What type of compass should I buy?

General letterboxing discussion.

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What type of compass?

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wires
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Post by wires »

the silva 54 is not a true sighting compass,it is a base plate compass that can be used as a sighting compass. the only ture sighting compasses that silva do is in there marine range.


i have had a type 54, it seemed a bit like a cheepo compass for £50+
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Jones family on tor
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Post by Jones family on tor »

Hi Wires,
This is true, I notice you use the Silva 80 which is a probably better compass for letterboxing (hardier for a start) but we find the 54 is a better all rounder and we use it for several navigation applications.
But you must agree a good compass is essential?
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Post by wires »

oh yes i keep a type 7 in my bag as well! a sighting compass in no replacment for a base plate type. just an (accurate) addition?
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Crafty Jo
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Post by Crafty Jo »

This is getting way to technical for me - I just like my sighting compass - can't remember what number it is - but it certainly does the job pretty accurately! :D
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Post by Dizzy »

My new compass arrived through the post box whilst at work today and what a difference! Bearing in mind (no pun intended) that I've been using my old Sylva Landranger Type 54 for over 12 years for letterboxing, but being scratched to bits, bubble in the bezel I ordered that new one for £52.

Compairing the old and the new, the sighting window is much much clearer to view the bearings, plus they have changed the shape and design a little over the years. The cover I bought for the old one still fits!
I can't wait to going boxing now!

Anyone want an old sighting compass, works ok.

Dizzy
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Fulchet
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Post by Fulchet »

I've ordered one as well and waiting for delivery - hoping it will improve my bearings when locating the remaining 4 boxes. If not, I'm sure someone will soon help me so clues can be updated.

Tina
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James&Jenny
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Post by James&Jenny »

Guess what!

We've just got a new sighting comapss as well! :D

Only ordered it online yesterday and it arrived today! Also treated ourselves to a Dartmoor digital map 1:25000, so look out Dartmoor for the new improved J&J!!!

Just need to get there though................... :(

All the best

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Post by Dizzy »

Well done J&J, good to hear you got your new compass. Also the digital map! Which program have you bought? I use TrackLogs Digital mapping, really good for planning your walks.

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Crafty Jo
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Post by Crafty Jo »

Congratualtions James and Jenny on your two new bits of equipment. I want an update on how well you do locating boxes on your next visit. Trouble is now there is no blaming the inaccurate compass bearings - just the inaccurate bearing taker! :lol:
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James&Jenny
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Post by James&Jenny »

Crafty Jo wrote: just the inaccurate bearing taker! :lol:
Ho Ho Ho! :lol:
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James&Jenny
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Post by James&Jenny »

Dizzy wrote: Which program have you bought?
We bought the Anquet 1:25000 Outdoor Leisure map of Dartmoor. It was about £21 when bought online. Let me know if anyone wants the details. We looked at Memory map, but this was £80-£100, and the Anquet seems to have all the features. Only got it last night, so was playing with it into the early hours as was to be expected!

Now starting to cover the map with lots of little flags! Can't wait to use it with the compass!

All the best

James :D
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The Dartmoor Pubhopper
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Post by The Dartmoor Pubhopper »

Wow, where did you find to buy that? Anquet Maps are normally £100 per national park in the explorer scale. I have been dying to get one ever since they came out but can't afford £100.
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James&Jenny
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Post by James&Jenny »

Hi Dartmoor Pubhopper!

Here is the link that you need:

http://www.aboveandbeyond.co.uk/shop/An ... -9542.html

As you say, the National park maps are £100 (reduced to £75) each, but all the Outdoor Leisure maps are £21. I ordered mine Tuesday morning, and it arrived Wednesday. (I did pay £2-ish extra for First Class post as I'm just so impatient!)

Hope this is of help

Best wishes

James :D
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Post by Fulchet »

My new compass arrived yesterday, so will use it at the weekend and hope my bearings are little better than my last attempts when siting my remaining boxes - apologies to everyone if I get it wrong - the box will be there somewhere ... lol

Tina
next target 2000 - hopefully some time in 2010 (ha, ha, make that 2013)
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Post by Fulchet »

James&Jenny wrote:
Dizzy wrote: Which program have you bought?
We bought the Anquet 1:25000 Outdoor Leisure map of Dartmoor. It was about £21 when bought online.

I've just ordered one. I've got a Garmin TOPO but hopefully the Anquet will complement it.

Tina
next target 2000 - hopefully some time in 2010 (ha, ha, make that 2013)
Tina
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