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Kaleidoscope Mirror Systems

The kaleidoscope creates reflections of reflections of a direct view of objects. This results in what is often referred to as a kaleidoscopic image. It is the mirror system within the kaleidoscope that produces this effect.

Most Kaleidoscopes use either a 2-mirror or a 3-mirror system.

Kaleidoscope definition is - an instrument containing loose bits of colored material (such as glass or plastic) between two flat plates and two plane mirrors so placed that changes of position of the bits of material are reflected in an endless variety of patterns. How to use kaleidoscope in a sentence. The kaleidoscope creates reflections of reflections of a direct view of objects. This results in what is often referred to as a kaleidoscopic image. It is the mirror system within the kaleidoscope that produces this effect. Most Kaleidoscopes use either a 2-mirror or a 3-mirror system.

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The 2-mirror system is made up of two mirrors joined together to form an angle. A non-reflecting third side is added to form a triangle. When viewing the scope, people look though this triangle at the object chamber. The configuration they see is a single circular image called a mandala.

The 3-mirror system is made up of three mirrors joined together to form a triangle. When this configuration is viewed, a continuously reflecting pattern is seen.

In this article all the basic mirror systems will be described. They are:

• Spiral (1-Mirror) Systems
• 2-Mirror Systems
• 3-Mirror Systems
• 4-Mirror Systems
• Polyangular Mirror Systems
• Tapered Mirror Systems
• Multiple Mirror Systems

Some artists have discovered ways to make amazing 3-D images by using odd mirror configurations. Many of them are explained on these sites by Wayne Schmidt:

Below is a picture of a modern scope and the 3-D image it creates.

Here are some photos and videos of 3-D kaleidoscopes and there images from Janet & Frank Higgins (personal favorites are 'St Basil 2010', 'Super Carousel' and 'Cube').

Spiral (1-Mirror) Systems

The scope's cylinder shaped body or a cylinder tube inside the scope is covered with a reflective material which produces a spiraling effect of colors up toward the viewer. This type of mirror system can also be called a 1-mirror system since only a single reflective material (mirror) is used.

Below are two images from the same spiral scope.

Objects in the object cell of these scopes are used more to create colors then shapes since all the viewer sees is a swirl of color coming towards them.

While not often used in kaleidoscopes, you see it used more often in jewelry scopes (rings, necklaces and earrings). The extremely small size of jewelry scopes makes it hard to create small enough mirror systems. For that reason many jewelry scopes utilize the spiral mirror system.

Below is a photo showing two jewelry scopes that utilize the spiral mirror system. A necklace and an earring.

2- Mirror Systems

The 2-miiror system is configured in a triangular shape. Two sides are mirrors and the third side blackened.

It produces one central image in the middle of the viewing field. That central image is circular in shape and is a reflection of the objects being viewed.

The angle of the 2-mirrors determined the number of reflections that comprise the image circle. The tighter the angle the higher the number of reflections (called folds). Every two folds forms a point. An image circul with 5 points will have 10 folds or reflections.

The following mathmatical formulars will calculate he number of folds and points:

• Folds = 360 didided by the angle of the 2 mirrors
• Points = 180 divided by the angle of the 2 mirrors

Here are the calculations for the common angles used with 2-mirror systems:

The image created by a 2-mirror system will be symmetrical if the mirror angle is an even divider of 360 degrees. If the angle doesn't divide evenly into 360, for example 50 degrees (360 / 50 = 7.2), it will produce a non-symmetric pattern.

Below are three pictures of the same image inside the same scope. The mirror angles are at 36 degrees (5 points), 33 degrees (5.5 points) and 30 degrees (6 points). Notice the half point on the bottom of the center picture.

3-Mirror Systems

The 3-mirror system is configured in a triangular shape. Alll three sides are mirrors. With this system, images are reflected throughout the entire field of view producing honeycomb-like patterns.

There are four comon configurations of 3-mirror systems in order of popularity:

• The 60-60-60 Equilateral Triangle
• The 30-60-90 Right triangle
• The Isosceles Triangle (has two equal sides)
• The 45-45-90 Isosceles Right Triangle

Below are the characteristics of each:

Below are examples of the three most popular types of 3-mirror systems (the 60-60-60 equilateral triangle, the isosceles triangle and the 30-60-90 triangle) . Notice that the last scope is a view of the mirrors after the wheels were removed (the second photo shows the 30-60-90 scope's mirror system up close).

