The compass no one knows how to use

Why does no one know how to use one of the world’s best-selling compasses? The problem stems from two main issues: the extremely poor quality of the instructions provided (from which it appears that even the manufacturers don’t know how to use their own compasses) and the fact that these compasses are essentially outdated designs from the 1930s and early 1950s. These older models are rarely used today by experienced navigators, leading to a gap in practical knowledge and effective usage.

Poor Instructions

The instructions that come with these compasses are notoriously bad. They often lack clarity, detail, and proper illustrations, making it difficult for users to understand how to use the compass correctly. This is a significant barrier, especially for beginners who rely on these instructions to learn basic navigation skills.

Outdated Design

The design of these compasses is based on older models from the mid-20th century. While these designs were innovative at the time, they have been surpassed by more modern and user-friendly designs. Experienced navigators tend to avoid these outdated models, opting instead for more accurate and reliable options.

Brand Variety, Same Issues !

These compasses are sold under various brand names, such as the Bresser National Geographic Compass and the Brunton Military-Style Compass (F-9077). Despite the different branding, they are essentially the same product with only minor cosmetic differences. This means that regardless of the brand, users encounter the same problems with usability and instructions.

Key Differences with Modern Compasses

It's important to highlight how these compasses differ from more modern and widely used models like the Cammenga Lensatic compass. For instance:
• Index Line and Tritium Mark: The Cammenga Lensatic compass features an index line and a tritium mark, which are crucial for precise navigation, especially in low-light conditions. These elements are absent in the older compass models.
• Yellow Lines on the Glass: The older compasses have two yellow lines on the glass, which are not found in the Cammenga model. This difference can be confusing for users who are trying to follow instructions or guides that refer to more modern designs.

Bridging the Knowledge Gap

Given that these compasses have never been adequately explained or demonstrated, I have made this short video to provide a comprehensive guide on their use. By understanding both their historical context and practical application, users can better appreciate their functionality and learn to navigate effectively with these tools.

[TheMapReadingCompany]

Before commenting please watch the video. As repeatedly stated in the video, this is NOT a cammenga.

[henrydickerson]

I don't know why this was recommended, but I'm glad it was.

[Dusty-Builds]

I have an original M1938 I got from my Grandfather long ago. He fought in WWI with the Red Arrows out of Wisconsin or Minnesota. I don't remember which. I do remember he used to tell me about fighting along side the British solders in the trenches of France. I imagine he got it from an Army surplus after WWII. Above the Company name it reads: 8-45 CORPS OF ENGINEERS U. S. ARMY Below the Company name there's markings that read: MANUFACTURED BY SUPERIOR MAGNETO CORP L.I. CITY N.Y.. U.S.A. All the letters are upper case. Mine has the Yellow line reaching from the edge of the dial to the center hub that rotates with the glass. It also has a black line and three yellow dots that don't rotate. If I line up the N arrow with the black line, these dots are at 90 deg and 180 deg and 270 deg. My Grandfather did teach me how to use it, but I was very young and have forgotten. So, thank you for teaching me again!

[Ludwig]

During my military service in Switzerland, I was taught that the short yellow line - or it's equivalent on the Recta Swiss Army issue matchbox - was used to circumnavigate larger obstacles in your path - i.e a pond.
Before reaching the obstacle, you would set your bearing from the long line to the short line.
Then, you would walk the new bearing, counting your steps, until you were on the side of the obstacle.
Then you would reset the bearing by 90 degrees and walk the number of counted steps.
Then after walking this trisngle sround the obstacle, you woul reset your original bearing on the long yellow line.

[jimgiordano]

I have used a copy of the M1950 since 1973 and I was using it wrong until your video. I pulled it out of the draw and followed along with you. Boy, I learned a lot. Thank you.

[Bloated_Tony_Danza]

The expression "You've lost your bearings" suddenly makes sense now. Thank you for this. You are a fabulous teacher. Subscribed!

[eddy]

I just wanted to say thank you. Not just for the lesson and how to use that particular style of compass. It’s just your demeanor. You’re very pleasant. You clearly put your heart into this. It was just an utter joy to watch. I hope you are in the educational field. You are the instructor professor everyone wishes they had.

[slypperyfox]

I have an old M1938 looking model. I learned to use a compass in ROTC in high school (1976). Spent a week at Army Ranger camp one summer and a group of us was dropped into the woods with instructions to find our way back to camp using nothing but a compass. We were given a bearing and a time limit. Yeah, we made it back in time (before pitch black dark). I keep a compass folded in my truck console and keep my cell phone’s compass app turned on with my phone mounted in a dashboard holder to keep my mind fresh and up to date re: bearings.

