Sun compass

[Mav]

Does anyone know where I can get a sun compass? I used one in the Army years ago and I reckon one would be handy during my forthcoming trip accross North Africa.

[Ian Wood]

A company by the name of Naviegemus (IoM) Ltd, Great Downs, Tollesbury, Maldon, Essex, CM9 8RD manufactured sun compasses (in 1980).

I have no idea whether the company still exists or if it does, whether it still makes these instruments. (I would imagine GPS had a similar impact on sun compasses as electronic calculators had on slide rules.)

If you have no luck with the manufacturers you could try making one yourself. The Independent Traveller's Handbook (edited by Ingrid Cranfield, WEXAS International Ltd. 1980) contains a whole chapter dedicated to the design, construction and use/misuse of sun compasses. The 'Howard' type in particular looks quite easy to construct.

Again, I don't know if this book is still in print. If you can't find a copy and still want to have a go at making a sun compass send me an email (woodi@pasmico.com.au) and I'll fax/post you the relevant pages from the book.

Best wishes for your adventure, and good luck.

Ian

[Ian Wood]

Hi Mav

How are you going in your search for a sun compass? If you are still looking for one you could try ebay at http://pages.ebay.com I checked out of curiosity and was astounded to see several models ranging from new equipment to ex-army (WW2) gear.
Cheers.
Ian.

[rodskogj]

If you have a watch you can get a good estimate of north or south by using the following technique found in many survival books:

Northern Hemisphere: Point the hour hand on your watch towards the sun. South is half way between the hour hand and "12" on your watch.

Southern Hemisphere: Point the "12" on your watch towards the sun. North is half way between the hour hand and "12" on your watch.

This works fairly well (try it!), but I don't know how effective it is if you are close to the equator.

Good luck!