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What to get/avoid in a compass?
- Thread starter Jebediah
- Start date
FNG,
If you still have your old, broke Army lensatic, you might want to try fixing it yourself. This is assuming the N-S needle didn't get demagnetized. I have one that somehow "broke" when the needle started swinging erratically or not at all. I unscrewed the back of the case, carefully dissected the compass, figured what was wrong (needle bearing somehow got off-kilter), and put everything back together. Works just fine now.
I really didn't worry about the tritium/phosphorus/whatever in there that makes it glow. I figure even if the stuff is dangerous, such a small quantity shouldn't hurt me. Besides, it's not like I was licking the glow stuff as I was fixing the compass. I haven't noticed myself glowing in the dark, so I think I'm safe.
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Danny
aka "kuma575"
If you still have your old, broke Army lensatic, you might want to try fixing it yourself. This is assuming the N-S needle didn't get demagnetized. I have one that somehow "broke" when the needle started swinging erratically or not at all. I unscrewed the back of the case, carefully dissected the compass, figured what was wrong (needle bearing somehow got off-kilter), and put everything back together. Works just fine now.
I really didn't worry about the tritium/phosphorus/whatever in there that makes it glow. I figure even if the stuff is dangerous, such a small quantity shouldn't hurt me. Besides, it's not like I was licking the glow stuff as I was fixing the compass. I haven't noticed myself glowing in the dark, so I think I'm safe.
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Danny
aka "kuma575"
I've done 3 and 4, as well as most of the others. In a boat, a small handheld compass is inadequate!!! You should have a boat compass set in a gimbal, so it will remain sort of level, especially in rough water at night...the lack of visibility itself can be disorienting. Also, in tidal waters, especially at night, or in poor visibility, you have to consider strength and direction of currents, so having and knowing how to use current charts and tide tables, as well as marine charts is essential. Practice in daylight, on calm water first.
Some people in larger small craft (larger than kayaks, etc)use GPS and a computerized chart that constantly updates their position on the chart.
I've had a pin-on Marbles compass for many years (land use only). Good for what it is, but still should also carry a better *inexpensive, but not cheap* liquid-filled compass, as said above, that you can use with a map.
Walter
[This message has been edited by wa (edited 02-15-2001).]
[This message has been edited by wa (edited 02-15-2001).]
Some people in larger small craft (larger than kayaks, etc)use GPS and a computerized chart that constantly updates their position on the chart.
I've had a pin-on Marbles compass for many years (land use only). Good for what it is, but still should also carry a better *inexpensive, but not cheap* liquid-filled compass, as said above, that you can use with a map.
Walter
[This message has been edited by wa (edited 02-15-2001).]
[This message has been edited by wa (edited 02-15-2001).]
Bronco, your signature always includes half a motto (Semper Fi). Let me finish it for you, "Semper Financed", in other words, we won't issue it to you but we will "sell" it to you!
...and allenC, quit your crying about toilet paper, where do you think you are, back home on the block? Weapons, ammo, vehicles, these are necessities, these I can issue you, but toilet paper is not a necessity! There are plenty of reasonable substitutes out there, like your "hand receipt", or just look around at your unit's garbage area -- see all that good stout cardboard your grenades were packed in? That'll wipe the smile off your face!
I always liked that episode of "M*A*S*H" where the supply officer tell "Henry" he can't have an autoclave because it would be a luxury, but he can let him have a pizza oven!
I always found it interesting when we supported Special Forces. If we didn't have the things they wanted on hand, they just took their unit check book off post and bought what they wanted. Most units don't have a check book!
Bruce Woodbury
...and allenC, quit your crying about toilet paper, where do you think you are, back home on the block? Weapons, ammo, vehicles, these are necessities, these I can issue you, but toilet paper is not a necessity! There are plenty of reasonable substitutes out there, like your "hand receipt", or just look around at your unit's garbage area -- see all that good stout cardboard your grenades were packed in? That'll wipe the smile off your face!
I always liked that episode of "M*A*S*H" where the supply officer tell "Henry" he can't have an autoclave because it would be a luxury, but he can let him have a pizza oven!