[johnweerasinghe]

I was a army cadet in the Sri lankan army which of course follows British methods.
We were given a Liquid Prismatic Compass. We took the bearings by placing it on a map and rotating the map till the compass aligned north and then looked through the wire at the object withing marching distance and away we went.

[timothydigiuseppe]

Prior to watching this, I was one of those who did not know. Your presentation, narrative, and sense of humor are most appreciated. Well done and thank you!

[AR-pmnv]

I have my father’s M1938. He was in the 5th Ranger Battalion 13:42 . It went through D-Day, and many other battles with him. I’m glad I have a better understanding of how it works now.

[Gouchybear]

During my ROTC years (1976 - 1979) at CAL Berkeley, we were taught to first find our position on a TOPO. To do this we would find two l major landmarks that were not less than 30° apart. Using the sighting ring and the wire, look through the ring and place the wire on your landmark, then flip the sight ring down to lock the compass dial.
Next, write down the compass heading in your notebook.
Next, follow the same procedure as above for you 2nd landmark, record the heading in your notebook.🎉
Next, open the compass so it is flat and unlock the dial and orient the topo map directly facing the landmark. Lay the compass on the topo map with the top of the straight edge on the first landmark. Keeping the edge of the compass frame on the landmark, pivot the compass until the heading on the compass is same as your first heading. Next, holding the compass firmly on the map, using a pencil mark a line down the straight edge.
Next, do the same for the 2nd landmark.
Where the two lines cross is your location.
To more accurately determine your location a 3rd landmark should be used.
Note: If a 3rd landmark is used the three lines will not intersect at a pinpoint. There will likely be a very small space created by the lines crossing. Your position will be in that very small open area.
Once you figure out where you are, getting to your objective should be easy.

[deaddropholiday]

A great teacher encourages learning in someone who initially has no spontaneous reaction to the subject matter whatsoever.

[dirkscheidemann]

One of the most useful, entertaining and educational channels on the internet. Hats off from Germany. And thank you for the good work. Dirk

[okami]

At first, I was like "It's just a basic lensatic compass. I know how to use one of those." But it turned out you revealed far more about them than I'd previously known. Thank you!

[prsearls]

I have one of those compasses with the two lines. It's so old, I don't remember where or when I bought it, possibly in the 1960's. It's never been used and is still in its cloth bag...a real antique now. Mine is marked Engineer Compass but looks like yours with the revolving bezel. The dial is marked Japan so it's possibly an import. The eyepiece has a magnifier so you can easily read the small numbers on the dial. Mine has a small button on the side, when pressed will keep the compass card from rotating. Trying to use one of these makes you appreciate the skills of early map makers and surveyors. I guess they "knew all the angles."

[adventurefuel]

When my son joined the Boy Scouts I bought him some surplus gear off eBay including one of those compasses. He took it to my Dad who is 93 and was a lieutenant in the Army. He was in the Artillery and missile division. It was amazing to hear hit talk about using one calculate coordinates.

[ratwynd]

Some years ago while hunting moose on snowmobile off the Stampede Road north of Healey Alaska I was in a long, wide valley oriented east-west. Snowmobiles and rifles were permitted in the valley as it was state of ALaska land, but it was surrounded on the north and south by Denali National Park, where neither were allowed on a US National Park. All of this prior to the days of GPS. I did have a hand held LORAN in my machine pack but in the valley it was not any use. I also had USGS topo maps and a good engineer compass of the type you show.
Problem: Dusk coming on and I had moved around enough I was unsure of the exact location of the road where my truck was parked in a lot. Temp 20F. Gas at half tank in machine.
I stopped on a point of good visibility, got out compass and topo map and started to look at distinctive landmarks and identify them on the map. Then took readings on 3 of them and drew a back-azimuth line from that point on the map. In a few minutes the 3 crossed, indicating my location on the map. From there I could take a heading to the road, I did, got back and all was well.

Never trust gadgets that depend on electricity when it really matters. It is the same reason I learned how to take a noon sight with a sextant and figure location from the sun tables. The same can be done at night with moon and stars. A compass only provides one axis of orientation. A sextant gives a lot more. They have guided sailors and later airmen for centuries.

[Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

THANKS for posting this video.

I have a CAMMENGA 3H that I ordered online a few years ago. This is helpful info...👍

ALSO: I opened up my CAMMENGA to look at it while watching this video, and realized it still had a tiny bit of sand in it from when I was at _Jockey's Ridge State Park_ in the nearby North Carolina Outer Banks in November of last year [2023]. I brushed the sand out -- much better now.

[scottv]

Ex artillery man here, been 30+ years since I actually used a compass.. Sure bought some memories.