Below are the images from the 3 scopes (order - equilateral triangle, isosceles triangle and the 30-60-90 triangle).

4-Mirror Systems

The 4-mirror system is created when 4 mirrors are connected together. They come in three common configurations:

• Square
• Rectangular
• Diamond

The square and rectangular configurations create basically the same pattern except the square 4-mirror configuration (shown above) produces repeated square patterns while 4-mirror rectangular configuration produces repeated rectangular patterns. These are created by angling the 4 mirrors at 90 degrees to each other. The images created are striped patterns since the reflections move directionally up, down, left and right . This is often known as a 'Parade' or 'Chorus Line' effect.

Nova Scope Kaleidoscope

Below are 3 photos showing the 'Chorus Line' effect.

The diamond configuration creates an image with multiple focal points. It is created by angling the 4 mirrors at angles other than 90 degrees therefore forming a diamond. This mirror system is sometimes known as twin 2-mirror systems. The image it creates is a double mandala.

Below is a view of the diamond configured 4-mirrored scope (notice the double mandala).

Polyangular Mirror Systems

Polyangular scopes come is 2-mirror and 4-mirror configurations.

2-Mirror Polyangular Scopes

The 2-mirror polyangular scope is a 2-mirror design with the additional variation to allow the mirror(s) to be adjusted, changing the angle of the 'V' and thus the number of reflections or points. An additional controller on these scopes allows the viewer to change the angle of the mirror assembly those controlling the number of points of symmetry of the interior image.

2-Mirror polyangular scopes will have different mirror angle ranges. Some will produce 2 to 7 point stars while other may produce 5 to over 30 point stars. The outside of polyangular scopes look no different than normal scopes however they are harder to find.

Below is 6 photos showing the same objects from a 2-mirror polyangular scope in a 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7 point variations.

4-Mirror Polyangular Scopes

4-Mirror polyangular scopes are extremely rare. They product a variety of images when there mirrors are physically changed from a very flat diamond shape to a square shape. The images produced start out as repeated square patterns when the mirrors are square shaped to a double mandala pattern as the mirrors are flattened into a diamond. The flatter the diamond shape of the mirrors, the more points the double mandalas get.

Below is a polyangular 4-mirror scope shown in a square (90 degree angles) and then diamond shape.

Below are the square and then diamond views of the same objects.

Tapered Mirror Systems

Tapering the mirrors means that the mirrors which are usually rectangular in shape are now slightly tapered making then an isosceles trapezoid. This is done equally to all mirrors so that when they are connected to make the mirror system they are similar to a pyramid.

Below are two views of the same 3-mirror tapered scope.

Usually the lager end is used for viewing and the object chamber is attached to the smaller end. When this done, an amazing spherical 3-D image is created. When the scope is viewed through the smaller end, the actual and virtual images are enlarged to more visibly examine the objects in the object chamber. This also allows more light to enter the system, increasing the overall brightness.

Below is the image from a 3-mirror tapered scope. Notice that is appears to be 3-dimensional.

Tapered mirror systems come in 3 or more sides.

Pictures of 3-mirror (the scope the above image in from) and 4-mirror tapered scopes.

Multiple Mirror Systems

Three common types of multiple mirror systems exist:

• Binocular Scopes
• Multiple Mirror Systems in a Single Scope
• Companion Scopes

Binocular Scopes

This is simply creating two scope bodies and joining them together to view a single object chamber. They look like binoculars and, like binoculars, the person using the scope uses both their eyes to view the scope. Each body has its own mirror system and eye piece. The two mirror systems are usually identical.

The below photo shows the front and back of the same wooden 3-mirror binocular scope.

Below is a stained glass 4-mirror binocular scope

Multiple Mirror Systems in a Single Scope

Some scopes contain multiple mirror systems next to each other within a single body. The most popular configuration is a 2 and 3-miror combination. Other scopes contain three unique mirror systems. Popular versions are 2, 3 and 4 mirror system combinations and 2, 3 and spiral mirror combinations.

Below photo shows a scope containing 2 & 3-mirror systems and the images through the eye piece.

Each mirror system has its own viewing hole within the eye piece.

