LEISURE - TREKKING - ORIENTATION

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Compass

The compass has a magnetic needle which follows the terrestrial magnetic pole. The magnetic pole is almost the geographic point of the earth, but it changes a little every year. In the dry compass, the needle does not stabilize very quickly. In the oil compass, the needle stabilizes more quickly and there is also the 'turbo' system which allows the use of the compass in other than a horizontal position. The walk compass gives the north and also the walking direction. Another compass serves to work on the map and to visualize the direction for prism reading. The geodesical compass is very accurate. We have compasses to measure the angle along the coast and that can be incorporated into a binocular. The compass used in a magnetic outside environment can be compensated with small inside magnets. A good compass can be adjusted to the changing magnetic pole.

RECTA Compass :

It is essential to understand two terms in compass technology: declination and inclination. Magnetic lines do not point necessarily to the geographical North. The angle between these two directions is called the declination. It varies locally and as regards time, between one country and another. In certain models, the appropriate correction can be set permanently, while with simpler models, this has to be calculated.

The vertical intensity of the magnetic field, known as inclination, is not the same everywhere. It influences the horizontal position of the needle. RECTA compensates this effect by means of two different capsules: one for the northern and the other for the southern hemisphere. Compasses with the RECTA Global system needle function at all latitudes without it being necessary to exchange the capsules. One compass for the whole world.

Newly-developed magnetic materials were used in the search for ever faster and more stable compasses. However, more heavily magnetized needles react more sensitively to inclination. Basic new solutions had to be found and RECTA provided these with the patented Global system needle system. Here, the magnet is separated from the needle and compensates for the magnetic attraction on its own. These are some of the Turbo 20 advantages: - very short centring time, 2 seconds instead of 4 - 6 seconds - improved tilt-free range of 20' - only 1 compass capsule is required for all latitudes This provides globe-trotters and orienteering competitors with top-of-the-range models which satisfy all requirements.

See Skywatch Geos N. 11

Encyclopedia Wikipedia, Compass

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