Skip navigation

Skip secondary navigation

Science On a Sphere Hardware Specifications

We have tested out a limited set of system components that we know work with Science On a Sphere. While other components may work, we can only guarantee a fully functional system that is built using these brands and models

Equipment List

PC Specifications

  • Dell Computer Specification (Display/Control) - Recommended Computer Specification. Includes an Intel Core2 Duo processor, packaged in a Dell T3400N. Six of these units are required: Five for the system and one for a hot spare. Each machine requires an additional third party video card from NVIDIA -- Minimum GeForce 9800 GT, 512MB, PCIexpress.
  • (Tested, but out of date) HP xw4400 workstation, with 2.66GHZ Intel Core 2 Duo, 2GB memory, NVIDIA Quadro FX3500 graphics (professional version of the GeForce 7900), 1x160GB SATA disk, 1x500GB SATA HDD, RedHat REL4 (update 4)
  • (Tested, but out of date) Samsung ZSS108-G workstation, with 2.66GHZ Intel Xeon Dual, 2GB memory, NVIDIA GeForce 7900 & 8800, 2x500GB SATA HDD, RedHat REL4 (update 6)

Video Projector Specifications

SOS uses video projectors to display images onto a sphere however not every projector is well suited for SOS. The system needs high quality, bright, long duty cycle projectors for proper system operation. Of extreme importance is the choice of the projector lens.

One of the projector characteristics we look at closely is brightness. While this is somewhat subjective, we have found that projectors need produce a nominal 3500 ANSI LUMENs. This can vary depending on the ambient light conditions but 3500 LUMENs is the minimum -- many of our sites use 4000 LUMEN projectors.

The duty cycle of the projector is important for reliability. Since the projectors operate for 8 to 10 hours per day, often 7 days a week, the projectors need to be designed to run for that many hours. Generally, "board room" class projectors fit into this category. We find that these board room class projectors have the appropriate number of fans and filters to operate well in a museum environment.

As you might expect, the projector lens choice is critical. In most cases, the standard lens is usually adequate and always gives the best price. However the zoom and throw ranges need to be checked against the specifics of each sphere installation. The general rule of thumb used is that the projected image needs to be 72" in height at the distance given between the projector lens to the center of the sphere. We've used the "lens" calculator found at the web site, http://www.projectorcentral.com to checkout the throw/zoom ranges for a particular projector lens. Because this component is so critical, we request that each site check with NOAA before procuring a projector.

Here are a few projectors that we've used at other SOS installations and we have high confidence that they work properly with SOS where the sphere is in the 17' to 19' distance (again, the distance is measured from the projector lens to the center of the sphere). Other projectors will work, but we will only support projectors that have been pre-approved by NOAA.

  • Sony VPL-FE40 (Make sure to purchase the Sony with a lens!)
    - Projector mounts (PDS-003)
  • Panasonic DLP PT-D4000U (Under review: not recommended at this time)
  • Panasonic DLP PT-D3500U (Under review: not recommended at this time)
  • Eiki LCD LC-X60 (no longer shipping, but may be available)
  • Canon LCOS SX7 REALiS
  • Sanyo LCD PLC-XP51
  • Sanyo LCD PLC-XP57L with optional lens LNS-S30

Video Card Specifications

Specifications for video cards.
  • NVIDIA GeForce 9800GT with 512Mb of RAM
Any brand of these video cards seem to be OK, PNY, ASUS, Xfx, etc.

Audio System Information (Reference System)

Science On a Sphere requires an audio system, however there are numerous ways to build audio components. Here is one example of how to build an audio system for SOS. It includes a basic, 4 input, mono mixer with four speakers. The speakers are two powered speakers and two un-powered slave speakers. The mixer is used to combine audio that comes from the SOS computer system and a wireless microphone. The shopping list for the reference system can be found here (SOS_Audio_Equipment.pdf)

Remote Control Information

The ATI remote is no longer available. As of SOS release 3.1.4, SOS supports the Nintendo Wii remote for sphere operations (February of 2008). At minimum, a site will need the Wii remote, the nunchuck accessory, and a USB Bluetooth device. A recharging system might also be useful. All of the pieces add up to a little bit more than $120, depending on which Bluetooth device is purchased.

We tested out a few configurations and have provided links to a few suppliers of these devices for convenience, however these products can be purchased from any number of stores.

Bluetooth dongles. The Bluetooth dongle attaches to the "nc" computer where it links to the SOS user interface.
Last updated: July 11, 2008