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--- gear:compass [2024/05/19 21:47] – created - external edit 127.0.0.1
+++ gear:compass [2024/08/06 05:47] (current) – external edit 127.0.0.1
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 ====== Compass ======
+[{{ :gear:compass-1.jpg?222|Pictured: A lensatic compass.}}]
-{{tag>Gear Stubs}}
+The **compass** has been a standard navigational tool since it was introduced in 206 BC. These devices help you **orient yourself when navigating**, either with or without the aid of a map. They work by having a magnetized needle, connected to a post holding it in place above a directional base plate with the directional markings. The needle moves to align with the Earth's magnetic north, and south.
+The design of the modern magnetic compass differs slightly from the very early versions. Back then, a magnetized needle was attached to a lightweight piece of wood or cork and it would float in a shallow dish of water to allow the needle to move into pointing in the direction of north/south.
+Unlike the GPS in your phone or car, a compass will still work without electricity or satellites.
+===== The Lensatic Compass =====
+[{{ :gear:compass-3.jpg?222|A lensatic compass allows easy sighting across vast distances.}}]
+There are many subtypes of compass, but here we will focus on the **lensatic compass**, which is the kind commonly used by military personnel. As such, they are universally understood and easy to find. This type of compass can offer you a choice of whether you want one designed for specifically the northern, or southern hemisphere. The various lensatic models typically come with a glow-in-the-dark tritium or phosphorescent needles. They also allow for reading the actual bearings, the degrees of one's current position.
+The coolest thing about these is that they also have a sighting wire; a feature not present in many other compasses. This lets the user simply look through it to figure their direction, or use it in conjunction with a map.
+== How a Lensatic Compass Works: ==
+{{ :gear:lens.jpg }}
+There's a handy Youtube video for introduction to the Lensatic Compass, it's design and directions for use:
+[[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FI7C8VlbYfI]]
+{{tag>Gear}}

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