Suunto MC-2G Compass (Setting Magnetic Declination on the Suunto)

This video is a follow-up to my series of videos on land navigation. This video discusses how to set the magnetic declination on the Suunto MC-2G compass. For getting your magnetic declination for your area go to www.magnetic-de... theamericanback... ([e-mail])

[@tlg1457]

Appreciate your insight. I was re refamilurizing myself on the military grid template and came across you channel. 👍🏻✌🏼🌱

[@UsurpersLightning]

Finally! A video that actually shows HOW to adjust magnetic declination using a real world example. Bravo!

[@usernamemykel]

AGREED!!

[@usernamemykel]

I’ve found that “creator” “KJumper” also showed this.

[@Counselor77]

You have shown the best Setting Magnetic Declination on the Suunto by far. I have created a special playlist for your videos. BTW an eyeglass repair screwdriver works well just in case someone loses the little blade screwdriver that comes with the Suunto.

[@imgadgetmanjim]

Thank you. Best video I found on how to set declination easily.

[@loxandcompanyltd]

I have a SUUNTO MC2 (not the global like you do), but these videos have been extremely helpful. I'm also a veteran. My army buddy has the military issue lensatic and I like to remind him mine is better LOL

[@sanmarcoexplorer2726]

Hello from FLORIDA ! Got same compass today.

[@usernamemykel]

PERFECT!!! Received my MC-2 today, I live in NW Broward county @-7 degrees, and NO ONE ELSE in YT , as far as I've seen, made it clear which way to turn the adjustment screw. Thank you! Hopefully, you've made the acquaintance of Reid Tillery, author of "Surviving the Wilds of Florida".

[@stephenmoore5655]

Seen some videos which are a bit confusing to me but this is by far the easiest, Many thanks from the UK

[@seanpoynter2469]

Thanks! I'm going to use my MC-2G for the first time this weekend while hiking in Alaska!

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

Outstanding, stay safe and enjoy 👍

[@hbarwickjr]

Just purchased a Suunto MC 2 N and was a bit confused lacking confidence on how to do this. That said of all I looked at your explanation is the best illustration and now I've got it. Thank you very much and will be looking into other subjects you cover.

[@TheFrog767]

Excellent you are the first to show the movement. Thinking of getting one .🍻👏👏👏

[@usernamemykel]

AGREED! The FIRST!

[@MrWmburr7]

Thank you for giving me a cogent explanation on this operation!

[@FloridaHamventures]

I just got my MC-2g and I live in Volusia County and this video helped a lot! Thanks

[@modygonzales8255]

tnx Andy!My declination is 2 degrees west[ Los Banos Laguna]Philippines.As per your instruction,i adjust my mc 2G ,1 increment to the right,cheersI got mixed up before,now its very clear!

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

Yes 2 degrees to the west declination on your compass.

[@markpriest8504]

This was an excellent video. Thank you so much for clarity. Can't wait to check your other videos!

[@spyrobaby8961]

Thank you! I have an MC-1 compass, couldn’t find any videos about it. It’s similar but doesn’t have the arrow.

[@MagnetDoc]

I've been watching your channel for a while. I've finally subscribed. Apologize for the delay. A Great channel with very good and sensible education for the hikers and campers. I appreciate and honor your service to our country and informative videos. Keep up the videos of motivation and your adventures in the outdoors. I watch them all...!

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

Outstanding, Thank you.

[@lizwenger734]

Dear American Backpacker, I was able to follow this video exactly to set my declination. Follow-up question: after you set your declination, when you are trying to navigate and the instruction is to "put the dog in the doghouse" do you put the dog in the doghouse or do you aim the dog to align with the 0 degree N mark on the dial? (question from a complete beginner) Thank you for your help.

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

Once your declination is set you put the red in the shed and use the compass as normal. That is the nice feature of this compass.

[@lizwenger734]

@@TheAmericanBackpacker Thank you for confirming!

[@indianolaguitarman]

Thanks. Set mine a few years back and forgot how to do this. It has changed enough since then I needed to readjust it.