I always found it interesting when we supported Special Forces. If we didn't have the things they wanted on hand, they just took their unit check book off post and bought what they wanted. Most units don't have a check book!
Bruce Woodbury
Bronco
Moderator
- Joined
- Feb 25, 2000
- Messages
- 7,579
Bruce,
That might explain the difficulties I had. I thought it stood for Semper Finagle.
Jeb,
Who makes the round rubbery looking compass on the bottom? I haven't seen that one before. BTW, I have a Suunto like the one on the top and I like it. Some here have stated that, despite their outward appearance, they're not really any more durable than the plastic one in the middle photograph, but regardless, I've found it accurate and easy to use.
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Semper Fi
-Bill
That might explain the difficulties I had. I thought it stood for Semper Finagle.
Jeb,
Who makes the round rubbery looking compass on the bottom? I haven't seen that one before. BTW, I have a Suunto like the one on the top and I like it. Some here have stated that, despite their outward appearance, they're not really any more durable than the plastic one in the middle photograph, but regardless, I've found it accurate and easy to use.
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Semper Fi
-Bill
Jebediah, I've used handbearing sighting compasses. They work great to get line of position relative to an object that's indicated on a map or chart. Two lines of position and you have a fix (exact position).
Must correct for magnetic declination. Also much easier said than done in a small boat in big waves, by yourself, while steering/paddling.. Takes practice so it can be done quickly.
When I was in the Army (seems like 800 years ago)I valued toilet paper almost as much as the cigarettes I smoked at the time)
Walter
[This message has been edited by wa (edited 02-16-2001).]
[This message has been edited by wa (edited 02-16-2001).]
Must correct for magnetic declination. Also much easier said than done in a small boat in big waves, by yourself, while steering/paddling.. Takes practice so it can be done quickly.
When I was in the Army (seems like 800 years ago)I valued toilet paper almost as much as the cigarettes I smoked at the time)
Walter
[This message has been edited by wa (edited 02-16-2001).]
[This message has been edited by wa (edited 02-16-2001).]
As suggested above, Brunton, Silva, + Suunto are good brands. I have a Silva Ranger and Brunton 3DLU that I carry, along with a Marble's pin-on. I'm out of date on handbearing compasses. You know more about current compasses than me; in fact I'm learning from your postings; but a compass like these two top ones would be necessary in a kayak or other small boat if you want to keep on course, since you need your hands free for paddling/steering:
http://www.suunto.com/marine/index.html
I agree that in a handheld marine compass, lanyard and protective case are essential.(Lanyard is essential for knives also). My best advice would be to have a good compass (compasses) and practice a LOT under good conditions, so when you have to use them under bad conditions, it's second nature.
I've been lost in the woods a few times, but not for very long. I've gone fairly long distances in boats, at night, and in the fog, and never got *lost*.
In a boat, especially in coastal areas, you don't usually have the time that you have on land. You can't sit down and relax a few minutes while you plan your next move. If your skills are second nature, you'll have the confidence to keep a cool head and not make mistakes.
My point is: Navigation practice and skills are as important as your equipment, on land or water.
Even more important than toilet paper.
Walter
[This message has been edited by wa (edited 02-18-2001).]
[This message has been edited by wa (edited 02-18-2001).]
http://www.suunto.com/marine/index.html
I agree that in a handheld marine compass, lanyard and protective case are essential.(Lanyard is essential for knives also). My best advice would be to have a good compass (compasses) and practice a LOT under good conditions, so when you have to use them under bad conditions, it's second nature.
I've been lost in the woods a few times, but not for very long. I've gone fairly long distances in boats, at night, and in the fog, and never got *lost*.
In a boat, especially in coastal areas, you don't usually have the time that you have on land. You can't sit down and relax a few minutes while you plan your next move. If your skills are second nature, you'll have the confidence to keep a cool head and not make mistakes.
My point is: Navigation practice and skills are as important as your equipment, on land or water.
Even more important than toilet paper.
Walter
[This message has been edited by wa (edited 02-18-2001).]
[This message has been edited by wa (edited 02-18-2001).]