How to use Compass?

moonpenny

Stupid question but bought compass for Grandson 11 ( stocking filler) but can't fathom how to use it.
There are no instructions, I thought it would be simple.

It has a fixed metal surround with a see through glass (plastic) centre that is moveable. There is a thin green line on this that is the "reference point" whatever that means. The pointer is set in this in liquid.

Standing in my room I know exactly where North, South etc is but it points the other way even if I play about moving the green line thingy.

Can anyone please help and explain simply how to use it?

googler

Keep it away from other metal objects, for a start.

What make/model is it, or where did you buy it?

moonpenny

Ebay Chinese sell I'm afraid but had good reviews.
No name on it just a cheaper to add to other things I have for a young boy.

Nasqueron

The green line is meant to be a reference point that you use to ensure you are in the right direction. Say you want to walk NE, you put the arrow on NE and keep the needle steady on North and walk in the direction of NE



https://www.maptools.com/tutorials/plotting/compass

that

should have bought him a slide-rule too, and a morse key, same era?

Normally compasses are used in conjunction with maps (not google maps ) Find your location on the map and make it point north in the same way as the compass. Some compasses have a plastic sight so it is easier to focus on a distant end point

Thomas_Crown

Don't forget that the needle on a compass always points to magnetic north. When out hiking you have to make an allowance, of several degrees, to find true north. I was taught that in 1970 and I don't know how many degrees you would need to adjust your reading by, nowadays. The the number of degrees between magnetic north and true north, changes slightly (increases?) every year.

moonpenny

Thanks everyone. I don't think I will bother giving it to him.
I am putting all sorts of stuff in a "boys sfuff" tin - binoculars, torch, magnifying glass etc but the compass seems too complicated to use. Shame!

Wizard_of_Id

moonpenny wrote: »

Thanks everyone. I don't think I will bother giving it to him.
I am putting all sorts of stuff in a "boys sfuff" tin - binoculars, torch, magnifying glass etc but the compass seems too complicated to use. Shame!

I think you should give him the compass anyway, it will be good for him to find out how to use it then show you

worried_jim

moonpenny wrote: »

Thanks everyone. I don't think I will bother giving it to him.
I am putting all sorts of stuff in a "boys sfuff" tin - binoculars, torch, magnifying glass etc but the compass seems too complicated to use. Shame!

It's a miracle Columbus ever discovered America! Just because you find it complicated is no reason to write off your grandchild's lust for life and learning.

Neil_Jones

If your grandson is a scout, he'll know how to use it, if not somebody in the troop will know how to use it properly. If you seriously don't want to give it to him, donate it to the nearest scout group.

Using a compass is a good life skill, such as when Google Maps is not available and the A-Z is on a campfire

Grey_Critic

I used to teach Outdoor Pursuits and I told my students to do this for self study - Type into a search engine - "How to use a compass" - Ordnance Survey and various other sites as well as YouTube have free tutorials from beginner upwards. Easy to follow