[PUP] Satellite Compass

[bob Austin]

One wonders where he draws the line.  We have voyaged well over 100,000 miles
offshore using a magnet compass in an auto pilot with no problems.  The first
one was made from a WWII Bomb site compass, using two parallel tungsten wires.
Sure it hunted slightly  Then came the fluxgate compasses--and computer driven
programs, Finely GPS and rate driven gyro compasses.... A lot of the voyaging
was done with a magnetic compass with a shadded card--and a photo electric
cell (Benmar).  Worked very well--within feet after 100 miles often.

If you are that tight quarters, then take the wheel!  If there is reason to
not trust the magnetic/fluxgate compass--take the wheel or use other modality
of steering.

If you are crossing an ocean--you may have a little wandering--but so what?

For the rest of the time, live with what ever compass system/GPS seems
expedient.

I don't see any advantage of an expenisve system, which may well be subject to
errors in critical situations (such as entering San Diego Harbor--and other
military bases when many of us find that GPS signals degrade).

You really want a system which will be very reliable and can be repaired if
necessary!---or you can do without!  Very good basic axioms for all cruising
systems!

Regards,

Bob Austin