[@alantrail7662]

Awesome! Semper Fi. 2/7 Marines back in the 80s

[@proudcanadian9816]

Hi Andy, I just bought this Suunto MC2G compass upon recommendation from many people that rate it high on quality and reliability. So naturally as I'm putting my bug out bag together, I chose this one. It wasn't until I saw your video that I knew that compasses such as this has to have the declination set for any given area. Needless to say, I'm new to compasses and learning how to use it. Now that my compass is set to my area, the next video of yours I'm going to watch will be how to use it. I wanted to say this was my first video I am seeing of yours, and can tell you I NOW intend to see all of them. It may take some time, but I will. I only had to listen to you for a minute before I knew I was going to subscribe to your channel. Oh, I also hit the "notify" and "like" goes without saying. Your videos are well lit, your easy to understand, your pace is perfect, and volume on point. I also appreciate that your videos are in HD, especially for this video. For instance, when you were showing us the small declination marks on the back. Well done ! Mike

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

Thanks Mike, I appreciate the comment. stay safe on your travels.

[@proudcanadian9816]

@@TheAmericanBackpacker Hi Andy, I have a question about the compass. I have tried to no avail. . . to find out how to READ/INTERPRET the bezel . . . 0 to 64 in increments of 2 [ ie. 2, 4, 6, etc] with hash marks in between. At first I thought ok, if I multiply it by 6 it adds up. . . but it doesn't. I know a compass is comprised of 360 degrees to signify a full circle. But I can't for the life of me figure these numbers out. EVEN THE MANUAL doesn't even say how to interpret the numbers. Do you have a video, or a resource that can explain this to me ? Keep in mind this is my first compass too so.. . I'm new to this stuff. Thanks again Andy, I'll wait for your response Mike

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

It sounds like your compass bezel has Mills instead of Degrees. There are 6400 mils in a full circle. My compass has degrees, 0 to 360. Can you send me a picture of your compass because I believe that your bezel ring is using mils instead of degrees. Mils are used for more accurate readings. Artillery units in the military use mils instead of degrees to get very accurate measurements when placing rounds down range.

[@proudcanadian9816]

@@TheAmericanBackpacker On the way, and thanks !

[@sekharsamanta6266]

Well explained, thank you!

[@colleenhathaway8415]

Oh my gosh, thank you! Very helpful

[@markbernard8312]

Many many thanks for this

[@spyrobaby8961]

Thank you! I have an MC-1 compass, couldn’t find any videos about it. It’s similar but doesn’t have the arrow. I just saw mine has a radium luminous painting in the center. Perhaps I should get myself a new on as it’s considered dangerous?

[@ThatguyFirst]

Just saw this video - very helpful. Unfortunately, my compass is missing the lanyard and declination adjustment tool. If anyone else is in the same boat, a jeweler's screwdriver works great (flat blade, 1.8mm or smaller).

[@hdryden7652]

Thanks... this was good information!

[@modygonzales8255]

Andy,according to your website on declination:in my place:LOS BANOS,Laguna PHILIPPINES.it says 2 degrees negative west declination.As ,i understand your explanation: I will adjust my MC2G 1 tick[2 degrees] going left from zero declination towards east declination!

[@johnisaacs5127]

Magnetic declination is in degrees to the east. When it is reported as -2 NEGATIVE (WEST) it is -2 degrees, so it is in the NEGATIVE direction, which means to the WEST. You want to adjust your MC2G by putting the marker 1 tick to the right on the west declination scale.

[@Richard-mz7qu]

Excellent guidance! Thank you sir.

[@iglapsu88]

Thank you! You saved our marriage!

[@rivercityinvestor]

@the american backpacker do you still need to set the declination on a compass if you're not using a map and just hiking? Great video for explaining this.

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

If you are not using the map in correlation with a compass you do not have to. The reason why is because your navigational movements are based strictly on the compass without referencing a map.

[@rivercityinvestor]

@@TheAmericanBackpacker thanks so much

[@brodydog8447]

Very helpful. Thanks 👍🏻

[@usernamemykel]

Ok, so I adjusted my Suunto MC-2 as you described (I'm also in Florida, at -7 degrees west). When I turned it face up, the "shed" points at 353 degrees. Is this correct??

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

Yes it is. 👍

[@MARKLINMAN1]

I was just gifted one and it has an air bubble, can that be fixed? Very good video here by the way.

