Purchased a new Silva compass today

[sheme]

I had my Silva Expedition compass arrive in the post today - I know where north is in my house so naturally I tried it out, sure enough it points to where north should be, I moved it down the table and got on with finding a case for it then I notice it was at 62 degrees East I tapped and moved it- now it is at 26 degrees arrow still aligned North- I am confused anyone got a compass they could check out now please :blushing: or have I purchased a duff.:facepalm: I have just slid it across the table and it went to 320 degrees moved it 6 inches and it is now 65 degrees. I'm on the floor now searching for the cause.

[norman]

It's only going to be reliable out in the open places away from stray magnetic invluences.

[DeDukshyn]

I haven't used a compass in a while but the ones I've had have always been a bit finicky. I'd have to work it a bit before I was confident in where it pointed.

[sheme]

Just this moment taken outside as suggested and it worked fine in everyplace I put it, have it back indoors, it is much better, though remains a bit strange. ( found it was when it was near my PC) I had an inexpensive geological compass someplace and it never varied -you know you had to level it up each time, this is why I was so surprised when the new compass behaved so badly, I figure it is time I did some compass work as I am off for a week walking in the Peak district, thanks to all good folks here for your help and support.

[Bill Ryan]

I had my Silva Expedition compass arrive in the post today - I know where north is in my house so naturally I tried it out, sure enough it points to where north should be, I moved it down the table and got on with finding a case for it then I notice it was at 62 degrees East I tapped and moved it- now it is at 26 degrees arrow still aligned North- I am confused anyone got a compass they could check out now please :blushing: or have I purchased a duff.:facepalm: I have just slid it across the table and it went to 320 degrees moved it 6 inches and it is now 65 degrees. I'm on the floor now searching for the cause.

I have two Silva compasses to this day, with me here in Ecuador. I've had them each for about 20 years, maybe more.

Yes, they're very sensitive to anything magnetic... that's the whole idea. No such thing as a 'duff' — that's 100% impossible. They're basically designed for use outdoors, well away from almost everything else apart from you. :)

[sheme]

Today I have figured out ( I think) what the problem was- silva compass is plastic, it came in a plastic sealed pack wrapped in a plastic bubble wrap envelope I have a wipe clean plastic table cloth that I placed it on and was moving it around on I had man made materials shoes on. I took it out side placed it on the 'ground' and that was the problem gone- I feel it was charged up with it's own little energy confusion until it was earthed. what do you think?

[sheme]

http://britgeopeople.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/somethings-happening-to-magnetic-north.html

Well my little holiday has quite got me thinking about the direction I will be going in :bigsmile: my tiny adventure will be in the peak district -even so it seems I should be getting Magnetic variation for this area to be accurate with my compass- no chance of me getting lost as I know all I have to do is follow the well trodden path - however I thought many people may find the above link of use, I believe Americans have got their own version NOAA but do you know your Magnetic declination for the area you choose to bug out in?

[eaglespirit]

Compass aside...
Enjoy Your Holiday at the Peak District, Sheme, it is beautiful : )
http://www.jamesgphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Ringing-Roger-to-Edale-Peak-District-Landscape-Photography.jpg

[sheme]

Off to get my kit in order all part of the holiday - that is a great photo! I am taking my friend Next door she is 76 so I think the high stuff is out of the question. Always take an excuse with you.

[DeDukshyn]

Today I have figured out ( I think) what the problem was- silva compass is plastic, it came in a plastic sealed pack wrapped in a plastic bubble wrap envelope I have a wipe clean plastic table cloth that I placed it on and was moving it around on I had man made materials shoes on. I took it out side placed it on the 'ground' and that was the problem gone- I feel it was charged up with it's own little energy confusion until it was earthed. what do you think?

Plastic can hold a decent static charge - plausible.

[Lifebringer]

Magnetic waves bouncing around. The one on my key chain while parked will move between 14 and 17 degrees off point.
Guess that's how most of the flying, sailing craft crashed into the seas. The waves had to be treacherous when this occurred. Phew, when I think about.. I pray we all stay safe. Bermuda triangle does it too. I wonder if it's the Carribean pulse off Cuba? Hmm..

Shine on Avalon:sun:

[Lifebringer]

Today I have figured out ( I think) what the problem was- silva compass is plastic, it came in a plastic sealed pack wrapped in a plastic bubble wrap envelope I have a wipe clean plastic table cloth that I placed it on and was moving it around on I had man made materials shoes on. I took it out side placed it on the 'ground' and that was the problem gone- I feel it was charged up with it's own little energy confusion until it was earthed. what do you think?

Plastic can hold a decent static charge - plausible.

Mines is in a plastic casing and perhaps at this time, our electrons are zooming and confusing the compass, or Fukishima. It's gonna be tough to even read the stars, for direction when the pole shifts. What zone of sky will we be be in, when we look up?