| Compass |
| The compass is a useful tool, especially when
combined with the use of a map. Once you are used to them they
are easy to use and in poor weather conditions or unfamiliar
country they are a welcome addition to anyone's personal equipment.
The most common type of compass simply uses a magnetic strip,
carefully balanced and isolated, that will simply point to
(Magnetic) North.
Here you can find some ideas and pointers on how best to
use your compass, both alone and in conjunction with a map.
You will find it useful to look at related topics in the
Map and Tracking (Direction Finding) sections.
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Darren Dowling
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| Connected |
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Connected is a central area that provides links to obtain
further information on subjects contained in Scouting Resources.
From here you can go on to websites related to your area of
interest, pick up some further reading in related books and
jot down some contact addresses.
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| Choosing a compass |
Darren Dowling
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Choose your compass with care. The most appropriate type
for use in scouting is probably the orienteering compass.
A good one will have a well balanced steel magnetic needle
that settles into position quickly. The needle should be coloured
differently at each end, usually red at the north end. If
the tip glows in the dark then even better.
The base plate and dial are usually strong plastic. The dial
will have increments of around 2° marked clearly. On the
dial itself will be faint meridian lines (faint parallel blue
lines pointing in the same direction as north on the dial).
Some even have extra information such as magnetic variation
or declination degrees marked on the dial. The dial also has
an arrow marked on the bottom aligned with north on the dial.
The base plate should be transparent and have scales in both
metric (cm and mm) and imperial (inches). A magnifying glass,
clinometer, sighting mirror and adjustable declination screw
are all welcome extras.
Don't forget a strong strap attached to the base plate which
should be securely held at the other end to your shirt pocket
buttonhole or around your neck.
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| Why is it spinning like
that? |
Darren Dowling
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Because a compass is based upon a magnet the needle can be
affected by magnetic fields and materials such as iron. For
instance your belt buckle, a zip, karibiner. Even mineral
deposits in the ground can offset your compass. Don't just
look down either. Look around and above you. Sitting under
a power line or near an electric motor will not do you any
favours.
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