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

Thank you, Place your compass either on a windowsill or outside on a sunny day so the warmer temperatures can heat it up. This should correct the problem. Temperature changes on occasion will affect the compass along with altitude. I’ve had them in my compass on rare occasions, and when I placed it in the warm sun they have gone away.

[@MARKLINMAN1]

@@TheAmericanBackpacker thank you will give it a go this week since it is going to be Sunny all week. 👍👍👍

[@armandolissarrague4913]

Great video

[@turn-n-burn1421]

This (Magnetic Declination: -0° 1') is what I get for my location and honestly, not only can I not tell if I moved the mark, but I'm not sure I even need to.

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

I hear you, I would need glasses to get that set. You should be good on not adjusting it.

[@BrianJ48]

Thanks - very clear Semper Fi! (69-72)

[@hodgesku]

Thanks buddy 😊

[@mitmaur]

Thank you!

[@patriceb26]

Bonjour , how to recognize a Suunto MC2 G Global system ? difference between SUUNTO MC-2 NH Mirror Compass and Suunto MC2 Global system?

[@MatthewCRivers]

Very helpful, thanks!

[@bobinmontana777]

I want to get the MC2, but I'm having difficulty finding the model without the metric measurements. I'd like to get the global needle mod. But being that I don't plan to be I southern environment could settle for the standard model. So what specific model(s) are available? Great job explaining the compass, thanks.

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

Thank you for the compliment. I would say that the Suunto MC-2 or MCB are good choices for compasses without a global needle. When looking at compasses having one with a mirror is a plus for various uses. The (2) compasses above have the mirror. Suunto makes quality compasses.

[@bobinmontana777]

@@TheAmericanBackpacker Thanks for your reply. I ordered the M - 2 D/in. And the global, I guess I over did it, but I'll find which one I like best. Thanks again. Survival on Purpose, Bryan has a couple of good KZbin vids on using it.

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

You will not go wrong with the global compass. It has served me well. Thank you again for watching. I am always working on expanding my videos when it comes to land navigation. It is a very important skill that is being lost by wilderness adventurers due to modern technology.

[@sawtoothify]

Thx for a great job. I really enjoyed the vid. John G.

[@larrymeeks7998]

Thank you very helpful

[@armandolissarrague4913]

I live in Minnesota. The magnetic declination is +0.5. Would you recommend setting my Sunto for such a small declination?

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

I would still set it on your Suunto. Even though it is small the farther you navigate in distance the more it will take you off course to your final destination.

[@armandolissarrague4913]

@@TheAmericanBackpacker This would mean barely setting the e. Declination less than 1 tic bar for the o.5 degree? FYY Really enjoying your videos.

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

Yes a half of one tick mark. It may seem to many unnecessary but when you are navigating a great distance to a small waypoint it could knock you off your mark. The nice thing about the Suunto is that it is easy to set.

[@kenkoh1724]

Can you explain how to find your location on a map with a compass that's has no declination setting?

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

To find your location on a map with a compass in land navigation is called Resection. I have a video here on my KZbin channel you can watch to explain how to do it. As for determining your magnetic declination, most maps have outdated declinations and some don’t have them at all. Your best bet is to go to the NOAA website. On there site is a magnetic declination calculator you can use to determine what the declination is for the area you plan on visiting.

[@jackabel319]

My compass does not have a adjustment on the back. how would you adjust something like that

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

You will have to either add or subtract the magnetic declination, depending on whether it is westerly or easterly. So if you have a map azimuth of 60 degrees and your magnetic declination is a westerly declination of 15 degrees you will add that to 60 and your compass azimuth will be 75 degrees. If it is easterly you would subtract 15 degrees from the 60 and your compass azimuth will be 45 degrees.

[@davidbutler1825]

Quick question: If I'm using an older map and the map itself is showing that it's based on a declination of 11 degrees, but I go to the web site and find that the current declination is 10 degrees, should I set my compass to the indication on the map, since that is what the meridian lines are based on?

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

Use the updated declination of 10 degrees. The meridian lines do not change. Magnetic declination deals with your compass needle pointing to magnetic north and that changes over time. The lines that change with magnetic declination are called isogonic lines with the agonic line being 0 degrees. These lines, (isogonic and agonic), are imaginary. The isogonic and agonic lines are usually not seen on a Topo map since they change with the magnetic declination. So when you have an older map always use the newer declination which you can find online.

