Sergeantwoodie
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« on: March 10, 2010, 01:24:30 PM » |
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Been trying to teach my tribe basic map reading 6 figuare References,map symbols , Big laugh when I mentioned Trig points !Reading a compass , travelling on a compass point or ref, True North Magnetic the annual veration. I used to so enjoy map reading walking, Rallies inclueding very enjoyable table top rallies, What happened to the Tulip direction sheet. No longer taught regretably in Young persons organisations. Yes I can understand modern technology has taken over but does one get as much fun & enjoyment out of watching a screen, or being told in a mid atlantic accent to " Turn Around when possible" I suppose this does prevent arriving at the finish point foot sore , Tired & hungary for all the wrong turnings taken, but there was'nt half some satisfaction with one self or team that you had done it!. OK I know get upto date Woodie
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Woodie
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Jim
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« Reply #1 on: March 10, 2010, 09:35:39 PM » |
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Woodie, Just had my 80th and it was a time for reflection. Your reminder of the joys of
compasses and maps started me off again. We live in a an age of technical wonder but
for me some of the joys of self achievement has often been taken from many things . I'm sure it's not all just nostalgia. My wife thinks it's something to do with lack of spiritual or community support. Whatever that may. Probably just old age! I enjoy your reminiscences. Keep 'em coming. Jim
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timsdad
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« Reply #2 on: March 11, 2010, 09:07:40 AM » |
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I've never used a sat-nav place finder and don't want to, I think they're far too much of a distraction, especially on a bike. I like good old Michelin maps.
Many years ago, after being lost in Lille on a dull day and not knowing which way was North, I tried fitting a compass on my bike. Wherever I nailed it on, the thing was very erratic because of the magnets in the bike instruments. Even in a tank bag as close to my fat gut as I could put it, whilst still being able to see the thing, we would still have been wandering around like Hansel and Gretel in the forest. A truck driving mate then told me about the trick of looking to see where the satelite dishes pointed on the houses.
I've got a satelite positioned Road Angel digital speedo thingy now with a built in compass but I still get lost in Lille! Cheers, Ray
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Just a motorcyclist.
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Sergeantwoodie
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« Reply #3 on: March 11, 2010, 09:21:15 AM » |
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Woodie
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timsdad
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« Reply #4 on: March 11, 2010, 09:39:45 PM » |
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No, I'm still not sold on the idea, it still looks to be a bit of a distraction to me! Might suit a Norton Atlas, though. Cheers, Ray
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Just a motorcyclist.
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isleofmanpaul
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« Reply #5 on: March 12, 2010, 09:53:28 AM » |
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or a norton navigator.........
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richie1958
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« Reply #6 on: March 12, 2010, 10:48:50 AM » |
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I think I've got the perfect compromise for you Woodie. I bought this from Silvermans a few weeks ago; I think it was about fifteen quid. The digital compass has two modes; you can mount it on any vehicle (so the manufacturers claim) and set it up by driving / riding in a 360 degree circle. This is done with the compass mounted in roughly the vertical position (It comes with a plastic mounting bracket) Once you have done this, the compass will allow for the various magnetics of the vehicle and work correctly. You then take the instrument out of it's bracket and rotate it through 360 degrees horizontally. This will then calibrate it to be used as a normal hand held compass. As soon as you tilt it back into the vertical, it will revert to it's vehicle mode.
It's got a back lit LCD display, a 12 volt adapter, and comes with it's AAA batteries.
On the down side, I wouldn't think it was water proof and I intend making a better mounting bracket for the Norton's handlebars.
I haven't tested it yet; but if it works, I reckon it's a very trick bit of kit for the money!
Richie
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Sergeantwoodie
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« Reply #7 on: March 12, 2010, 02:31:55 PM » |
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Looks good! ah yes Silvermans , thats where the parents of the Lads going out to Afghanistan have to purchase their boys basic equipment.
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Woodie
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richie1958
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« Reply #8 on: March 12, 2010, 02:45:34 PM » |
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I'll let you know if it works, once I've designed and built a waterproof case/mounting bracket for the handlebars. I can't bring myself to make it from plastic - Not to adorn the Norton's handlebars! But I'm not sure about encasing it in metal. I've got some big lumps of titanium kicking about, but I reckon I'll mould something in polyurethane rubber.
When I mentioned it goes into it's vehicle mode in the vertical, this is actually anything over 45 degrees; so you can have it tilted up to see it from the saddle.
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