Hello everyone, I’m looking for a good (cheap) magnetic compass to mount on top of my panel (not in my panel). Need to upgrade from a dirt cheap Amazon thing which doesn’t have a clean way to mount. The aviation specific ones are absurdly expensive but the marine ones look stupid (IMO). There must be a good middle-ground that I’m missing. Appreciate any recommendations!
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I bought a used one from eBay. Like this:
Day VFR SkySport PN 10-05419 Back up compass.
This was the most cost effective , of this style, that I could find. I did not want to spend a lot as the whisky/wet compass is just there as a back up to my electronic systems.
Fairly sure it came with a light version. Neither certified.
“I’m looking for a good (cheap) magnetic compass”
My guess is you could get one (good) or the other (cheap) but not both. With modern technology a compass nearly seems to be a waste of time & funds until/unless you actually need one. (There is the joke about the last known position being “number one for take-off” LOL!)
I was gifted with a SIRS compass
( Sirs Navigator Overhead Compass FAA TSO | Aircraft Spruce ® )
and I see now that they are well over $500. But to be fair it is extremely accurate and was very easy to swing.
I did a bit of looking on your behalf and if I was looking for good/cheap in a compass I think Bryan is close but if you want less weight and new this might be close also: Amazon.com : Sun Company SeaTurtl Kayak Compass - Full-Size Mountable Marine Compass with Adjustable Hood : Sport Compasses : Sports & Outdoors
Pretty good reviews and only $52. I have no personal experience with any of these. I also have an AV30E installed but I need to add an external magnetometer as a few trips around the pattern seems to make it dizzy. I understand that a separate mag unit makes it dead on accurate.
Be interested in what you decide on,
Dale
3.0 Corvair/Taildragger
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I’ve also see this in aircraft (or similar)- all you need to be legal.
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I considered mounting my wet compass on the windscreen hoop. Decided against,as it would have blocked a little bit of sky (view). I fly in a fairly congested airspace - any reduction in ability to “acquire” that potentially conflicting aircraft is a concerne.