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Create a code wheel to easily translate between letters using a Caesar Cipher.
Steps
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1You need two concentric circles (one circle should be larger than the other). Punch a hole in the middle of both and attach with a brass fastener so the top wheel (the smaller one) can move independent of the bottom wheel.
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2Drawing over the entire circle, divide into 26 sections. Use a protractor to get each segment the same size -- they should be about 13.8 degrees eachAdvertisement
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3Write the letters of the alphabet, in order, on both circles.
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4To use, determine a number to use a cipher, for example: 4.
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5Turn the inner wheel that number of turns (so A >> E, B >> F, etc). When writing the letter, look at the inner wheel and write down the letter that is matched on the outer wheel.
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6For additional complexity, use a cipher that changes on each letter (such as the digits of π or the numerical digits of a sentence).
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Community Q&A
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QuestionCan I use number code instead of alphabet?Community AnswerNo because unless you pre-coded, you will just have numbers that mean nothing.
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QuestionHow do I decipher numerical codes? Do I search for the most common ones?Community AnswerMake the inner ones in the smaller circle numbers 1-26 instead of letters. Make sure they are still at the same angle or if everything to be numbers, just replace everything with numbers 1-26.
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QuestionWhat if I don't have a protractor?DonaganTop AnswererUse a drawing compass or a pot lid.
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Things You'll Need
- Scissors
- 2 paper plates or construction paper
- A pencil, pen, or marker
- Paper piercer
- A brad
- A ruler.
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