Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS
Sun compass Sun compass
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS How to find your way - traditional map, compass and road signs, or GPS and more
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




Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 16 Apr 2001
Mav Mav is offline
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Posts: 1
Sun compass
Does anyone know where I can get a sun compass? I used one in the Army years ago and I reckon one would be handy during my forthcoming trip accross North Africa.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 23 Apr 2001
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Posts: 15
A company by the name of Naviegemus (IoM) Ltd, Great Downs, Tollesbury, Maldon, Essex, CM9 8RD manufactured sun compasses (in 1980).

I have no idea whether the company still exists or if it does, whether it still makes these instruments. (I would imagine GPS had a similar impact on sun compasses as electronic calculators had on slide rules.)

If you have no luck with the manufacturers you could try making one yourself. The Independent Traveller's Handbook (edited by Ingrid Cranfield, WEXAS International Ltd. 1980) contains a whole chapter dedicated to the design, construction and use/misuse of sun compasses. The 'Howard' type in particular looks quite easy to construct.

Again, I don't know if this book is still in print. If you can't find a copy and still want to have a go at making a sun compass send me an email (woodi@pasmico.com.au) and I'll fax/post you the relevant pages from the book.

Best wishes for your adventure, and good luck.

Ian
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 15 Jun 2001
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Posts: 15
Hi Mav

How are you going in your search for a sun compass? If you are still looking for one you could try ebay at http://pages.ebay.com I checked out of curiosity and was astounded to see several models ranging from new equipment to ex-army (WW2) gear.
Cheers.
Ian.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 24 Jun 2001
Gold Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 30
If you have a watch you can get a good estimate of north or south by using the following technique found in many survival books:

Northern Hemisphere: Point the hour hand on your watch towards the sun. South is half way between the hour hand and "12" on your watch.

Southern Hemisphere: Point the "12" on your watch towards the sun. North is half way between the hour hand and "12" on your watch.

This works fairly well (try it!), but I don't know how effective it is if you are close to the equator.

Good luck!
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 17:21.

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