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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 7500n - Recommended Computer Specification. Two of these units are required, one operational and one for a hot spare. Each machine requires two additional third-party video cards from NVIDIA - the NVIDIA GeForce GTS 250 with 1GB RAM. Also required is a minumum of 6GB of 1333Mhz DDR3 RAM. The machine comes with Redhat, but we will be over-writing the Redhat with a Ubuntu distribution and the RH licences will not be used for this machine.

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! - 15.5' - 19')
    - Chief Custom Mount RPM 020
    - Projector mounts (PDS-003)
  • Sanyo PLC-ET30L + LNS-S10 lens (15' to 23')
  • Sanyo PLC-ET30L + LNS-S11 lens (13' to 17')
  • Eiki LC-SXG400 - standard lens (14' to 18')
  • Panasonic DLP PT-D4000U (Under review: not recommended at this time)
  • Panasonic DLP PT-D3500U (Under review: not recommended at this time)
  • Canon LCOS SX7 REALiS (no lens shift, not ideal for SOS)
  • Sanyo LCD PLC-XP51
  • Sanyo LCD PLC-XP57L with optional lens LNS-S30

Video Card Specifications

Need a total of four video cards - two for the operational system, two for the spare. In addition, purchase four DVI to VGA converters.

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

As of SOS release 3.1.4, SOS supports the Nintendo Wii remote for sphere operations (the ATI remote is no longer available and has been discontinued a product). For SOS operation, a site must have the following components:
  1. A Nintendo Wii remote control
  2. The nunchuck accessory for the Wii
  3. A USB Bluetooth device
A Wii recharging dock system is useful. All of the pieces add up to a little bit more than $150, depending on which Bluetooth device is purchased.

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

Bluetooth adapters -- The Bluetooth adapter plugs into the "nc" computer via USB and is required to communicate with the Wii controller.
Last updated: January 05, 2010