My wacky dashboard compass…

[Digger-Bear]

My wacky dashboard compass…



I lost most of my sense of direction a couple of years ago - long story. I purchased one of those old school bubble type dashboard compasses to help me stay at least a little oriented while traveling. What I have observed is when I When my 1st gen fires up, the compass will spin about 180 degrees and is pretty much stuck in one position when it is running.



What would make the magnetic field do this and is there anything, short of buying a sextant, I can do to counteract this effect?



Perhaps I should title this thread "Cant find my own compass with both hands".



;-)

 

[Madurski]

Just a quick guess but I would bet that the fuel shut off is an electro-magnet strong enough to affect the compass.

 

[JLEONARD]

What would make the magnetic field do this and is there anything, short of buying a sextant, I can do to counteract this effect?

Buya hand type compass. Drive 1 mile. Get out of the truck. walk ten feet away. Take a bearing.

Drive another mile. Get out of the truck...

Get the picture? :-laf :-laf

 

[Jgolden]

GPS is a good was to find your way. Some pretty inexpensive versions available. I put a Microsoft version in a laptop for $79 includes the reciever. Gives compass direction, speed, altitude will even give directions without getting all grumpy.

Small hiking deal would work.

 

[PToombs]

The alternator makes the biggest field on the truck. Unless you have a generator running for the window AC. :-laf

 

[tugboatphil]

Digger,



I'll go through this slowly. The sun rises in the east and sets in the west. The top of the page, in an atlas, is north. I think that pretty much covers it. Glad I could help. :-laf :-laf



Sorry. I couldn't resist.

 

[MTWalker]

Captain Tugger,



Did you acquire this knowledge in the Navy, or are these words of wisdom from your new book, Tugboating for Dummies? :-laf



Mike

 

[tugboatphil]

or are these words of wisdom from your new book, Tugboating for Dummies? :-laf

Actually, I didn't write that book... . I'm still trying to read it. I wish they'd have put more pictures in it!! :-laf

 

[JLEONARD]

See Tugger go. Go Tugger go



(excerpt from page 1... wait, that IS page 1)

 

[Digger-Bear]

OK, I think I got it – Sunup in the east, sundown in the west, top of my map is north, and pull over ever 60 seconds to check my compass. I cant believe all of the new information I am getting from this list!



I was going to ask where I could install that new GPS system but am now having second thoughts…

:-laf

 

[MTWalker]

Actually, I didn't write that book... . I'm still trying to read it. I wish they'd have put more pictures in it!! :-laf

Ahhh, I misread the cover. It actually says Tugboat Bill. Easy mistake.



Oh well, as long as you keep an eye on the sun and which direction your atlas is pointing you have it made! :-laf