compass adjustment

[sammidog]

I was cleaning out my dad's basement and found an Aqua Meter Saturn compass. I took it home and tried to adjust it to my Globemaster compass I have on my mantle(which I know is dead on). When I turned the appropriate magnet for N/S it would not "come around" enough to align with my Globemaster. (about 14 degrees off). If I went any further it would start back the other way. I suspect that is why it was in the basement and not in a boat! Do you think stronger magnets be ordered or is it broken?

 

[captddis]

You need to use a external magnet. You can get them inside a chrome shell to glue or screw next to the compass

 

[sammidog]

Captddis, Where would i get such a magnet? Why I'm even asking I don't know because I probably will never use the compass. I just like things to work. I took an old loran C from the basement which did not work either. I took it apart and found that it must have been hit by lightning. All the DC input wires were burned. I replaced the wires and it works perfectly. Why I spent the time I don't know because I know I never will use it but I just hate to have stuff not work. Even if it is in my basement. Did the same thing with an old spotlight. I just can't help myself. My wife thinks I'm wacked.

 

[captddis]

We are all wacked or we would not own old boats!
Any good marine store should have them or be able to get one. A compass adjuster would have them for sure.

 

[Fat Boy]

I had my original compass rebuilt 2 years, in Jacksonville, Fl. They told me that it would need to be recalibrated. It's currently appx. 20+ degrees off. Does anyone know who does these calibrations, on the boat, or have any recommendations on how to do so?

Thanks,


Allen

 

[yachtsmanbill]

If you can make some GPS runs you can TRY to adjust it yourself. The object is to get it as close as you can, then write down your compass vs. GPS numbers. This is your deviation, hence, a deviation card. You also must be certain the unit is mounted on the lubber line.
A professional will swing the unit on a calibrated table with sun readings off of an ARMILLARY, which can also tell sun time.
ANY outside influence, electric, electronic, speakers or an adjustable wrench next to the compass will cause PROFOUND deviation also. ws

 

[(Nobody You Know)]

I was cleaning out my dad's basement and found an Aqua Meter Saturn compass. I took it home and tried to adjust it to my Globemaster compass I have on my mantle(which I know is dead on). When I turned the appropriate magnet for N/S it would not "come around" enough to align with my Globemaster. (about 14 degrees off). If I went any further it would start back the other way. I suspect that is why it was in the basement and not in a boat! Do you think stronger magnets be ordered or is it broken?

Sammy,

can it be reacting to the Globemaster magnets? Or any metal (or energized) object nearby?

There is a long proceedure for zeroing out a compass, and needs to be done outside. Send me a PM and I will dig up some info on how it's done.

 

[Trojan]

I just purchased a compass a few weeks ago. The instructions said to rotate the screw for the proper direction. Straight up was max and 90deg was least. Well it didn't work. It was always off about 20 degrees. I messed with it for a while then tossed it in the corner. I retrieve it later when I had more time. I turned the screws 180 degrees from what the instruction said and it started to adjust. The instructions were incomplete, junk. Its been working good ever since. Maybe your not turning the screws far enough. to get the card to shift. Of course, make sure there is not a lot of metal near by. Like a beer can.



BILL