I've lost my bearings – Compass question. (1 Viewer)

Roryboys Dad

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Mar 19, 2012
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I have a couple of compasses, one came with the Satellite Dish system and one I bought separately, that I use to find North when I'm setting up my Tv dish.

When I use them in the MH they give a different reading depending on whereabouts in the MH I put them.

Sometimes each compass points in a different direction to the other - and that's not very helpful.

When standing outside the MH they both seem to point to magnetic North together but transferring that direction back into the MH isn't a very accurate way of doing it.

Do you think I'm being too meticulous about finding the right direction or could you recommend any particular make of compass that would be better suited to be used in the MH than the ones I already have?
 

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Aug 27, 2009
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I have a couple of compasses, one came with the Satellite Dish system and one I bought separately, that I use to find North when I'm setting up my Tv dish.

When I use them in the MH they give a different reading depending on whereabouts in the MH I put them.

Sometimes each compass points in a different direction to the other - and that's not very helpful.

When standing outside the MH they both seem to point to magnetic North together but transferring that direction back into the MH isn't a very accurate way of doing it.

Do you think I'm being too meticulous about finding the right direction or could you recommend any particular make of compass that would be better suited to be used in the MH than the ones I already have?
Probably too much steel around you for a good reading. You can overcome this by using your sat nav or a compass app for your phone. Also easier to read while you are driving.:thumb:
 
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Geoffers

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Try the maxiview compass , dial sets the direction of the satellite,or get the sat finder app if you have a smart phone.Broken Link Removed

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hilldweller

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but transferring that direction back into the MH isn't a very accurate way of doing it.

Go outside where you are clear of all the magnetism in your MH. Work out your bearing and look for something in the distance on that bearing. Go back and visually line up using that point in the distance.
 
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Wildman

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why use a compass, a map will orientate you even if the sun is not out. If the sun is out point the hour hand of an analogue clock/watch at the sun and bisect the angle between that and 12 the result is dues south point the sat a little to the east of that. You only need an approx direction then use the sat finder to find the correct sat. the whole proceedure only takes a couple of mins

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Aug 27, 2009
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Won't that suffer the same problems as a normal compass ?
No, if you have a phone signal then you will have an accurate compass reading. I have just tested this by installing "smart compass" from the google store. Very good app it uses your camera so you can pan into your point of reference and work from that using mag compass or degrees. It also gives pitch and roll reading. I think I will keep it on my phone now.:thumb:
PS
Just giving this some thought, you could be right, depends what it uses for its movement. It works ok indoors though.
 
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Geoffers

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No, if you have a phone signal then you will have an accurate compass reading. I have just tested this by installing "smart compass" from the google store. Very good app it uses your camera so you can pan into your point of reference and work from that using mag compass or degrees. It also gives pitch and roll reading. I think I will keep it on my phone now.:thumb:
PS
Just giving this some thought, you could be right, depends what it uses for its movement. It works ok indoors though.
Another useful app for motorhomers is clinometer, which is basically a one or two way spirit level, handy for checking the level of the van.
Plus the free satfinder ! hours of fun !:thumb:
 
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Wildman

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Another useful app for motorhomers is clinometer, which is basically a one or two way spirit level, handy for checking the level of the van.
Plus the free satfinder ! hours of fun !:thumb:
I can see if I am going to roll out of bed or not without a clinometer, besides a bootle on the worktop works just as well:ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO:

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