturing problems and will be supplied in a later issue..
Also this page explained about how to attach these strange parts they sent us..

Did you get this insert Eric? If not I will scan mine and put it up here,

Peter Langdown..

[erick]

Oops. Thanks Peter. I have just checked and that sheet did arrive but I had thought it was just to do with the extra parts. I didn't realise that it explained the delay on the parts that were scheduled with Issue 28.

We may just send an email to the distributer asking for an update on delivery for the missing parts.

[peterl]

Glad you got it Eric..
It would be good to good to complete this model and get it working with all the bits.
Keep us informed if you get a reply from them.
thanks.
Ps. I did have a similar issue with tightness of the earth shaft but have resolved it with an adjustment..
At least it is something to tinker with with all this cloud around at the moment. :)

Peter.

[mswhin63]

I seem to be having an expansion or contraction issue with it ATM, The gearing has become very tight now even to a point of freezing up at a point although have not done anything to it since the last time I checked.

[Stubbzie]

Hi guys,

after completing the solar system ( now running well after a few, OK lots, of adjustments ), I've started the Tellurion with great gusto and it looks like a great little project.

I too receved issue 28 with stick on parts and locking collar insted of the engraved base plate with a sheet explaining the going on's. But Then

My newsagent phoned me and told me that the publisher has recalled all of issue 28 and they want it back with parts, so off I went and returned the lot

What Im wandering now is did anybody else have to return there parts and mag ?? and are we going to get that locking collar back in a future issue. ??

I would hate this to be a drama at the end of the project. I wasent thinking clearly at the time I returned issue 28 as my friday night went kinda like this..... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UopI9egLwx0

What up

Humm the plot thickins Thanks in advance

Stubbzie

[erick]

Well, we weren't asked to return Issue 28.

We now have a box overflowing with parts waiting for the missing part so we can get back to work with the screwdriver and allen key! :shrug:

Have emailed the distributer - no response :sadeyes:

[PCH]

Erick, that was my experience with the distributors with the last model (Solar System). They just didn't want to know. I was told by email to re-order the issue/faulty parts from the UK through my newsagent (which may take months !! - and could still be faulty!). The newsagent, nice chap though he is, wasn't any more help either.

So I called the local agent for the mag here in WA. They confirmed they had a spare copy from an original over-supply and they'd send it to my newsagent a few suburbs away that same day. So, within the week rather than months if I'd left it up to them, I had returned my faulty bit and received the new bit. But it did involve a bit of thinking outside the square.

Frankly, I think the service stinks for such expensive items, and that's why I didn't bother with the tellurion, - much as I would have loved to have bought it.

Cheers :thumbsup:

[mswhin63]

I just received the lastest issue including the missing top plate (from issue 28 or 27 can't remember) and have now put it all together. Still a few more issues left and the additional part that was supplied was for issue 52 part 2. If you look at the back it will display the issue it goes with.
That will be the last part to add but I suspect they may send another one anyway.
I also have not been asked to send the extra part back too.

I must admit it is getting a bit on the heavy side and realise the whole balancing may cause a problem if any of the parts are not tightened properly.

[mswhin63]

We started with ordering through a local agent but gave up, once we went to direct subscription with the company all has been great. We are able to contact the supplier direct to deal with issues. We are given a client number and all tech support issues are easily dealt with.

[Stubbzie]

Morning All

Got my Issue 28 back with the stick on bits and the locking collar that are suppose to be from issue 52, yes my news agent did get an email telling him to send issue 28 back confirming what Paul said " The Service Stinks ", I dont think the left hand and the right hand know what is going on.

But My agent did say that the base plate was coming in issue 41 and that should be in the next few days (yay).

I am hoping that the box of parts we have all collected in the last, oh yeah 3 and a half months, all go together smoothly or we could all be in for a big chunk of back log if something else aint quite right and juging on past performance this is on the cards although im going to be positive about it and I'll stop grisiling now

Orrory now works well, Tellurion WILL work well does anybody know what the next project is ? as im a glutton for punishment and love this stuff

[mswhin63]

The way the books are starting to read, I got a feeling it will be on the environment or geology. Gettting a lot of reading about the earth geology as the primary topics with space issue taking as smaller topics.

[erick]

Yes, I noticed that as well.

[Stubbzie]

Yippy, the Base plate has arrived and I spent the day putting it together

All went well until I tried to screw in the drive train mounts for the year counter into the base plate. the holes in the base plate were not drilled quite deep enough
.......Bunnings here I come and the smallest washer they had was a brass 1/8 inch and it just fits to do the job fine and dandy if placed under the head of the screw. I think all else went well but I guess we will have to see how all the other parts line up with these parts. there are a few tight spots that will require some patient adjustment, I am an optimist (although is my beer half full or half empty depends on how far away the skimpy is)(oh, and how much money I have left as well)

Thanks for the heads up Malcolm, if we do another model we will do the subscription thing, a client number and tech support does sound good
Just feel a little sorry for my newsagent there nice people and his wife is building the tellurion as well, so I guess its not just us, the end user, that is being let down with dogie service.

[erick]

Yes, a few hours work, but what a leap forward.

There is plenty more inside the drum base that you cannot see in the photos (Apologies - mobile phone resolution!). We're up to the end of issue #42 - power in, power switch and speed adjustment added.

Couple of things:- the two halves of the drum are quite warped. they won't drop into place, but they can be forced into place and the two plates will hold them in position. I presume there are finally some bolts that hold top plate to bottom plate? At the moment, three pieces of adhesive tape are doing the job!

Stubbzie, I found the same thing with the eight bearing support screws and it puzzled me - everything else so far is OK. So I added the brass washers but then discovered that the drive through the two universal joints and the two helical drives was very tight. Enough to pop off one of the universal joints! I removed the washers, left the bearing supports flopping about and the drive operated much better. There is still a tight spot during the rotation of the year counter, and I could not see why. A little bit of grease on the helical cogs improved it. Maybe the bearing supports are meant to be loose, but that seems strange to me. Also I have no idea how it will perform in operation. So there is a tight spot, but it makes one revolution per year!!! I reckon the motor should be able to drive through that tight spot at that speed (or lack of speed!)

Of course, all that complicated drive mechanism just to turn the year counter once per year - and completely invisible - bit stupid! Surely that could have been better designed.

Can see the light at the end of the tunnel now.

[mswhin63]

The system I think is designed to provide a speeded up version of a year although would be interesting if it can. I have already received the bolts for mine but my work commitments have increased dramatically and have not installed them as yet.

It mentions in the book to turn it upside down, recommended by using a cushion :)

[erick]

Calibration time - Yikes! :question:

[erick]

OK, have all the bits now, put it all together, turned on and..................

..............well, it's not precision engineering! :sadeyes:

Quite a lot of problems (no I didn't leave bits out or build it wrongly).

Motor has huge "wow" at speed, even with no load. I also have no idea where to set the speed control to get realtime speed?

Earth arm continued to sag, even though I had worked on that earlier. The chains help a bit but the large sun wheel would lose engagement with its drive cog. I've pulled out the black plastic washer under the large wheel and that has dropped it a mm or so so it engages now.

They supplied (in the 52A parts that came when the base plate was missing) a locking collar to make rigid one of the shaft supports that goes through the base plate. I need another locking collar. Shaft support 76 is very loose and twists in its hole, allowing the gears above the base plate to jump - Groundhog day - cannot advance to the next day!

The diameters of the shaft supports seem to be the same. I'll try to get another pack of 52A - but will have to email them - it's not clearly in the back order list.

So some fix-it work to be completed. I'm going to just align Earth, Moon and Sun. Not going to bother getting the Moon's inclined axis correct, nor worry about the eclipse indicators. I doubt it is worth the effort.

[peterl]

"Earth arm continued to sag, even though I had worked on that earlier. The chains help a bit but the large sun wheel would lose engagement with its drive cog. I've pulled out the black plastic washer under the large wheel and that has dropped it a mm or so so it engages now.

