How To Use Fixed Scale Compass Declination

[@robp1245]

Thanks, nicely explained and the clearest I've found that doesn't use a declination adjustment screw.

[@verysurvival]

cheers

[@davidpereira9238]

Ditto

[@gfexc]

Nicely explained. I have 2 hours reading this from different text sites and it´s like they are explaining equations for a Rubik´s cube. Finally I landed here and now I´m the wisest. :)

[@verysurvival]

Glad it was helpful!

[@wildtramper3132]

Later in life I’ve just started to give walking/hiking a go & really enjoy it. I’ve never read a map or used compass in my life, I’ve alway relied on my phone, after watching your videos I feel very confident & am going to give map & compass a go because I think it’ll add to my enjoyment. Thank you for your videos because they are invaluable to newbies like myself.👍

[@verysurvival]

That is awesome!

[@ageofgaslightenment]

I feel like it's easier just to add/subtract your declination to the bearing. If you calculate the bearing to your target on the map at 140 degrees and you know you have a 20 degree declination then set the bearing to 120 degrees, put red in the shed, and you're good to go.

[@Francois_Dupont]

its what i do. the problem is when taking measurement in the field, like for finding your position. each measurement you get is wrong by 20degrees?

[@ageofgaslightenment]

@@Francois_Dupont not sure what you mean. If you're going from compass to map you would do the opposite... in the case of my example you would then add 20 degrees to your bearing when plotting on the map.

[@Eastbound84]

I think he does the same but he was making this video to explain how to use a fixed declination scale. I would definitely just add or subtract it to the bearing but I've always wanted to know how to use a fixed scale.

[@internal_dialogue9290]

Yes. Right on

[@garthtimmins2852]

I was taught to add or subtract the declination using the mnemonic "Declination East, compass least. Declination West, compass best".

[@garthtimmins2852]

Nicely done. I think this method is easier than adding or subtracting. Thanks for the simple, clear explanation.

[@verysurvival]

Glad it was helpful!

[@shawnkane1980]

Thank you! SILVA should hire you for properly explaining the crucial step 3!!! Not all country has 0 Declination!!!

[@verysurvival]

Cheers

[@highpeaktrails]

The simplest and best declination and how to do it on my ‘fixed declination compass’ explanation on the web! Thank you. 💯💯🙏🙏😁

[@verysurvival]

Glad it was helpful!

[@richvankampen5588]

East declination - Subtract degrees when going from map to field. Add degrees when going from field to map. West declination - Add degrees when going from map to field. Subtract degrees when going from field to map. Right?

[@verysurvival]

yes

[@pay9011]

I don't think I've ever seen using MD on a fixed compass explained this way. I like it. I think after a few trial uses it will be pretty easy. 👍

[@verysurvival]

Cheers

[@iaincraig4871]

I watched this 3 times. I still don’t have a clue what any of that means. Keep an eye out for me on the next episode of “I shouldn’t be alive” coming out soon!

[@verysurvival]

no worries

[@sandsock]

Good job. With that compass. I would redraw the declination lines on my map. Thats old school.

[@paulwitney]

In the uk I always go for the phrase Grid to mag, add. Mag to grid, get rid I think we are 1° and a bit east at the moment according to BGS data 👍

[@paulwitney]

Sorry West!!!

[@jamesc1956]

Clearest explanation I've found, thanks

[@verysurvival]

thanks that what I was trying for

[@anneshehab1875]

Great explanation of a confusing subject. I'm still going to use a compass where I can set declination!

[@verysurvival]

Glad it was helpful!

[@byteme9718]

Far easier in the UK to ignore the declination and move the bezel using the following mnemonic - "grid to mag add, mag to grid get rid" to adjust the setting. Far easier and it becomes second nature after you've done it a few times. More accurate than using the difficult to see red scale and the best part is once set the bearing is locked in so you never have to compensate until you select a new heading. You also adjust for magnetic variation according to the age of the map. If you're going to follow this method and use the declination scale make the adjustment when the compass is still on the map where the contrast is likely to be higher than when viewed handheld. The first method hand held, or on the map is just better, it's only drawback is that the mnemonic only works on our side of magnetic north. Before you set out if you have problems remembering local declination for the map being used just write the number on a small sticky label of the adhesive surface and apply it to the underside of the compass where you can see it easily..

[@verysurvival]

The rhyme works for negative and positive declination. Try it. It doesn’t matter.

[@byteme9718]

@@verysurvival Twice as good then.

[@mitchellshanklin681]

Well, explained I'm going to watch it a few more times to burn it in my memory. Thanks!

[@verysurvival]

Glad it was helpful!

[@davielikesrush]

Smashing ! Clear easy to understand explination Ta

[@verysurvival]

Glad it was helpful!

[@PNWMan]

If adjusting declination from field to map is hard to do with your compass because you don't have a mirror, you can instead rotate the bezel until the needle lines up with the orienting arrow. Then to account for declination, place the compass down so the needle remains lined up with the orienting arrow and hold the compass still. Rotate the bezel until the needle lines up with the correct declination.

[@lessimons]

Not sure I am slow but why not use a real map and not a slab of wood, I found the presentation very confusing.

[@verysurvival]

Because after step 2 of the Silva 123 method you don’t use a map. The slab of wood is just to help see the markings on the compass. So I’m showing how to adjust for declination after step 2 and it doesn’t use a map at that stage

[@lessimons]

@@verysurvival Thanks for the quick reply. I am trying to orientate a map with a fixed scale compass and am having or sorts of problems with accuracy in that the map simply does not to seem to be laying in the correct direction.

