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Scale
calculators by Rato
Marczak HANDY TOOLS, INDEED This tip is about some
little, yet very useful software to help us to perform scale calculations.
I´m sure you faced this math before. Here are some typical situations: a) You want to check the
accuracy of your model/part or want to scratchbuilt something. So,
with the actual dimension in hand, you simply multiply it by the desired
scale and you have the dimension the part should have in that particular
scale. b) You want to scale a
drawing whose scale (1/XX) is known to another scale (1/YY), or you
want to rely on the dimensions of a kit in 1/XX to copy it to 1/YY.
c) You have both the actual
dimension, and the scaled dimension. Now you want to know what is
the scale used. d) Other variations... If you do a search on the
internet, you probably will find a number of programs written specifically
to help the modeler in these situations. Here are some I´ve
been using over the years (all are way better than using my HP-49,
except that I don´t have a PC on my workbench) Scalecalc 2.0 - Scale
calculator and unit converter This one is a Windows based
program developed by Frank Crenshaw. Therefore, from modeler to modeler...
It is freeware (download here),
and solves all situations aforementioned with two modules: the first
one enables the user to enter the scale, the dimension and the units
as input. By selecting the output scale, the program calculates the
scaled dimension in the desired units. You also get the amplification/reduction
needed in photocopies. In the example below, I took a part measuring
55 mm from a 1/24 model which I wanted to copy in 1/32. As you can
see, it should measure 41.25 mm in 1/32. Was the original a 1/24 drawing,
it should be reduced by 75% in a copier to generate a 1/32 drawing:
The second module helps
you to find the correct scale. Simply enter the dimensions and it
will calculate the corresponding scale. Here´s an example:
Other programs... Michael Neradkov sent in two links for the PocketScale calculator
Aviation
converters and calculators:
If you fly, this may be handy. Don´t let the math bother you, unless
you like the challenge. Hope these tools help you . © Rato Marczak & LSP 2005 |
