Q and A :: analemma

Circumnavigation in Time (Q&A)

GENERAL

What is the purpose of the device?

Please, visit a webpage to obtain info about the concept of the whole project.

What are the dimensions of the device?

The approximate dimensions of the device are 16.5x14.5x18 cm (Length x Width x Height). See photos.

What is the weight of the device?

The weight of the device is less than 0.5 kg.

Do I need to pay something?

There are no direct costs from you.

What is inside the device?

There are two rooms inside the box. The first room is a camera obscura containing black-and-white photo paper. The second room is for electronic components (microcontroller, servo motor, etc.).

How robust is the device?

All components inside the device are fixed. However, do not shake, drop, throw, or even toss the device. Do not try to open the device, because you can destroy the image.

BEFORE

How can I be prepared for the project beforehand?

Fill the questionnaire, which we will distribute in advance.

How will the device be delivered?

The device will be delivered by a courier to your place.

What is a proper place to install the device?

The proper places for the device are outdoor places such as window sills, roofs, balconies, and stable constructions with a free view directly to the equator. This means the device (the side with a shutter) must be oriented southward in the Northern hemisphere and northward in the Southern hemisphere.

Where is the shutter?

The shutter has a sector shape and is located at the side of the device which should be oriented equatorward.

How will I fix the device?

There will be two options on how to install the camera outdoors: 1) We will provide some adhesive material to glue the camera to a roof or windowsill; 2) The camera itself has some “ears” with holes which can be used to fix the camera to some stable construction by screws (with your tools and screws). Remember that any shift of the device during exposition will ruin the result.

Do I need to supply the device?

Yes. You must plug the device in the standard socket for your location. The 10-meter cable with power adapter will be attached to the device.

What can be a distance from a socket to the device?

We will provide 10-m cable. The distance can be increased if you use your own cord.

Who is responsible for the damage during delivery?

The delivery company is responsible for any damage. Please, check carefully the state of the device upon the delivery. In case of any damage, take a photo and contact the delivery company in your location.

What should I do after the delivery?

Unpack the paper box and carefully take out the device. Keep the bubble wrap and package filling. You will use it during sending the device back. Then, make a simple test. Being indoors, plug in the device and observe if the yellow diode is shining. That would mean that the device is supplied.

What is the meaning of color diodes?

There are three diodes placed on one side of the device. Yellow diode indicates the power supply of the device. Red diode indicates the open state of the shutter. Green diode indicates the presence of the GPS signal.

Where is the objective?

There is no objective. The pinhole of the solarigraphy camera is located behind the shutter in the front side of the device.

DURING

What are my duties?
The device must be constantly power supplied. Do not plug out the power adapter from a socket. You are supposed to make a visual check of the device functioning at least once per week.

How will I recognize any malfunction?
Pay attention to the diodes. If the yellow diode is not shining then the device is not supplied. If the green diode is not blinking then the GPS signal is lost. If the red diode is on and the shutter is closed then there is some issue with the shutter. Moreover, if the shutter is opened or closed the whole time, while the diodes are working properly, then there is an issue.

How do I know that the device is working?
Please, read the answer above. Pay attention to the diodes and the shutter.

What to do if the device does not work?
Be sure that the device is not working. If you are, please, inform us about the issue by mail as soon as possible. We will give you further instructions.

For how long will the device be staying at my place?
In December 2024 a device will be sent to you. The device will be working from January till May 2025.

What is power consumption?
The device will consume max. 18 Watts, which is comparable to a Wi-Fi router consumption. Small servo motor, opening/closing a shutter, and a microcontroller should be supplied. The electricity consumption is supposed to be covered by you.

What to do in case of a blackout?
During the blackout, if the shutter is open and you have access to the camera, try to close the shutter carefully by hand, so that it covers the pinhole. If the device is mounted somewhere with restricted access to it, leave it as it is. Do not unplug the device from a socket. After the blackout the device will start working automatically. Do not try to move the shutter, when the device is supplied. This can cause the damage of a servo motor.

What to do if the device is shifted during exposition?
If you notice that, please, inform us about the issue by mail as soon as possible. We will give you further instructions.

Who is responsible for any injuries or potential property damages caused by the device?
You are supposed to take full responsibility for any injuries which may be caused by the device to third persons (for example, a device fell from a roof or windowsill) as well as potential property damages.

AFTER

What should I do after the exposition?
In May 2025 the exposition will be finished. Dismount the device, carefully pack it with the bubble wrap, and send it back to us.

How will the device be returned to you?
We will provide a dispatch of the device from your location to the Czech Republic. The details will be given in future.

How can I see the result?
Solarigraphy images from all locations will be displayed at the official website of the project.

Will I be credited?
Of course, your work will be credited. You will be included in the list of collaborators on the project. The credits will be taken from the questionnaire.

Who owns the copyrights of the solarigraphy photo?
The copyrights for the solarigraphy photo are owned by the Astronomical Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences.