[Rhodes22-list] Compass compensation methods

[Robert Skinner]

Bill Effros wrote:
> ...
> But you are lucky.  Your compass is already screwed up, and it is
> mounted on a board you can remove.
> 
> So you can get discouraged in far less time.  Take the compass on it's
> mounting board as far away from any magnet as you can think of.  Point
> it at 0.  Make a chalk line, or scratch a line in the earth, or on a
> beach.  Turn the board 180 degrees.  Adjust magnet.  Continue until you
> are totally frustrated...
-------------------------

Bill -

I'm afraid the above would be even more of an exercise 
in futility than you portray.  A boat compass should be 
adjusted (compensated) in place.  The term "compensate" 
is used because it is assumed that the compass is 
affected by its surroundings, and must be compensated 
for their effect.  Adjusting a compass elsewhere 
compensates for different surroundings - or none at all.


-- 
Robert Skinner
"Squirrel Haven", 9 Gateway Commons, Gorham, Maine 04038-1331