[Rhodes22-list] Hanks & Daves GPS Compass Analysis

[Hank]

Ed,

Try this and see if it makes a difference.  Walk down the street with
the compass pointed ahead of you and then walk the same path with the
compass pointed to the side and see if the compass heading reads any
different.

Hank

On Apr 7, 2005 3:55 PM, ed kroposki <ekroposki at charter.net> wrote:
> Hank,
>        You made me go back and look at the directions.  Yes, movement is
> involved, but the heading is based on satellite fixes.  The north stays put
> at north, the heading varies.  So yes you can figure out true north and set
> a compass by it.
>        The compass mode is not instantaneous but takes 15 to 20 feet to
> tune in an accurate heading.  My driveway is about 10 degrees west of north.
> 
> Dave,
>        Note that my GPS is a Magellan Meridian with a compass mode, not
> just a heading.  You can also use the heading mode to a fixed landmark.  If
> you walk slowly the compass mode works like a hand held compass.  If you
> stop it maintains the last direction.  I just went and walked up and down
> the street in front of my house to check it out.  As long as you are moving,
> it has an N that rotates like a compass.  As you change directions the big N
> points north within the distance stated above.  Turn the GPS while walking
> and N points north.
> Ed K
> Greenville, SC, USA
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org
> [mailto:rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org] On Behalf Of Hank
> Sent: Thursday, April 07, 2005 9:11 AM
> To: The Rhodes 22 mail list
> Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] Slim's Compass
> 
> Ed,
> 
> It is true that the GPS tries to show a heading of where it is
> pointed, but I suspect it is deriving that from forward movement.
> Next time you go out, put the GPS perpendicular to your direction of
> travel for a few minutes and see what it shows for a heading.  I
> suspect it will be based upon your movement, not on where it is
> pointed.
> 
> Hank
> 
> On Apr 7, 2005 9:00 AM, ed kroposki <ekroposki at charter.net> wrote:
> >
> >
> > Slim:
> >        If you are going to keep the compass on the boat, then do a basic
> > calibration.  If your drive is paved, then get a cheap scout compass and a
> > piece of chalk.  Plot N-S, E-W on the driveway, or street in front of your
> > house.  Adjust the compass to N-S, then E-W, then S-N, then W-E and again
> to
> > fine tune.
> >        The headings may not be perfect, but they will give you the general
> > direction, so that you do not do Brad's trick of going in circles.  If you
> > decide to do serious navigating then do more serious calibrations of the
> > compass.  Keep in mind it will never be perfect to a degree.
> >        As to which way do charts use, just look at a navigation chart in
> > the light.  The answer is usually somewhere on the chart in degrees.
> >        Bill said that a GPS is referenced from where you are coming from.
> > On my Magellan Meridian, it tries to show a heading of where it is
> pointed.
> > If you use a Meridian GPS, you should be able to calibrate the compass to
> > within a few degrees.
> >        Are you planning a cruise across Lake Superior this summer?
> > Are you planning a visit to your mother's anytime soon?
> >
> > Ed K
> > Greenville, SC, USA
> > Addendum:  Navigators answer:   A number of different approaches are being
> > tried. (We are still guessing at this point.)
> >
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