Below photo shows the eye piece of a scope containing 3 unique mirror systems

Companion Scopes

Another form of a multiple mirror system is when the object chamber is in the middle and the mirror systems all face toward it in a single scope. This is often referred to as a 'Companion' scope because two or more people can view the scope at the same time.

Photo of a 2 and 3-mirror 'Companion' scope

Kaleidoscope Parts and How to Build One

Kaleidoscopes come in an unlimited number of shapes, sizes, materials and colors.

There is no set design for kaleidoscopes, however many do have similar appearances. Most are round or square tubular shapes around 6 to 12 inches long and a few inches in diameter. Most have one end designed to be looked through and the other end designed to provide objects for viewing.

All Kaleidoscopes have one or more reflective surfaces inside them to create the kaleidoscope's image. This is called the scope's mirror system.

All kaleidoscopes allow for light to enter the object end. Without light, kaleidoscope do not function.

There are four basic scope types:

• Handheld
• Parlor or Desktop
• Miniature (often made into jewelry such as necklaces, rings, pendants and earrings)
• Floor Model

Pictures of two handheld and then one parlor, miniature and floor model kaleidoscopes

Kaleidoscopes consist of the following parts:

• The Body
• The Mirror System
• The Eye Piece
• The Object Mechanism (and the Objects)
• The Stand (optional)
• Additional Options (Additional Viewing Objects, Storage Box, Light Source, Music Box)

You basically need to construct each part in a manner that will eventually allow them to fit together and then assemble the scope by combining the parts. Start with the body and insert and secure the mirror system inside it. Then add the eye piece and object chamber to each end.

See either of the following two books for detailed directions on how to make many different forms of kaleidoscopes:

• 'The Kaleidoscope Book: A Spectrum of Spectacular Scopes to Make' by Thomas Bowell
• 'Simple Kaleidoscopes: 24 Spectacular Scopes to Make' by Gray Newlin

Another good option for making a first kaleidoscope is to purchase a kaleidoscope kit. The kit will provide the parts needed and allow you to assemble it. Be careful when picking a kit, as the amount of effort needed varies greatly between kits. Many different kits can be found by searching the internet. A variety of good kits are available from Kaleidoscope World or Boston Craftworks. More advanced kits can be found at Clarity Glass.

The Body

The kaleidoscope body is the main part of the scope to which the other parts are attached. The body of scopes is usually structured in one of the classic geometric shapes of the cylinder, triangle, square and rectangle.

Kaleidoscope bodies are usually made of stained glass, brass (or other metals), wood or acrylics however scopes have been made from just about anything. Popular items include soda, beer & wine bottles, eggs, gourds, and seashells.

Kaleidoscope bodies are often built to look like other objects such as planes, cars, people, animals, lighthouses and even famous buildings however, mostly kaleidoscope bodies are built to look beautiful. To look like the pieces of art they are.

Some scopes have two or more bodies. These are either Binocular or Companion scopes.

• Binocular Scopes - scopes which have two bodies connected together in the middle to allow the person viewing the scope to use both eyes
• Companion Scopes - Scopes that allow 2 or more people to view the objects at the same time. Companion scopes often have many bodies connected together to allow multiple people to view simultaneously. Companion scopes which have the objects in the middle and allow the viewers to view from each end usually have only a single body.

When building a first kaleidoscope's body, objects most often used are Pringles potato chip cans, plastic cups or PVC piping. Remember that the human eye needs around 6 inches to focus, so the body should be at least that long or a magnifying lens is required. After constructing the body, it may be decorated. Legs are often added to the body so that a stand is not needed.

Catalog Of Kaleidoscopes To Buy

Below photos show 4 scopes made from the most common materials (stained glass, wood, acrylic, brass) and 4 scopes made from odd materials (tree burl, beer bottle, seashell, goose egg).

The Mirror System

The mirror system is the heart and soul of the kaleidoscope.

The following are three considerations for mirror systems:

• Dimensions
• Materials
• Configuration

Dimensions - The mirror systems should fit well inside the body of the scope. The length is easy to figure out (length from the eye piece to the object cell). The diameter is harder to figure out. Once you determine the type of mirror system you want, do some math to estimate the width of your mirrors. Then cut up some cardboard strips to size and tape them together as a mock-up of your mirror system. Use it to temporarily test putting your scope together. If the fit is good, purchase or cut real mirrors to this size.

