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| Thread ID: 104728 | 2009-11-06 08:25:00 | How to read a compass | alisam (4427) | PC World Chat |
| Post ID | Timestamp | Content | User | ||
| 827703 | 2009-11-07 02:42:00 | Most important rule dont use compass by any metal, metal watch straps have caused disasters in the past. In the islands they swung an aircraft compass in an unsurveyed area adjusted the datums found later there was a japanese field gun underground and the a/c settings were found to be erroneous. Throw compass away and get a gps Are there truely GPS' with correct software for all known parts of the world? |
the_bogan (9949) | ||
| 827704 | 2009-11-07 02:46:00 | Pretty good after all its satellite based, they can give you a readout for just about anywhere But you have to set them to the local map referencing system to use them with local maps, and unfortunately NZ has just changed all its maps, so unless you do the conversion then giving the ref that the GPS gives could be a long long way off course | gary67 (56) | ||
| 827705 | 2009-11-07 03:58:00 | Pretty good after all its satellite based, they can give you a readout for just about anywhere But you have to set them to the local map referencing system to use them with local maps, and unfortunately NZ has just changed all its maps, so unless you do the conversion then giving the ref that the GPS gives could be a long long way off course Well, I bought an Etrex High Sensitivity GPS handheld a while ago. There was a thread about this some time back. It works well in dense bush, whereas the older Etrex was pretty useless in same conditions. It didn't have NZTM2000 co-ordinates built in, but it is very easy to manually set them. Since SAR are now using the new system, it would be a good idea to get the new maps, at least for areas of immediate interest. There was a deal through FMC, I bought 7 maps for the surrounding areas for $7 each. I think it may still be running. It would have been nice though to have had the new grid built in, it would be easier then to flip between NZMG and NZTM2000. As I have maps for many of the tramping areas in NZ, I'm not going to rush out and spend $$$$$$$$ for just in case.........they will have to see me out ;) Getting back to magnetic compasses, I can't decide whether prefect is being serious or not, if serious then what a load of bullpoo. I wonder how James Cook managed without GPS...........:lol: Also they may exist, but excuse my ignorance, I've never seen a Silva without a rotating scale. Quite important for taking accurate bearings, though a lot of the time for bush navigation, just a general indication is all that is necessary. |
Terry Porritt (14) | ||
| 827706 | 2009-11-07 04:42:00 | Deadly serious. | prefect (6291) | ||
| 827707 | 2009-11-07 04:44:00 | And what do you do when the GPS battery goes flat, or there's no reception under the tree canopy, or the thing just plain craps out? :rolleyes: Attach the GPS to a string, whirl around head and release as velocity maximises. The GPS will go West. |
R2x1 (4628) | ||
| 827708 | 2009-11-07 04:45:00 | Well, I bought an Etrex High Sensitivity GPS handheld a while ago. There was a thread about this some time back. It works well in dense bush, whereas the older Etrex was pretty useless in same conditions. It didn't have NZTM2000 co-ordinates built in, but it is very easy to manually set them. Since SAR are now using the new system, it would be a good idea to get the new maps, at least for areas of immediate interest. There was a deal through FMC, I bought 7 maps for the surrounding areas for $7 each. I think it may still be running. It would have been nice though to have had the new grid built in, it would be easier then to flip between NZMG and NZTM2000. As I have maps for many of the tramping areas in NZ, I'm not going to rush out and spend $$$$$$$$ for just in case.........they will have to see me out ;) Getting back to magnetic compasses, I can't decide whether prefect is being serious or not, if serious then what a load of bullpoo. I wonder how James Cook managed without GPS...........:lol: Also they may exist, but excuse my ignorance, I've never seen a Silva without a rotating scale. Quite important for taking accurate bearings, though a lot of the time for bush navigation, just a general indication is all that is necessary. Yes I'm waiting for some new GPS to come out with both built in before replacing my old Garmin 12 and for some of the map companies to make new map software available as I don't buy maps just print the bits I need from my ancient Top map software |
gary67 (56) | ||
| 827709 | 2009-11-07 04:46:00 | If Captain Cook did not have a GPS, he would have to get the time from his cellphone as digital watches had not been invented. | R2x1 (4628) | ||
| 827710 | 2009-11-07 05:40:00 | Nah he followed a nuclear powered waka to reach NZ | gary67 (56) | ||
| 827711 | 2009-11-07 18:26:00 | Don't need a compass on fine days :) Wear an analogue watch. Point the 12 at the sun and North will be half way between the hour hand and the 12. If you can't remember the rest North is on the top South on the bottom and WE across the middle. S. |
Sue (33) | ||
| 827712 | 2009-11-07 19:58:00 | Two problems Sue. My memory doesn't stretch back too far. What are fine days? What is an analogue watch? |
R2x1 (4628) | ||
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