[@davidbutler1825]

@@TheAmericanBackpacker Thank you so much! I'm having so much fun with this. I live in the desert, so it's really easy to practice this right on my property, and I can see where I'm headed (rather than just looking at the face of a pesky forest).

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

Stay safe and enjoy.

[@TheFreedomCast]

So when you're using the compass do you put 354 degrees as your North now?

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

I understand what you are saying but no you do not. When you set the Sunnto declination on the back of the compass it is set for the magnetic declination in your area of operation and you will use it as you would any standard compass. In your explanation, I am guessing that you are using a 6 degree westerly magnetic declination which technically is 354 degrees. Once the Suunto is set for your magnetic declination you will not have to do this. So let's say you set your Suunto to the 6 degree westerly magnetic declination on the back of the compass, (You move the black arrow on the back to the 6 degree mark on the westerly scale). Now your compass is set. When you turn it over and want to head North you put the outer bezel ring on N then you put the red portion of the compass needle into the red orienting arrow, (Red in the Shed) and you are now facing North. Your red orienting arrow is set to 354 degrees because you made the adjustment on the back to set it to your magnetic declination. Since you did this you do not have to worry about any adjustments and you use the compass normally using the bezel ring on the front. So you have the N, (North) on the index pointer and you are facing North. Your red orienting arrow is what is set to 354 degrees. When you put the red in the shed what ever cardinal direction, (N,S E,W,) or degrees (bearing) that your compass is set on the index line that is the direction you are heading. I hope this long winded explanation clears up your question. That is the nice thing about using the Suunto using the magnetic declination scale on the back. You set it and forget it.

[@TheFreedomCast]

@@TheAmericanBackpacker Thank you! that really clarified it for me. Great explanation and great video!

[@davidpinter-piano]

Phoenix, Arizona - Magnetic Declination: +10° 10' Declination is POSITIVE (EAST)

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

I have 10° 7’ east according to the NOAA magnetic field Calculator but it’s plus or 21’. So you are close enough. Are you asking a question?

[@davidpinter-piano]

@@TheAmericanBackpacker No question, I was just stating the difference at my location. It's amazing how much it varies depending on region. Good video by the way!

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

Outstanding, thank you

[@jeanjacques1987]

verry clear thank .

[@bobcragle1085]

ALSO MY DECLINATINION IS eleven degrees ,another number beside it 58' what do I DO WITH THAT NUMBER/

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

Round it up to 12 degrees. 58 is the minutes so you have 11 degrees and 58 minutes. If you divide 58 into 60 (which is 1 hour) you get .96. That said, 11 degrees and 58 minus is 12 degrees. Use that to on your compass to navigate.

[@johnherrick7486]

The little plastic item on the lanyard, what is that for?

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

The black plastic item on the lanyard is a tensioner. It allows the lanyard to be adjusted to various lengths.

[@МаксимЕремин-я6т]

i still don't understand what is that declination 😃

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

Magnetic declination is the difference between Magnetic North and True North. Your compass always point to the Magnetic North which changes year to year. So you have a true north (a physical location North Pole) and a Magnetic North (an imaginary non physical North). The Magnetic North changes each year because of the earths composition which is made up of different rocks causing a magnetic disruption. Your compass needle is magnetized and it point to magnetic north not True North. So when you are navigating using a compass and a map you need to adjust for magnetic declination, (the difference between True North and Magnetic North). When you use a topo map the North on that map is oriented to True North. So when you get a bearing using a topo map you have to convert it using the magnetic declination before using it on your compass to navigate. So if you have 15 degree bearing on a top map you cannot use the same 15 degree bearing on your commas because the compass is pointing to Magnetic North and not the topo maps True North. So you add or subtract the magnetic declination from the 15 degree bearing, (depending on the magnetic declination in the area you are navigating). To find out what your magnetic declination is you can look at the legend of your topo map and it will tell you what it is. The problem with using that magnetic declination on the topo map is that it is old and probable changed. You can go online and find the updated magnetic declination for your area by using the NOAA website. As for weather you add or subtract is another long explanation, but for now I want you to understand what magnetic declination is. I hope this helps you to better understand what magnetic declination is.