Autohelm Personal Compass

AllanG · #1 03-07-09, 11:51

Does anyone use an Autohelm Personal Compass....if so, can you recommend it?

Does anyone have such a compass (in excellent condition) that they wish to sell?

Many thanks,

Allan

catalac08 · #2 03-07-09, 11:53

used one for 18 years - never changed battery - it switches itself off after a couple of minutes - excellent bit of kit - you can pick them up s/h for 20-40 £.

Elessar · #3 03-07-09, 11:55

Yes and no. It is so sensitive that where you stand on the boat makes a big difference to the reading. May be my boat, if so they are very easy to read and use.

VicS · #4 03-07-09, 16:20

[ QUOTE ]
where you stand on the boat makes a big difference

[/ QUOTE ] where you stand should have the same effect on any hand bearing compass, surely ?

What I seem to remember about the Autohelm compass is that it is very important to hold it level.

halcyon · #5 03-07-09, 17:24

It has a front and rear sight, so should auto level.

The one big advantage is that it will store upto 6 bearing, these can then be replayed when you get back to the chart table. It also has back lighting for night use.

Brian

VicS · #6 03-07-09, 17:29

[ QUOTE ]
It has a front and rear sight, so should auto level

[/ QUOTE ] Maybe care is also needed to hold it level sideways. Just something in the dim recesses of my mind ( or the recesses of my dim mind!).

halcyon · #7 03-07-09, 18:29

Down the boat to-morrow, will try.

If I can get the MD6a started I may be able to check it in the water next week, tips on bleeding gratefully recieved.

I think it's a swigs and roudabouts thing, is the posibble error with the Autohelm, worse than trying to read a swinging handbearing compass.

Brian