Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > 4 wheels > Equipping the Overland Vehicle
Vehicle-mounted mag compass Vehicle-mounted mag compass
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Equipping the Overland Vehicle Vehicle accessories - Making your home away from home comfortable, safe and reliable.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Overlanders Handbook - everything you need to know, available NOW!

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 30 Mar 2004
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,910
Vehicle-mounted mag compass
Anyone have a reliable experience with these? Was it easy to set up? Is it genuinely accurate in all directions?
IME, it's a nice idea but I've found some vehicle/model combinations work better than others. And I've never had either.

CS
(p.249)
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 30 Mar 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Scotland
Posts: 775
IMHO, the in-vehicle compasse is good enough for general guidance only as setting it up correctly is a real pain. It is affected by a variety of factors leading to magnetic field disturbance, so even switchng the lights on may deflect the pointer a few degrees.

The fluxgate compass has a slight advantage over the magnetic type insofar as the sensor can be positioned away from the display in an interefernce-free spot.
It responds instantaneously, which makes the fluxgate a bit better for vehicle use. The effect of large metal objects on it is no different from any other compass, but the effective pickup area of fluxgates is somewhat larger than for needle compasses, hence you can get some averaging that way. Finally, the compensation for nearby metal objects in the presence of limited tilt is easier for fluxgates than for mechanical compasses. On the other hand, the magnetic compass is less affected by tilt.

Whatever the limitations may be, the compass is a usefull aide to the GPS as it works always, regardless of the of vehicle speed.

------------------
Roman (UK)
www.overlandcruiser.info
__________________
----------------
Roman (UK)
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 1 Apr 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Bristol UK
Posts: 146
Hi Chris

I had a Silva boat compass on the dash of my Pajero, in front of the driver. I found it very useful in the desert to keep us on course, and even more useful in towns with no signs to give me a clue which way to turn!

The deflection was constant, and fairly irrelevant as you can only drive to within a few degrees, and take a fix when possible.

Happy Trails

Bruce

Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 1 Apr 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 921
I have Silva vehicle compasses in my LRs, and find them very useful.

GPS sits out of the way, and navigator gives driver an approximate direction to keep to (NE, SW etc.). Accuracy of compass is better than this and more easily glanced at than the normally busy screens of a GPS.

The point about using them in towns is very valid...

Sam.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 7 Apr 2004
Gipper's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Saltspring Island,Canada/Poole,UK
Posts: 1,081
I've used a Suunto Pilot marine compass for a few years dash mounted in a Land Rover 90 and it is a good combo, the mount system works well for any angle you want and it has a 12v backlight fitted, to connect up to the vehicle, It's easy to set up with good deviation adjustment, its not too big, it doesn't take over the whole dashboard. I also use it as a spirit level, to get the roof tent flat. It was fine for a western trans ive just done, no problems with Mali corrogations. My etrex Summit is mounted near to it on the dash, and looking between them whilst on the move,the compass is only a couple of degrees out on any bearing - which was handy, as the etrex packed up back in Morocco (no power up) and as the guys say, it's handy when your finding you way around downtown Nouakchott in a sand storm !
__________________
Cheers
Grif

'11 KTM 450 EXC
'09 Suzuki DR650
'00 Discovery Series 2 V8
'95 Defender 90 300 Tdi Overlander
http://gipperstravels.blogspot.ca
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 16 Apr 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Cairo, Egypt
Posts: 456
Roman, which fluxgate compass do you use / recommend?

------------------
A.B.

OasisPhoto.com – Images from the Magical Sahara.
ShortWheelbase.com – Jeep preparations.
Coordinates Converter – Lat/Long <-> UTM Conversion Tool.
__________________
A.B.
OasisPhoto.com – Images from the Magical Sahara.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 16 Apr 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Scotland
Posts: 775
Hello A.B.

I used to have a NASA Clipper (sold with the previous vehicle). Expensive but very good.Read about it here:

http://marinestore.co.uk/Merchant2/m...gory_Code=nasa

or here:

http://www.mailspeedmarine.com/detai...QLID=MD-284210

------------------
Roman (UK)
www.overlandcruiser.info
__________________
----------------
Roman (UK)
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 17 Apr 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Cairo, Egypt
Posts: 456
Thank for the link and Yep, £189.99 is very expensive.....

------------------
A.B.

OasisPhoto.com – Images from the Magical Sahara.
ShortWheelbase.com – Jeep preparations.
Coordinates Converter – Lat/Long <-> UTM Conversion Tool.
__________________
A.B.
OasisPhoto.com – Images from the Magical Sahara.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 17 Jun 2004
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Gwynedd, Wales, UK
Posts: 259
Hi Chris
I don't know if aircraft compasses are any different to marine ones, but they have small adjustable compensating magnets at right angles to each other to make up for the distortion to the earth's magnetic field caused by the various lumps of iron in your vehicle. Fields caused by your electrics present their own problems. You can get second-hand air compasses without a certificate of serviceability cheaply, I think mine was about £30 about ten years ago, they said it was off a Phantom, well, they would- keep the punters happy. Try Light Aero Spares in Shebbear, or RD Aviation, you can probably find them on the internet no bother. Also, try Yorkshire Light Aircraft, Leeds-Bradford Airport, Yeadon, Yorkshire.
John

------------------
Johnefyn
__________________
Johnef
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 18 Jul 2018
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2018
Posts: 2
I believe that the marine ones are not much different than the air ones.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 14:42.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top