Compass liquid: description, instruction

In the era of GPS and GLONASS, tourists sometimes forget about the existence of a map and a compass. But you need to understand that different kinds of receivers can not completely replace them, because any gadget requires a battery and a satellite signal. In order to determine the sides of the world and understand the current positioning, a topographic map and a compass are irreplaceable adaptations in the wilderness. Going on a long trip, armed with only technology-based gadgets on batteries, is not the best idea, so do not discount the "old" navigation devices.

Compass liquid will help you find the right objects, determine your location and navigate the map. You can, of course, travel for a while in the wild and never even look at it, but if you turn in the wrong direction or get into a storm, then the compass along with the map will be the most important things in your backpack.

The ability to navigate the terrain and correctly determine the sides of the world is the most important skill for the tourist, and if your path lies far from the roads, then without it you will simply disappear. If you are not sure about yourself, then it's better to take on a trip, if not a guide, then at least a knowledgeable person who will prompt and teach the intricacies of navigation.

Let's try to figure out how to choose a compass, let's designate the types and components of these devices. In the calculation will be taken the opinions of serious experts in this field and feedback from professional orientation instructors.

Types of liquid compasses

Unlike digital models, the compass needle is magnetized in liquid devices, and it works in tandem with the magnetic field of the earth. The body is completely filled with liquid, in order to give the pointer stability and proper accuracy of the readings. Consider the main types of compasses.

Basic Models

For beginners and adventurous day travelers, this is a relatively inexpensive and optimal choice. If you follow the routes and do not climb into the thicket, then the compass tourist in the base set will be an excellent assistant for travel.

These devices have a set of essential components that the tourist may need, but lack any additional chips like mirrors and deviation adjustments. A vivid example of basic compasses is the model Suunto A10 - an intelligent and inexpensive thing.

Multifunctional devices

Multifunctional liquid compass is a model with an impressive set of additional features. They greatly facilitate navigation on the ground and have increased accuracy. In the equipment there are mirrors, magnifying glasses, timers, etc.

The model range of this kind of devices is distinguished by a high price, it only makes sense to buy them if you regularly travel to the wilderness and move away from the waypoints. One of the most interesting models of this plan is the compass liquid Silva Ranger CL.

Devices-accessories

This kind is very often seen on key fobs, wrist watches or in the form of small round compasses without a special substrate. They quite passively point to the magnetic north, but in the majority they serve for quick data acquisition and amusement.

Use a liquid compass of this type for serious orientation is impossible, therefore, it is not recommended to descend from the waypoints with such equipment. The assortment of similar accessories is very wide, but among the majority it is possible to allocate very successful and well-collected series REI Therm-o. The instruction manual of the liquid compass to these models directly warns that using only this accessory far from the tourist routes is dangerous and unacceptable.

Components of the device

At the time of determining the coordinates on the terrain using a compass, travelers use "orientation" or "substrate". "Orientation" is the indicator of your exact position, and "navigation" is the process itself, which determines the final destination and the route to that object.

In order for everything to work as it should, each compass model should have the following parts. If your device does not have any of these parts, then go on a long trip with him is not worth it.

Magnetic needle

It is a common turning element, usually a diamond-shaped type with a red end. The pointer points to the strongest magnetic field (the north pole). The real north, where all the longitude lines converge, is slightly different from the magnetic one. The latter is located in part of the Arctic near the chains of the Canadian islands, that is, the difference is about 1600 kilometers.

Therefore, working with the map on the ground, you need to take into account and compensate for the difference between the magnetic and real north. In the central part of Russia this figure is insignificant, but in professional tourist competitions it should be taken into account if you use a non-digital compass (liquid). How to use the device, it is said in the instruction manual, there you can also find specific indices of error.

Liquid

The dial or the case itself, where the arrow is located, is filled with a cushioning liquid. This non-freezing composition allows a little slowdown of the inertia of the arrow and stops it at the desired rates much faster than in similar devices filled with air.

In severe winter or at high altitude, the liquid begins to contract under the influence of temperature and pressure, filling the body with small bubbles. To be afraid of such effect it is not necessary, therefore as on accuracy of indications it at all does not influence. If you return to a more favorable environment, then the bubbles will disappear after a while, as if they were not at all.

Azimuth ring

It is a rotating rim on the compass case with marked grades from 0 to 360, respectively. Professionals advise choosing a device where the step on the azimuthal ring would be no more than two units.

The rim surrounds the outer edge of the compass and the smaller the step interval, the easier it is to work with bearing or azimuth, that is, with the direction you want to follow (angle relative to the north pole).

Substrate with ruler

The substrate has a transparent rectangular base where a special capsule is placed. Smart and expensive devices are equipped with quality rulers in centimeters or inches in the form of engraving on the substrate.

Both these attributes are indispensable at the time of measuring distances on topographic maps. During the purchase, be sure to pay attention to the scale and take the device with the usual division for you, that is, the step and ruler (inch / centimeter). Standard topographic maps have a scale of 1 to 24,000 (for geological services) and 1 to 25,000 (tourist maps).

Orienting lines of meridians

Lines north-south, parallels of meridians and fixed orienting arrow are located in the lower part of the device. The non-magnetic end of the arrow is marked in red, as well as the meridian lines. In order to relate the compass to the topographic map, you need to align the north and south directions on your device.

Index marker

An index line or a direction marker is located on the bottom of the capsule of the device. With this point you can determine or set your current readings. It is desirable that the marker has a clear color, and the point itself was engraved.

Summarizing

Can GPS and GLONASS receivers replace the usual liquid compass? Probably not. They are complementary tools. The compass has one undeniable advantage, which is devoid of any satellite receiver - it shows the direction of the magnetic north.

Of course, any tourist GPS-gadget is supplied with an electronic compass, but like all electrical appliances, they need power, and the battery can be discharged, leaving you without navigation. In any case, armed with even the latest developments for travelers, do not forget to throw in your pocket an ordinary compass: it takes a minimum space, and the benefits from it, if anything, will be maximum.