Recommend a compass!

[AndyMcCall]

Hi Folks,

Can anyone recommend me a good quality compass, specifically for astronomy please? I would spend up to £35. I'm looking to buy once and use it forever, or until it breaks, I don't really want to upgrade later.

[Psychobilly]

Silva...

http://www.aboveandbeyond.co.uk/productlist.aspx?f1=navigation,%20gps%20and%20digital%20mapping&f2=Compasses&gclid=CNTmlL6A5KUCFcoifAodZkMlSg

Some of them have declination adjustment on them as well...

[Capricorn]

Just in case: A compass like those will point at magnetic north not due north. Think there is 5-6 degrees difference. The difference varies with where you are and the magnetic pole drifts also.

So if intending to set up a scope or mount to be due north you may have more problems then you expect.

[brantuk]

I use a Silva compass - can't beat them. It's usually close enough that I can align using the az adjusters, latitude scale, and a polar scope.

[Psychobilly]

Just in case: A compass like those will point at magnetic north not due north. Think there is 5-6 degrees difference. The difference varies with where you are and the magnetic pole drifts also.

So if intending to set up a scope or mount to be due north you may have more problems then you expect.

Which is where the declination adjustment comes in

[Nick P]

Another vote for Silva, but make sure there is no metal around when you take a reading - really throws them out!!

You may find this link useful for the magnetic declination adjustment for your location:

Magnetic Declination

I ended up using stones a stick and the sun to find true North in my rather ferrously polluted viewing location!

[E621Keith]

A vote for Silva too.