What's a good magnetic compass?

[squale]

I was going to buy a magnetic compass very similar to the one that is in planes like a Cessna 172. I wanted to use this in my car because #1 I don't have a compass in my car and needed to get one anyhow, and #2 I think it will definately help me with quickly reading the compass and learning.

So any ideas on good compasses?

Also, do you need to mount the compass a completely flat and level surface in your car for it to work properly?

 

[ShawnC]

Was this cut and pasted out of the Dorky Pilot thread?

You'll get use to reading the compass.

 

[crowbar]

Was this cut and pasted out of the Dorky Pilot thread?

You'll get use to reading the compass.

I don't think it was cut and pasted from anywhere, I think we have the real mckoy.

 

[squale]

man you guys are brutal...

here's an idea, if you don't have something constructive to say, don't reply to this post...

I mean **CENSORED****CENSORED****CENSORED****CENSORED**.... the only time I post things is for constructive info, you guys just post all day for fun and belittle people... I think you guys are the "dorks" who need a life...

 

[MetroSheriff]

Perhaps I can help with this one...

Squale,

You are right. There are a lot of small minded folks here. Immature posts that dont answer the question that was asked but instead give smart-ass answers meant to belittle someone asking a sincere question.

That being said let us move on to your original question. It has long been my experience that the very best ones generally point NORTH. There are some cheap imitations out there so you need to be very carefull in your shopping.

Don't let a slick saleman talk you into one of those other compasses.

You need to be extra vigilant when shopping for an important
magnetic compass. None is more important than the one you are going to install in your car. The results of skimping or bargain hunting for your car compass could be tragic.



Here is a good model that you could wear on your wrist to help you get around when you are on foot.



Here is one you could mount on a pith helmet so you could wear it and your friends could tell you which way you are going in case the wrist model fails. Compass redundancy is paramount to pedestrian safety!!!



Here is the best car model out there. I think you can find dash mounting kits for different vehicles on E-Bay.


Be very carefull out there. This is a big decision, your future hangs in the balance.

Best of luck.

 

[ShawnC]

It's better to get this grief beforehand and not put a Cessna compass in your car, then to put one in and get it for the rest of your life.

 

[squale]

okay you guys are pathetic... forget this post... you obviously all need lifes..

 

[Jedi_Cheese]

okay you guys are pathetic... forget this post... you obviously all need lifes..

squale, if anyone should get a life it is you. We really don't care. Hell, outfit your d4mn car with a whole instrament pannel for all we care.

If you want to pretend to be a pilot, look cool, and pick up chicks, we could give you all sorts of hints and it would be cheaper than actually learning how to fly (yes you would get flamed here by people that actually DO fly airplanes). If you want to learn how to fly, then ask a real question about something like radionavigation or how to do wind correction in flight planning.

kthx

 

[kevdog]

Buy a garmin GPS and install it in your car panel. It has a great compass in it and then you can get used to programming GPS for your airline career.

 

[MetroSheriff]

Hell, outfit your d4mn car with a whole instrament pannel for all we care.

If he is looking to have an avionics panel put in his car, I think this is the company that can help. I think they do custom work. It might be expensive but it would be worth every penny.


Instrument panels for cars

 

[ShawnC]

If he is looking to have an avionics panel put in his car, I think this is the company that can help. I think they do custom work. It might be expensive but it would be worth every penny.


Instrument panels for cars

You got to have a glass cockpit in your car with a HUD.

 

[squale]

wow, you guys spend too much time in planes and infront of computers... it's really actually funny to read your comments, thanks for the laugh!

 

[skyking1976]

I just installed a TCAS II in my 89 Merc. Colony Park along with EGPWS and a HUD. Now I can drive in 0/0 conditions and not worry about hitting any other Mode S equipped cars , really deep potholes, or traffic cones....

SK

 

[Lequip]

Just follow SQUALE around. With the huge metal plate in his head he always knows which way is Magnetic North.

 

[Lequip]

Just realized that SQUALE is the same fool asking about what kind of watch to buy. Mr. 152 Student pilot seems to pretty anxious. Any bets that he straps on a knee board while practicing touch and go's. I can just see him preflighting his 152 with his Ray Ban Generals on and the DC in hand. LMAO! And he is telling us to get a life.

 

[Jedi_Cheese]

Squale, seriously, it is way too expensive to buy an aircraft compass for a car (~$70 used). If you do go with one tho, get a slaved DG to it and impress all your pilot friends. And the glass cockpit for your car is the only way to go if you want to be taken seriously.

Hell, are there even different manufacturers of aircraft compasses?

 

[Nolife]

Compass

Sporty's actually sells a car version of the aviation one. Dash mount with instructions... so you shouldn't need dual to install it.

Don't worry about these other guys. They don't know that real pros have compasses in their cars, wear the vest with 100 pockets over their uniforms, and carry that little sight tube which will tell you if you're going into a cloud or not.

It's your money so spend it wisely on gadgets that will help you in the cockpit. Also I find it invaluable to incorporate aviation jargon in your telephone manner... ie: Roger, Wilco, cleared for conversation, say position, etc...

 

[EatSleepFly]

You guys are being just a tad bit harsh I think (not that it isn't entertaining...lol).

Squale- Don't worry about a compass, dude. If you put a compass in your car, you're going to find yourself listed in the dorky pilot thread.

Besides, a magnetic compass that you find in an airplane, would be nearly useless in a car- especially if you drive in Ohio (or any other miserable northern state with a halfass highway department).



P.S.- Taking this "abuse" is good practice. If you want to be a pilot, you'll need thick skin.

 

[JJJ]

Squale

You should be thanking the folks that have responded to your question. I know that you are excited about learning how to fly, but buying a compass for your car to "learn" is way over board.

In a few years, when you have become enlightened in the aviation world, you will realize the foolishness of such actions young grasshopper.

 

[squale]

lol, reading back on my post, I really did word it wrong...

I don't want a cessna compass or anything aircraft worthy, I just wanted a cheapo plastic something to throw in the car since I don't have one of those nice digital built in compasses in the car already. I figured, if I get one of those circular compasses it might get a little better at reading the thing...

it's confusing how the magnetic compass in the plane turns in the opposite direction as the heading indicator does... (besides the compass being wrong half the times here in the northern hemisphere anyhow). Accelerate, Decelerate, make a turn, the magentic compass in the plane gets all screwed up anyhow..