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#448 - 03/27/01 11:25 PM lensatic compass
Todd Offline
newbie member

Registered: 02/13/01
Posts: 19
Loc: oh
What am I doing wrong? I've got a new lensatic compass, thought it was cool, along with practical, but can't figure out how to see the compass reading through the lens while looking at the objective through the slot with wire. Too cheap of a compass, or just a waste of moolah? Practice before you preach, please.<br><br>

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#449 - 03/27/01 11:47 PM Re: lensatic compass
Chris Kavanaugh Offline
Carpal Tunnel

Registered: 02/09/01
Posts: 3824
Todd,What brand and model compass?Get a copy of FM21-26 Map Reading and Land Navigation U.S.Army field manual.It has excellent illustrations.<br><br>

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#450 - 03/28/01 02:05 AM Re: lensatic compass
Todd Offline
newbie member

Registered: 02/13/01
Posts: 19
Loc: oh
I knew I could count on you, Chris. I'm not really sure of the brand name or model number, but it's listed under "other compasses" @ campmor.com for $7.99. The directions seem easy: "When taking the azimuth reading, set sight on object through slot and wire, then read degree scale through lens." I'm just baffled. It doesn't seem to matter what angle in relation to my eye my arm is or what angle I put the lens at, I can't read squat! I just wondered if there is a little trick. I even tried, get this, turning it around 180 degrees and sighting backwards, and under the right lighting conditions I could read the reflection of the scale on the lens. It does, however, make a nice conversation piece on the coffee table and the cats use it as something similar to a hockey puck! Any personal experience?<br><br>

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#451 - 03/28/01 02:16 AM Re: lensatic compass
Todd Offline
newbie member

Registered: 02/13/01
Posts: 19
Loc: oh
Add: I'm assuming it is possible to view the object and scale in one motion, not having to move head or hand to view one or the other.<br><br>

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#452 - 03/28/01 03:25 AM Re: lensatic compass
Chris Kavanaugh Offline
Carpal Tunnel

Registered: 02/09/01
Posts: 3824
Campmor #22146-B is a knock off of GI compass.Decent phosphorescent models are $40,Tritium $80(approximate).I think its just a bit of ergonomics here.Ill email technique from manual to you.<br><br>

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#453 - 03/28/01 04:18 AM Re: lensatic compass
Anonymous
Unregistered


Maybe I can be of assistance. After sighting through the slot, push the arm containing the magnifying glass down about 45 degrees. This procedure will lock the compass, thereby preserving your reading. You can now tilt the compass and look through the lens to find your azimuth.<br><br>The older I get, The better I was.

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#454 - 03/28/01 12:07 PM Re: lensatic compass
Todd Offline
newbie member

Registered: 02/13/01
Posts: 19
Loc: oh
Thanks, Chris! The compass to cheek method is the "trick" I was looking for! Works like a charm! The directions say nothing about that. Also, with my new knowledge, I will consider getting a better model. Thanks, again.<br><br><P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by todd on 03/28/01 05:22 AM (server time).</EM></FONT></P>

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#455 - 03/28/01 05:44 PM Re: lensatic compass
Chris Kavanaugh Offline
Carpal Tunnel

Registered: 02/09/01
Posts: 3824
Homer Simpson DUH!!! I forgot to mention the locking feature on these units!Thanks Ranger!This is why several references on any given subject are necessary.The other aspect of travel is KNOW YOUR AREA.The native bearers never deserted because of King Kong,but because they were out of their known turf.There are many natural indicators for direction also;check out recent issues of Wilderness Way magazine. Tritium illumination is needed only for military ops. so save your money.With the high end Silva units you employ a mirror,an extra signaling device.<br><br>

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#456 - 04/17/01 02:40 AM Re: lensatic compass
Anonymous
Unregistered


Todd, what is not obvious about using the USGI compass is that it really has to be held against your face. If you have a copy of FM-25 (I think that's the right number), there's a picture that is worth a thousand words or so. If you don't have a copy, I can try to email you one (it will be a big file).<br><br>

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