Materials - Most first time scopes are created using 2nd surface mirrors. Second surface mirrors have the reflective coating on the back surface. This material is available at all glass shops and they will usually sell cut-to-size pieces. High end scopes use front or first surface mirror. It is a bit harder to get and more expensive but since the reflection comes off the front, it provides superior quality for kaleidoscopes (if you see a kaleidoscope image that is cloudier in some areas, the scope uses second surface mirrors). Remember that must front surface mirrors come with a removable plastic lamination to protect the mirror coating which must be removed before using.

Configuration - This means picking the type of system and the angle of the mirrors. Types are most usually 2, 3 or 4 mirrors. Two and three mirror systems have a triangular mirror shape while four mirror systems are either square, rectangular or diamond shaped.

The most popular system is the 60-60-60 degree 3-mirror system. For it, 3 mirrors all the same length and width, are taped together length-wise to form an equilibrium triangle.

To learn more about different types of mirror systems go to our Kaleidoscope Mirror Systems page.

The Eye Piece

The eye piece is the area of the scope that will be used for viewing. It needs to conform to the body shape of the scope. It has a viewing hole (also called an 'eye hole') that often conforms to the mirror system. Three considerations exist for the viewing hole within the eye piece:

• Placement - in the center or off center
• Size - may be almost as big as the end of the scope body
• Shape - mostly circular or an oval but can be triangular or square (teardrop shape is very popular for 2-mirror scopes)

The viewing hole is usually back filled with a piece of glass to prevent dust from entering the scope. This glass is referred to as the scope's lens. Top end kaleidoscopes often use an optical lens with magnifying properties.

Some scopes have dual bodies allowing the viewer to uses both eyes. These are called binocular scopes. Another type of scope which requires eye piece considerations is the multiple mirror system scope. It has 2 or 3 mirror systems inside of one body using one object chamber. It requires the eye piece to have a lens for each mirror system.

When building a first kaleidoscope's eye piece, objects most often used are cardboard taped to the end, duct tape with an opening or a PVC pipe end cap with a hole drilled in it. It is also fine to omit the eye piece altogether. A piece of plastic secured to the inside of the eye piece makes a great first lens.

Below photo shows 5 scopes with different sizes and shapes of eye piece.

The Object Mechanism

Kaleidoscopes must provide objects to be viewed. These objects often are translucent to allow light to enter te mirror system (light must enter the mirror system for the scope to function). These objects are attached to the scope or made accessible to the scope via the one of the following Object Mechanisms:

• Object Cell or Chamber
• Wand(s)/Puck(s)
• Wheel(s)/Cylinders/Turntables
• Teleidoscope
• Marbles or Crystals
• Polarized Light Filters
• Hybrid

Object Cellor Chamber- These terms are used interchangeably. Object cells are attached directly to the scope's body. They can rotate independently of the scope's body.

Object cells are filled with objects which change positions when the scope moves or the object cell is turned. Each time the objects change position a different image is produced. Three basic types exist:

• Dry cell - contains dry objects. The objects only move when the scope or chamber moves allowing viewers to see an image indefinitely.
• Liquid-filled cell - The objects continue to move on their own. This provides continuously changing images.
• Fillable cells - these open so that the viewer can change the objects they are viewing. These are dry cells.

Wand(s)/Puck - These are similar to the liquid filled cell in that they are liquid-filled however they are not directly attached to the scopes body. This allows them to be interchanged. The popular 'wand scopes' allow for the purchase of additional wands with different color liquids. Most 'puck scopess' come with multiple interchangable pucks.

Wheel(s)/Cylinders/Turntables - They often attach to the scope's body via an attachment such as a rod or wire(s). Some attach through the end of the scope's body or are attached to the scope's stand. They always rotate independently of the scope's body and are at an angle to the scope's body.

Wheel scopes use one or more wheels as objects. Most use multiple wheels since a single wheel greatly reduces the number of viewable images. The wheels usually contain objects such as stained glass, gemstones and dried flowers.

Cylinders (disc, drum, barrel) are also used. They add to the scopes appearance and don't hang down below the scope like wheels do. For this reason must scopes with a cylinder don't need a stand. Scopes with a dry cylinder are limited to a small number of unique images (one time around the cylinder and you have seen every possible image). Liquid filled cylinders are also used which prevents the issue of a limited number of viewable images.

