Is there any freeware that can draw an accurate parabola?

  • Thread starter Thread starter a
  • Start date Start date
A

a

Is there any freeware that can draw an accurate parabola?

I need it to make a cheap 35mm transparency attachment for a flatbed
scanner. I know its OT, but if it works I'll post the results of my
tests.
 
Is there any freeware that can draw an accurate parabola?

I need it to make a cheap 35mm transparency attachment for a flatbed
scanner. I know its OT, but if it works I'll post the results of my
tests.
Click to expand...

I don't even know what a "parabola" is :o\

--
Regards

Steven Burn
Ur I.T. Mate Group
www.it-mate.co.uk

Keeping it FREE!

Disclaimer:
I know I'm probably wrong, I just like taking part ;o)
 
I don't even know what a "parabola" is :o\
Click to expand...

1 : a plane curve generated by a point moving so that its distance from a
fixed point is equal to its distance from a fixed line : the intersection
of a right circular cone with a plane parallel to an element of the cone
2 : something bowl-shaped (as an antenna or microphone reflector)
Graphic here:
http://www.m-w.com/mw/art/parabola.htm
 
I don't even know what a "parabola" is :o\
Click to expand...

It looks something like a hyperbola . . . ;)

Factoid: only three points are needed to construct a parabola . . .

Susan
 
Is there any freeware that can draw an accurate parabola?

I need it to make a cheap 35mm transparency attachment for a flatbed
scanner. I know its OT, but if it works I'll post the results of my
tests.
Click to expand...

Write a small program yourself, in Basic or any language.

The formula is y=x^2

Something like this:
X=1
For X=1 to 10000
Y=x^2
Print y
Print x
Next X

This will give you half a parabola, mirror it on the other side of the y
axis to get a complete parabola. That means, put minus signs before the x
values to get the other half of the parabola.
Or write the program like this:
For X= -10000 to 10000
 
It looks something like a hyperbola . . . ;)
Click to expand...
</snip>

A what?......lol (suddenly I feel like a right edgit, lol)

Factoid: only three points are needed to construct a parabola . . .
Click to expand...
</snip>

lol, so it's a triangle then ;o)

--
Regards

Steven Burn
Ur I.T. Mate Group
www.it-mate.co.uk

Keeping it FREE!

Disclaimer:
I know I'm probably wrong, I just like taking part ;o)
 
1 : a plane curve generated by a point moving so that its distance from a
fixed point is equal to its distance from a fixed line : the intersection
of a right circular cone with a plane parallel to an element of the cone
2 : something bowl-shaped (as an antenna or microphone reflector)
Graphic here:
http://www.m-w.com/mw/art/parabola.htm
Click to expand...
</snip>

hehe, errr.... okie (I think) ;o)

--
Regards

Steven Burn
Ur I.T. Mate Group
www.it-mate.co.uk

Keeping it FREE!

Disclaimer:
I know I'm probably wrong, I just like taking part ;o)
 
or a bola paras
How many paras does it take to fill a bowl anyway
Click to expand...

None...... the troopers always get there first ;o)

--
Regards

Steven Burn
Ur I.T. Mate Group
www.it-mate.co.uk

Keeping it FREE!

Disclaimer:
I know I'm probably wrong, I just like taking part ;o)
 
You can do it freehand. All you need is a length of fine chain and
a large sheet of paper. Tape the paper to a wall. Suspend the
chain from its two ends so that it hangs in a loop in front of the
paper. It will automatically form a parabolic curve. Trace the
location of the chain on the paper. You've got your accurate
parabolic curve.
Click to expand...

Sorry, I should have explained, I need to know the focus point as
well.
 
Is there any freeware that can draw an accurate parabola?
I need it to make a cheap 35mm transparency attachment for a flatbed
scanner. I know its OT, but if it works I'll post the results of my
tests.
Click to expand...

You can do it freehand. All you need is a length of fine chain and
a large sheet of paper. Tape the paper to a wall. Suspend the
chain from its two ends so that it hangs in a loop in front of the
paper. It will automatically form a parabolic curve. Trace the
location of the chain on the paper. You've got your accurate
parabolic curve.
 
Sorry, I should have explained, I need to know the focus point as
well.
Click to expand...

I don't have access to my papers on making satellite dishes now, so I can't
help you with that, but you can search the web for people who make
parabolic dishes, for satellite tv or as solar ovens, they have these
formulas.
 
You can do it freehand. All you need is a length of fine chain and
a large sheet of paper. Tape the paper to a wall. Suspend the
chain from its two ends so that it hangs in a loop in front of the
paper. It will automatically form a parabolic curve.
Click to expand...

It will form a catenary (hyperbolic cosine), not a parabola.

Maxima (free software) can draw a parabola and much much more.

Paul Guertin
(e-mail address removed)
 
Back
Top