They supplied (in the 52A parts that came when the base plate was missing) a locking collar to make rigid one of the shaft supports that goes through the base plate. I need another locking collar. Shaft support 76 is very loose and twists in its hole, allowing the gears above the base plate to jump."
Hi Eric.
Just put mine together too.
Same problems.
I too pulled out the black plastic washer under the sun...Gear now aligned ok.
The main shaft which holds the sun was loose as well and sagging ..I tightened the grub screw on the sun shaft just above the top plate and pulled everything down and tightened the grub screw on the same sun shaft under the top plate.now all tight and spinning around with no sag..
Shaft support no. 76 also needs a locking collar as you said.(not supplied).
Eric ,
If you have a look at shaft 76 underneath the top plate,there is not enough room to put another locking collar like the other one supplied elseware because of the close proximity to the gear mount screwed to the bottom of the top plate.
If we get onother locking collar sent to us we will have to turn it down in diameter to fit on to shaft 76..
I plugged mine in an stood back a little, and all works, if you hold that shaft no 76 down in position by hand
The speed control underneath works ok just up from nearly stop.
Nearly there!!! PPHHEEWW!!! :)

[Jen]

:eyepop: oh man i am still waiting for the second issue :mad2::screwy:
:confused2:

[mswhin63]

I have finished mine almost, only need to resolve a gear not aligning or not fixed down properly, otherwise it seems to work quite well. Had the motor running and all.

The main arm is tricky to fix the sag but a little bit is unavoidable.

[erick]

All closed underneath, not on show - I'll just take to the collar with a file and create a suitable notch! :D

I still think they are crazy - that snazzy universal drive to the year counter and - it's all hidden from view :screwy:

Forgot to mention that I have had to pull the earth off - I thought I had it right, but in not too many revolutions, the angled gear was jamming up :sadeyes: I'll have to resolve that as well.

[peterl]

This is the Earth, Moon and Sun orbiter nearly complete except for a collar to hold 1 shaft inline.
I might do what Eric suggested.Good idea ..
I am happy with this build.Some tricky bits to align but it all came together.

For Jen..
There were 52 issues and a total cost of about $803.00. :)

My son will probably inherit this one day.
In the mean time I will enjoy mine.. :)

By the way how did others go with this??

Peterl

[Jen]

:thumbsup: hey Gday Peter i know ive got a long way to go before i get this one rolling i have the solar system one and i looovvveee it :) and so does my 9 year old son hehe

[peterl]

Jen..
When your son grows up a bit,your solar system will come in handy when he does science at school..
My grandson is 3 years old now and I am teaching him thing about the moon.Every time he comes to visit he wants to see the moon through the scope.so these things are a good teaching aid..

Just waiting for a bigg YYEEHHAAAAA!! when Eric gets his going too.:lol:

peter.

[erick]

I found a small hose clamp this morning and tightened that onto the shaft as a "collar". Seems to be working well! :)

[KenGee]

Mines all together but it is a little jerky, and the top chain is not well aligned but it looks great. Once I get these little things sorted it will but great.

[erick]

OK, all done and off to its new home. We didn't bother getting the lunar orbit inclination right, nor the eclipse indicator - but the rest is pretty close:-
1. correct orientation of Earth's axis relative to the date indicator
2. correct location of the Moon relative to the date indicator
3. synchronisation with the year counter with the date indicator

A couple of bits of "blu-tac" - one to hold the "decorative" knob on top of the Earth to stop the whole thing unwinding. One to hold the Moon on its support shaft. (The Moon is the easiest bit to lose I reckon.)

The owner is happy!

[peterl]

Hi Kengee..
with a bit of fiddling there and realigning and tightening grub screws etc . it should come good. :thumbsup:

Well done Eric. Yours is done.. :thumbsup:

Mine is all working now. Runs ok.. :thumbsup:

PPHHEEWWW!!!

OK. Next Project......:)