The compass is one of the necessary tools for people who are engaged in outdoor activities, especially those who are engaged in general work and leisure activities in areas with few people in the wild; they are good at using the directional technology of the compass, combined with the correct map guidance , which allows you to correctly find out where you are and the direction you are going when you lose your path or direction of travel, and then get out of the predicament safely.
We will tell you some ideas about the compass in the following:
Types of compass
Basic compass: It is a type suitable for beginners to start using. It has the basic functions that a compass should have. scopes etc.
Professional compass: It belongs to the type of full-featured use. If you are an outdoor player who already has the technology to use the compass, you might as well spend some money to buy this kind of pointer with multiple assistive devices. The north needle can make it more convenient for you to use the compass to determine the direction.
Decorative compass: This type of compass is often used as a key ring or paired with a watch. The compass itself usually does not have a base plate to place on the map. Most of their functions are able to quickly point out the general direction of north, but cannot point out the rest of the direction very precisely.
Compass components introduction??Basic type??
Magnetized needle?zMagnetized needle?{??The red part at one end of the needle is usually used to point out the magnetic north direction, not the direction of Earth’s true north. The position of the earth’s magnetic north and true north differ by more than a thousand miles; therefore, the deviation angle of magnetic north and true north must be adjusted against the map to get the correct direction or position.
Liquid-filled capsule ?zLiquid-filled capsule?{??The needle box should contain the magnetic needle, the magnetic needle bearing, and the liquid. The liquid is used to protect the magnetic needle from colliding with the needle box and reduce the movement of the pointer when interpreting the direction. Scale, engraved around the outside of the needle box. Azimuth is the direction you should be heading.
Base plate ?zBase plate?{??a rectangular plastic plate, usually set under the needle box, so that the compass can be placed on the map for easy direction interpretation. A better base plate also has a scale in inches and centimeters attached to the edge, which can be used to measure the distance on the map, so that it can be compared with the scale on the map to calculate the actual distance.
Fixed magnetic north orienting line ?zFixed orienting arrow?{ and parallel longitude lines ?zparallel meridian lines?{??magnetic north orienting line is set at the bottom of the needle box and can be rotated with the disc; Magnetic north is aligned. The parallel longitude line is parallel to the magnetic north locating line, which can assist the magnetic north locating line to mark the correct north.
The scale line ?zIndex line?{ or the forward direction line ?zdirection-of-travel line?{ is set on the bottom plate to indicate the direction of travel.
Compass Component Introduction??Professional??
Adjustable Declination Adjustment ?zDeclination Adjustment?{In every outdoor activity, it must be When using the compass for the first time, take the magnetic declination into consideration. After the adjustable declination line is used, every time you use the compass in the future, you only need to align the north of the magnetic needle with the line, and the forward direction line on the base plate will indicate the direction to go. There is no need to consider the difference in magnetic declination for each positioning.
The magnifying lens ?zMagnifying lens?{ is slightly smaller than the general magnifying glass, it is used on the bottom plate to observe the smaller symbols on the map
Sighting mirror ?zSighting mirror?{ is used to measure the distant target perfectly worked. Can also be used as an annunciator and personal mirror.
Luminescent indicators?zLuminescent indicators?{ are usually placed on the magnetic needle, and there are luminescent indicators on the positioning arrow line and even the four azimuth angles on the needle box.
Clinometers can be used to measure slopes; for predicting avalanche hazard or the height of a destination.
The short cable ?zLanyard?{ allows you to attach it to a backpack or belt
for easy portability.
Which compass is right for your needs?
Basic compass: The basic compass is designed for the average novice user. Saying that is enough, unless there is a strong desire to improve your abilities to a higher level. Leisure people who are generally engaged in outdoor activities usually seldom stay away from the existing trails, so using the basic compass at the average price is very suitable. As for the professional compass with some special functional designs, although it will be more convenient to use, But for users who only play occasionally, there is not much difference.
Professional compass: a professional compass, the function of adjustable declination line is one of the must-have functions, if you often travel in less-traveled outdoor areas, more It’s worth spending some money on a compass that includes an adjustable declination feature. In addition, the scope function is also a good choice.
Pay attention to the use and storage of the compass
Metal objects will affect the interpretation of the compass, so it should be kept as far away as possible when positioning or interpreting the direction Vehicles, cameras or other metal objects. Metal interference can affect the interpretation of the compass from 20 degrees to 60 degrees, so be careful. The magnetic field will also affect the accuracy of the compass.
When storing the compass, pay attention to the location where it is stored. Do not place it in a place full of electromagnetic effects. For example, do not place it on the top of the speaker speaker. The electromagnetic field above the speaker is very strong. In addition, exposure to sunlight will weaken the magnetism of the magnetic needle, which is also not good for the compass.
The four directions of a compass: east, south, west, and north are often referred to as bearing bases.
The short cable attached to the compass can be used to tie the compass to belts, jackets, and backpacks. Try not to hang it around your neck. It is easy to be dangerous when you are engaged in technical climbing.
A compass without a base plate is not suitable for mountaineering as it cannot be used with a map.
When using the compass to find a route, the scale of the compass itself should be accurate to 1 to 2 degrees.