Turntables (sometimes called a carousel) are plates that objects can be put on. They are usually part of the stand and the scope looks down at an angle at them. They usually add to the appearance of the scope and allow for changing of objects.

Teleidoscope - There is no object chamber, only a clear lens that turns everything it is pointed toward into a kaleidoscopic image. This allows the viewer to turn anything from friends and family to their flower garden into a kaleidoscopic image.

Marbles or Crystals- They allow for glass marbles or crystals to be viewed as objects. Turning the marble or crystal changes the image. Marbles can often be changed. Crystals usually contain colors or objects for viewing and also allow the scope to function as a teleidoscope.

Polarized Light Filters - They filter out light rays that would normally pass through creating a dark background for the image. Other light rays are refracted or angled though the filters and are seen as various colors depending on the angles. The images are dramatically different from other kaleidoscopic images in both color and shape and appear almost 3-dimentional.

Hybrid - This is simply a combination of two of the about. A common one is to have an object cell with a clear end so it is also a teleidoscope.

When creating an object chamber it is important to remember that light must enter the object chamber. Most object chambers are end lit, meaning that the light enters though a translucent end to the object chamber. Some are side lit. When viewing a kaleidoscope you need to understand this to know what direction to the light to hold the scope so that the maximum amount of light to enters it.

The simplest object chamber is the mirror system itself. By putting 20 or so small translucent beads of different colors and shapes into the mirror system and sealing the non-viewing end with a plastic cap, you have made an excellent object chamber. Add the eye piece to the other end and you have a great first scope. Not only will the image change as you turn the scope but you will get a very unique experience as you tilt the scope up and down (the beads will flow back and forth).

You can use many different objects in your object chamber. Paper clips, buttons, feathers and small translucent colored beads of different shapes and sizes work well. Remember to use objects that allows light to pass through them and not to fill the chamber too full over the pieces will not easily move. High end scopes will use dichroic glass, semi-precious stones, liquid filled glass ampules and polarized materials.

Below photo 11 scopes with different object mechanisms. Objects mechanisms are: dry cell, liquid-filled cell, fillable cell, wand, wheel, cylinder, turntable, marble, crystal, polarized light filters and teleidoscope. Can you find them all?

Below photo shows a puck object mechanism.

The Stand

Nova Scope Kaleidoscope

The kaleidoscope stand allows the scope to remain stable while at rest and also enhances the display of the kaleidoscope. Stands are either custom designed for a particular scope or generic in that they work with a variety of scopes.

Kaleidoscope stands come in many varieties. The scopes are either separate (handheld scopes) or attached (parlor and floor models). While parlor or floor model scopes are designed to be viewed while on their stand, many are removable from the stands.

Handheld scope stands are usually made of wood or plastics. Sometimes small pillows or cloths are used as stands.

Often stands serve additional purposes such as adding a light source to the scope, providing music, or holding the scope's object chamber.

While no stand is needed when building a first kaleidoscope, most high end scopes will come with a matching stand.

Below photo shows a large scope with a large custom stand.

Additional Options

These items are also found on or come with kaleidoscopes however it is rare:

• Additional Viewing Objects
• Storage Box
• Light Source
• Music Box

Additional Viewing Objects - Scopes may come with extra wheels, marbles or object cells. Usually when this occurs a stand is provided that allows the extras to be stored on or in the stand. Sometimes a box is provided for storing the scope and the extras.

Some scopes with opening objects cells come with extra objects. Often they can be stored in the scope's stand.

Storage Box - Some scopes come with storage box. The box is usually a wooded box however some boxes are matched to the scope's material. These boxes are most often padded or felt lined. It is called a 'boxed set' kaleidoscope when the kaleidoscope comes with several interchangeable additional viweing objects which all fits into a specially crafted box.

Light Source - some scopes come with their own light source. Most often the light is part of the stand and utilizes a switch to turn it on. The earliest example of this was the Bush parlor scope which came with a wire candle holder.

Scope Kaleidoscope

Music Box - Some scopes come with a music box built into them or their stand.

Youtube Nova Scope Kaleidoscope

Below photos show a scope that has a stand that stores its extra objects and a 'box set' scope.