Compass Question

J

jlamb

Joined
Nov 25, 2009
Messages
211
I just got a Brunton 8099 in the mail today, I noticed it has a very small air bubble in it, is that normal? It does not interfere with anything from what I can tell, but having never owned one before wasnt sure? Thanks all!
 
Sorry....I disagree! I have a Silva, a Suunto and a Cammenga lensatic compass and none have bubbles! The Silva and Suunato are both over 20 years old.
Sent it back.
 
I have seen a small bubble form if the compass is cold (40 deg or lower). Warm it up and bubble should go away (absorbed into the liquid I guess).
 
well now heck,you got me confused i have several with no bubbles though it does makes sense to have a bubble to hold it level.........
 
A bubble is annoying but not really an issue. I doubt they'd even make an exchange. I believe the instructions that came w/ one of my compasses mentioned bubbles and the removal method mentioned above.
 
Read this article on the 8099, then return it :D

As far as the bubble goes, I do not believe it should come with one new. Bubbles can occur over time for various reasons, like temperature and especially altitude (or flying with them in checked in luggage). If it is a small bubble it may come and go.

Worse case the bubble is from a leak in the capsule. If that is the case, you will know it because it will get bigger and bigger until it impedes the motion of the needle, at which point you HAVE to get rid of it.

Some manufacturers go to different lengths to avoid bubbles. One german company has a capsule that is design to expand and contract with the fluid. Another does a negative draw on the fluid before sealing the capsule. Cheaper compasses generally do nothing.

A cammenga will never show a bubble because there is no fluid :) It is induction dampened rather than fluid dampened. While that can be viewed as a positive, there are too many other downsides to that compass for me to recommend it.

B
 
I'm with Bria A on this one.

I have one of those compasses which I no longer use. It developed a bubble within a very few months of use which grew continualy bigger. It definitely should not come new with one.

That particular model is subject to the most extreme reading errors in usage that I have evrer seen.

I will stick with my Cammenga Lensatic compass. it is accurate reliable, induction dampened therefore no bubbles or leaks.

check out landnav.org lots of good free info. Cammengas website also has a great review and comparrison of the Cammenga against the Silva's and brunton compasses. Go to cammenga.com to find it.
 
And this is why our business became a Cammenga dealer!!!! Good choice. Their wrist compasses with Tritium rock as well!!! Worn one now for three weeks and now can't live without it. Send it back!
 
In a round level, the bubble is under a dome and there is a circle inscribed at the center (top) of the dome. When the bubble is in the circle, the base of the dome is level. They often put dome levels on tripods. I don't believe I've ever seen one on a compass.
 
The first thing you should do is return it and then buy a Suunto MC-2G, which saves you a little money and gets you a much better compass.

I have 2 of them and they are the best compasses I've ever used. I want to get a tritium version, but can't find them anywhere.

I believe that Brian Andrews has one and that is why I'll be visiting him in the middle of the night! ;)
 
Now you all got me wishing I didnt get that model, but it was only $45 from REI. So, maybe I will just learn on it and when I get proficient get a better model!
 
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