I own a decades-old Silva Ranger compass. It has gradually developed a serious bubble in the liquid. I have searched the threads and seen the "warming recommendations." Have tried that and the bubble was reduced about 25%. So, now I put it to the forum:

1 - any more ideas on how to "home fix" the bubble in the compass problem?

2 - if not, to whom should I appeal for factory help on a VERY old Ranger? (faint hope, I know!)

I don't think it will be worth your trouble, but you might send an e-mail [url=mailto:camping@johnsonoutdoors.com]here[/url] and see what they have to say...

Boy, that came out looking kind of funny, I hope the link works...

The real question is: Does the compass work in it's present condition? If so, I advise you to leave it alone. Bubbles do work their way in over time and unless the compass has a built-in access port in the back, you will most likely destroy it or permanently ruin it while attempting to repair it.

SMALL PRINT ADDENDEM: My experience is with Marine Compasses.

10-4
Any such thing as replacing the capsule on the Ranger?

Silva FAQ w/ bubble information

They are warrantied for life of the compass with the usual disclaimers.

Don't try to fix it yourself. BTDT Kept the needle & chucked the rest.

Sent it off. We'll see. If they offer to fix it I will be the most amazed guy in America - and a lifelong devotee of Johnson Outdoor Products from here on out!

That's a reassuring page. I sent an e-mail and we'll see.

A compass, like my matches, is something I don't like to muck about with - or tolerate defects. I've been in situations, in the real world, where my life did depend on proper functioning of this bit of technology. While I normally carry two capable compasses on serious trips in the wild (and own several good ones e.g. Cammenga, Suunto, Brunton), I like the old Ranger and want to keep it ticking along.

Thanks for all the help from the forum.

I thought I was the only one paronoid enough to carry two good compasses, I would rather depend on them instead of a gps.

The trouble with GPSes is that after two years in the wilderness the batteries will be dead! Or just two minutes before you really need it!