In the era of GPS and GLONASS, tourists sometimes forget aboutthe existence of a map and a compass. But you need to understand that different kinds of receivers can not completely replace them, because any gadget requires a battery and a satellite signal. In order to determine the sides of the world and understand the current positioning, a topographic map and a compass are irreplaceable adaptations in the wilderness. Going on a long trip, armed with only technology gadgets on batteries, is not the best idea, so do not discount the "old" navigation devices.
Compass liquid will help you find the right objects,determine your location and navigate the map. You can, of course, travel for a while in the wild and never even look at it, but if you turn in the wrong direction or get into a storm, the compass along with the map will be the most important things in your backpack.
Ability to navigate the terrain andcorrectly determine the sides of the world is the most important skill for the tourist, and if your path lies far from the roads, then without it you will simply disappear. If you are not sure about yourself, then it's better to take with you on a journey if not a guide, then at least a knowledgeable person who will prompt and teach the intricacies of navigation.
Let's try to figure out how to choose a compass,let's designate the types and components of these devices. In the calculation will be taken the opinions of serious experts in this field and feedback from professional instructors in orienteering.
Types of liquid compasses
Unlike digital models, liquid modelsThe compass needle devices are magnetized, and it works in tandem with the magnetic field of the earth. The body is completely filled with liquid in order to give the arrow stability and proper accuracy of readings. Consider the main types of compasses.
Basic models
For novice tourists and day seekersAdventure is a relatively inexpensive and optimal choice. If you stick to the routes and do not climb into the thicket, then the tourist compass in the basic configuration will be a great helper for travel.
Эти устройства имеют набор важнейших компонентов, which may be needed by the tourist, but are deprived of any additional chips like mirrors and deflection adjustments. A striking example of basic compasses is the Suunto A10 model - a sensible and inexpensive thing.
Multifunctional devices
The multifunctional liquid compass ismodel with an impressive range of additional features. They are much easier to navigate the terrain and have increased accuracy. The equipment has mirrors, magnifying glasses, timers, etc.
The model range of this kind of devices is differenthigh price, buying them only makes sense if you regularly travel in the wilderness and away from waypoints. One of the most interesting models of this kind is the Silva Ranger CL liquid compass.
Device Accessories
Этот вид очень часто можно увидеть на брелках keys, on a wristwatch or in the form of small round compasses without a special substrate. They quite well indicate magnetic north, but most of them serve for quick data acquisition and fun.
Use a liquid compass of this type forserious orientation is impossible, therefore, to go with waypoints with such equipment is not recommended. The range of such accessories is very wide, but among the majority there is a very successful and sensibly assembled series of REI Therm-o. The instruction manual of the liquid compass for these models directly warns that using only this accessory far from the tourist routes is dangerous and unacceptable.
Components of the device
В момент определения координат на местности с using compass travelers use the "orientation" or "substrate". "Orientation" is an indicator of your exact position, and "navigation" is the process itself, which determines the final destination and route to this object.
In order for everything to work as it should, eachThe compass model should have the following components. If your device does not have any of these details, then you should not go on a long journey with it.
Magnetic needle
This is a common pivot element, as a rule.diamond-shaped type with a red end. The pointer points to the strongest magnetic field (north pole). The real north, where all the lines of longitude converge, is slightly different from the magnetic one. The latter is located in the part of the Arctic near the chains of the Canadian Islands, that is, the difference is about 1600 kilometers.
Therefore, working with the map on the ground, you needtake into account and compensate for the difference between magnetic and real north. In the middle zone of Russia, this figure is insignificant, but in professional tourist competitions it should be taken into account if you use a non-digital compass (liquid). How to use the device, it is said in the instruction manual, there you can also find specific error indicators.
Liquid
The dial or the case itself, wherearrow filled with damping fluid. This non-freezing composition makes it possible to slightly slow down the inertia of the arrow and stops it at the required parameters much faster than in similar devices filled with air.
In a harsh winter or at high altitude, the liquid underexposure to temperature and pressure begins to shrink, filling the body with small bubbles. You do not need to be afraid of this effect, because it does not affect the accuracy of the readings at all. If you return to a more favorable environment, then the bubbles after a while will simply disappear, as if they were not there at all.
Azimuth ring
This is a rotating bezel on the compass case with marked degrees from 0 to 360, respectively. Professionals are advised to choose a device where the step on the azimuth ring would be no more than two units.
The bezel surrounds the outer edge of the compass and the smallerstep interval, the easier it is to work with the bearing or azimuth, that is, with the direction you want to follow (angle relative to the north pole).
Substrate with ruler
The substrate has a transparent rectangular base,where is the special capsule. Sensible and expensive devices are equipped with quality rulers in centimeters or inches in the form of engraving on the substrate.
Both of these attributes are indispensable at the time of measurement.distances on topographic maps. During the purchase, be sure to pay attention to the scale and take the device with the usual for you division, that is, step and ruler (inch / centimeter). Standard topographic maps have a scale of 1 to 24,000 (for geological services) and 1 to 25,000 (tourist).
Orienting lines of meridians
North-South lines, parallels of meridians andfixed orienting arrow located at the bottom of the device. The non-magnetic end of the arrow is marked in red, as well as the meridian line. In order to correlate a compass with a topographic map, you need to align the directions of north and south on your device.
Index marker
Индексная линия или маркер направления движения located at the bottom of the device capsule. From this point you can determine or set your current readings. It is desirable that the marker had a clear color, and the point itself was engraved.
Summarizing
Can GPS- and GLONASS receivers replaceordinary liquid compass? Probably not. They are complementary tools. The compass has one indisputable advantage that any satellite receiver lacks, it shows the direction of magnetic north.
Of course, any tourist GPS gadgetIt is supplied with an electronic compass, but, like all electrical appliances, they need power, and the battery can run out, leaving you without navigation. In any case, armed with even the latest developments for travelers, do not forget to throw a regular compass into your pocket: it takes up a minimum of space, and there will be a maximum benefit from it.