[@verysurvival]

Place the compass on the map with the long edge parallel to the vertical map lines and the red arrow in the rotating housing is pointing to the top of the map parallel to the vertical map lines. Now keep map and compass together and move them so that the magnetic needle points to the magnetic declination in your area. Now the map is aligned

[@lessimons]

@@verysurvival Thanks

[@johnspencer3994]

You're not slow, this whole video should have been an overhead shot at a map/compass. diddling with something in his palm we can not see is useless.

[@newtyauger5458]

Could you just set the declination for your area in the dog house and let it alone?

[@verysurvival]

Not really because you always have to move it. But if you mean can you remember the offset and adjust every time you take a reading then yes you can. That works great

[@newtyauger5458]

@@verysurvival I kind of mean if you mark your offset with a piece of tape or something every time you take a reading that would become your new mark to put in the doghouse. Would that work?

[@armorvestrus4119]

Very good video.

[@verysurvival]

Thank you very much!

[@ottoman1755]

Could someone recommend best maps to use for navigation in the USA?

[@dwaynerobertson383]

USGS maps. That stands for United States Geological Survey, I believe. Probably get any scale you want; for examples 1:50,000/1:24,000/7.5 minute is 1:15,000 I think, or maybe even greater/closer detail. I am Canadian so double check this info!! Pretty sure I'm correct, but this is a start for you. Seriously, I'd highly suggest USGS topographic maps, because they show contoured elevations, rivers, lakes, trails, terrain features, buildings, bridges, power lines, railways and every other detail you can imagine. Pay very serious attention to the date ANY map was surveyed, because declination/Magnetic North changes over time. You get into an old map and use the provided declination angle from 1988 or something you will be off your destination target, possibly by a lot. Make sure you find the date of any map you get (that's step #1), and make the error correction/do the math for the correct present declination in your area, or check the internet for your local declination. Hope this is a help (and check out caltopo.com to print your own topo maps which I think may use/provide USGS maps).

[@idahomountainelk]

USGS 1:24000 TOPO maps are great. However if you hike big, you'll probably need two maps.

[@James_Bowie]

So, if I have adjusted my Brunton or Suunto compass for declination, I am automatically using map (grid) north when I put 'red in the shed'. Correct?

[@verysurvival]

Yes

[@James_Bowie]

@@verysurvival Thanks.

[@audiofella5066]

im new to the compass, can i use it in the car or will the metal all mess it up?? thanks

[@verysurvival]

generally speaking it will mess it up, there are magnets in the engine parts and in the speakers etc not to mention the steel it is made of, all this will mess it up . You can test it stand several meters from the car and see where it points, and then get in the car. you might get lucky and find a spot in the car that it works.

[@audiofella5066]

@@verysurvival ok thanks i guess i'll just try and use the app on my phone hopefully it works somewhat

[@Shihabdeenrecreationalcyclist]

I have same type of baseplate compass which dial scale is not aligned with bazel north line also 4 degree offset from north point

[@verysurvival]

Sounds like it has been adjusted for declination. There should be a screw on it somewhere to adjust

[@MOAB-UT]

Good explanation. Using the stick to point is very helpful as we can see more.

[@verysurvival]

Glad it was helpful!

[@OHMYGODDOG]

I am trying to get a grasp on this, but without a compass a map or practice I am having a rough go. One question I keep asking without getting a response that would benefit someone like myself (i.e. "it doesn't matter") is this ... I am in the USA ... should I buy my first compass in NH or Global? There is only one video I found on KZbin thus far that shows that a global compass is more accurate because if you don't have it exactly level it still tracks more accurately. Any thoughts on this for someone who doesn't understand all these concepts yet and is looking to buy 1 compass. fyi, "Global vs NH compass" or anything of the sort was not a KZbin video I could find ... might be a decent one to make I am not sure. Going to check out the rest of your videos too. Cheers.

[@verysurvival]

Buy NH , I’ve spoken to manufacturers and they have told me that NH compasses or SH compasses are better than global.

[@pay9011]

Yeah. I understand the concept but i don't think it will become useable info until it's used in the field. I buy adjustable dec. compasses now but it's good to know how fixed scale compasses handle it.

[@sosteve9113]

essential skill imho

[@verysurvival]

take care Steve!

[@StevenSiew2]

Use this formula GB = MB + Adj Where GB = Grid Bearing Where MB = Magnetic Bearing Where Adj = Declination Adjusment ie. 20 E = +20 and 7 W = -7 How to Remember: General Motors Automotive (Gb Mb Adj)

[@verysurvival]

mind blown

[@sully4875]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@cetvies-author-writer]

vary survival.

[@MrWmburr7]

Clear as mud . . . 🤨

[@milanm2239]

Will this work on Flat earth?

[@StevenSiew2]

yes but you have to adj for the needle dipping due to the curvature of the flat earth.

[@rufusintenn648]

In the states, we have to adjust an additional 8 to 10 deg when near the East coast to account for Trump's big ego. :p

[@verysurvival]

Declination can be ignored if you wash the compass with bleach

[@johnspencer3994]

could be worse. while 0 bama was in office he sucked so hard we had to make a 90 degree compensation.

[@Mortzy]

🤣 you guys are hilarious