[PUP] Satellite Compass

[Mike Maurice]

> 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.
> S
Bob,
I hate to be the bearer of new knowledge, but a flux gate compass as 
used on most modern autopilot systems is a far cry from the old magnetic 
card systems that you refer to and with which many of us old timers are 
familiar.

The flux gate is not nearly as effective, but it is a lot cheaper and 
that is why it is being used. This partially explains the search for a 
better solution than the flux gate. Trouble is, the alternatives are 
expensive and magnetic compass technology might just become unusable if 
the magnetic field dies. And even if it does not die, it is fading and 
that is causing increased problems especially as one gets nearer the poles.

I understand your frustration with expensive solutions, but the 
underlying incentives to find a better one are not without foundation.


Regards,
Mike

_____________________________________
Capt. Mike Maurice
Beaverton Oregon(Near Portland)