How do you sight with it? Is it going to be any more accurate than a basic orienteering style compass you can get for around $20?
I ask because i tend to avoid battery powered gizmos where a non powered one will give a good enough result, ie bathroom scales.
I have often wondered the same thing, though, with those compasses, as there doesn't seem to be an obvious alignment reference on them. What good is 1 degree accuracy if you can't figure out just where on the case that degree is to be read out? Why can't they build them like a normal compass with straight edges?
Unfortunately both photos posted previously of the 2 "variants" are showing the unit in time/date display mode and not compass mode.
(My compass, and camera, are at home and I'm not, otherwise I would have rectified this situation by adding a pic.)
I have the variant that is shown in spudricks post, when in compass mode from memory you get four of those "block" sections you can see in that image circling the screen come up, one dead top of the screen and one a bit either side, then a fourth at the deadbottm of the screen. It is possible to gain a site line using the 2 blocks top and bottom, though I agree 1 degree accuracy isn't really aided by the case/display type. Perhaps thats why these sell so cheaply, but having said that for all normal purposes I've used it for so far it has proved adequate.
If your doing serious navigation somewhere remote and isolated where the difference between 1° and "a couple of degrees" is critical - and you're relying a $20 chain store electric compass gizmo - then you deserve to get lost!
For other stuff these are a fun and useful gadget! I personally like the temperature display when out observing, the attached neck strap allows me to hang it over the focussor of my scope and get an idea of how cold it is "rght there" where I'm observing.
I have an old two way radio with built in electronic compass, and it was never really that useful for me due to the lack of a frame of reference. Where is North? Roughly up, I guess. In the context of using these with a board to align a leg on your scope with the SCP, you are left without an accurate reference. If your mount only adjusts 3 degrees either side of your initial setup, every little bit helps. I ended up lifting my mount, scope, and all the other night to get a better alignment. I think that is something like 90Kg in my case.
What good is 1 degree accuracy if you can't figure out just where on the case that degree is to be read out? Why can't they build them like a normal compass with straight edges?
They represent what we call “the diminishing returns of technology”.
Accurate to 1-degree (allegedly) but with no method of transferring this accuracy to a map or up a string to a telescope mount. A good $60 orienteering compass with 2-degree steps and an arrow pointer will serve you much better for astronomical purposes I think. I use one and never fail to get the octans group in polarscope.
Hey Phil,
You are the only other person I know who owns a Casio with the works.
Yours looks like the Sea Pathfinder.
I own the titanium ProTrek model
Has a compass, altimeter , tempreture and baromter as well as the normal digital watch functions.
Great watches.
Phil,
You are right. They are not cheap.
I bought mine in Hong Kong as a Xmas present to myself - saved about $150 au doing so
Probably the best watch I own.
Highly recommended
aldi? never heard of them, what do they sell besides the compass? Trying to find a supplier here in Adelaide.
How did you go?
I heard somewhere that Aldi is opening in Perth soon(maybe already?) and is also looking to open in Adelaide, maybe try ringing the Aldi head office to find out when/where...
I have a Ascot Digital Compass ex Aldi but have lost the setting up instructions, can anybody help me or email copy of instructions to me? it would be appreciated, thank you
I have just bought an Ascot Digital Compass but it didn’t come with the instructions.
Does any out there have a copy of the instruction?? Could you please email it or post it?? It is driving me nuts not being able to configure my new compass….
I've posted this before but I'll do it again for those who are having trouble finding this Ascot Digital Compass.
I bought this one http://members.optushome.com.au/clar...592ba03b_b.jpg on eBay for $15 delivered, some time ago. It's not an Ascot but it does a bloody good job. I've tested it by looking up the azimuth of a celestial object on Stellarium then using the compass to get that bearing and sure enough it's always within a degree or two of the target. I have marked out a line on my Dob base that is directly parallel with the cradle, then I place the compass on that line ensuring that red marks top & bottom line up with the new line. Works for me.
Tone,
to iceinspace
