The main components of the Sputnik Projector are made with "Aluar Aluminum" (Argentine Aluminum) and steel. Our Sputnik and Vostok Projectors are so strong that some of our users have called them "The Tanks." Both cylinder projectors are mounted on solid steel metal boxes with aluminum movement components.

It should be noted that the projector is available in both 110 and 220 volts depending on the electrical system of the country to which the projector will be shipped.

One of the most outstanding features of the Sputnik Projector is that both the cylinders can be turned 180 degrees back and forward, which is being used for projection. At the appropriate point in the presentation.

Our projectors are the only one in the portable planetarium field, which can change rotation speed (from one revolution every 2 minutes to one revolution every 22 minutes).

The motors are also the only ones able to change their rotational direction (clockwise or counterclockwise) to simulate the rotation of the Earth in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres.

No competing planetarium system is able to match this versatility. Audiences could be shown Polaris in Ursa Minor in the northern hemisphere with the correct directional rotation and then a moment later see the Southern Cross moving in the direction Chileans would see it, all without having any disjointed change of cylinders or lights coming on.

Also, changing the rotation speeds can really add to the presentation. For instance, children love it when the lights dim and all they can see are the stars quickly spinning around the dome.

It catches their attention, so that when the stars are slowed down, an opportunity is given to the presenter to discuss the rotation of the earth and other planets. Cylinders can also be stopped completely to discuss some concept or image.

The acrylic disk, which hold the cylinders are easily removable to gain access to the drive motor, drive belt and other projector components. As noted above, the system has variable controls for the projection lamps, drive motors and blue LED auxiliary lights, which are on the sides of the projector.

Portable Planetariums recommend and provide its projectors with Energizer T2-4 halogen bulbs with the specifications of 5.5 Volts, 0.7 Amperes - 81 Lumens. These halogen bulbs are very durable with extra strong socket pins.

They are 6 times brighter and 3 time more economical than those provided by other firms.

The Energizer T2-4 halogen bulbs are readily available worldwide in most specialty stores dealing with electrical bulbs. Energizer is a recognized worldwide brand name. The bulbs themselves are set into gimbaled sockets that always remain in a vertical position to simulate the local horizon.

Sputnik Projector is provided with a ultra strong and luxury Travel Box

The Sputnik Projector is also provided with an ultra strong luxury travel case for long trips and to protect it from damage due to rough handling in shipping and movement from one presentation site to another. The maintenance of the Sputnik Projector is minimal or practically nil. In the rare case there is a need for service, the projector's components are affordable and easily obtainable in most electronic supply shops around the world.

The electronic circuitry has been designed to be as simplified as possible and to allow easy repair. This is a great advantage to a customer who will not have to depend on the inflated expense of proprietary repair in a factory repair facility. As detailed earlier, all supplies such as the lamps are easy to obtain in almost all countries. Our concept is that once the purchase is made the customer must not be held "captive" by the company. It should be noted that as a safety feature, the electrical system is grounded in accordance with international standards.

a) One column/stanchion to hold projection cylinders

b) Blue LED auxiliary sidelights

c) Central halogen projection light

d) Six system controls

e) On/Off LED

a) One column/stanchion to hold projection cylinders:

This column/stanchion has an acrylic disk with imbedded magnets, which hold the projection cylinders. The acrylic plate are secured with two screws to the large aluminum drive wheel. The acrylic disk and large drive wheel are removable to access the drive belt. This belt run between the drive motors' small gear and the large aluminum drive wheel.

As described above, cylinders can be rotated forward or back 180 degrees for the presentation . This is a unique feature of our projectors. No competitor is able to match it.

The competition was designed to operate primarily for astronomical presentations. Our projectors excel at performing astronomical presentation but they can also provide the versatility of presentations of culture, history, biology, paleontology and general science.

It goes without saying that when using astronomical cylinders the vertical axis of the projection cylinder revolves around the polar stars. In the northern hemisphere, this is identified as Polaris, the North Star. The southern hemisphere has its own but less identifiable polar stars.

What varies is the horizon. The latitude of the observer causes this variation. For instance, at the Equator the latitude is zero. Michigan, U.S.A. on the other hand, has a 45 degrees latitude and is exactly midway to the North Pole from the Equator. To give a true view of the night sky, the Sputnik Projector allows for variable latitude angles for its projection/stanchions no matter where on the planet the planetarium show is taking place. By varying the angle of the projection cylinder, the gimbaled projection light clearly delineates the correct horizon and the rising and setting of the stars.

Factory installed adjustable nuts allow for smooth movement of the angle of the projection cylinders to the correct latitude of the presentation site. These nuts may be tightened or loosened depending on the preference of the operator. A new feature is a latitude graduate circle, which makes setting the latitude adjustment quick, easy and accurate. Convenient handles on each column/stanchion assist in helping to insure the smooth continuity of the presentation as projections cylinders are brought up or down.

b) Blue LED auxiliary sidelights:

The Sputnik Projector has two blue LED lights on each side of the projector. These soft auxiliary lights assist in helping the operator read or find something in the dark. They may also provide a soft light that will not break the darkness of the dome but will allow someone to safely leave the dome if the need arises. The intensity of the lights is variable depending on the need of the operator.

c) Halogen projection bulb:

The projection bulb is an Energizer Halogen T2-4 (5.5 Volts and 81 Lumens). This is more much affordable and yet at the same time more durable than the competitors' bulbs. It is also an exceptional advantage that the bulbs are from the recognized international brand, Energizer, which permits the bulbs to be readily available, worldwide.

d) Control Panel:

The control panel is as follows:

Switch 1 (S1) - The main power on/off toggle switch for the all the circuits of the projector.

Knob 1 (P1) - On/off and right projection bulb brightness regulator (T2-4).

Knob 2 (P2) - The cylinder rotation motor speed regulator.

Knob 3 (P3) - On/off brightness regulator for blue LED sidelights.

Switch S - On/off for the rotation capacity of the motor for the cylinder. Upper toggle position turns on the capacity for clockwise rotation. Lower position turns on the capacity for counterclockwise rotation. Center position is "off."

e) On/Off LED: This LED indicates whether the main power to the Sputnik Projector is on or off.

Final considerations for the Sputnik Projectors:

The projectors electrical systems are designed with a grounded capacity. It is strongly recommended that the projectors be connected to the appropriate grounded outlet.

As an additional safety feature, the unit contains fuses should the electrical circuit detect a fault. Appropriate precautions should be taken such as avoiding operation under wet conditions, frayed cords or unsafe outlets.