NavList:
A Community Devoted to the Preservation and Practice of Celestial Navigation and Other Methods of Traditional Wayfinding
Re: Artificial horizon
From: Bruce Stark
Date: 2005 Feb 21, 18:05 EST
From: Bruce Stark
Date: 2005 Feb 21, 18:05 EST
George,
I haven't had much experience with the leveled mirror horizon. Took too long to set up, for one thing. My water horizon takes less than two minutes to set up or put away, and accuracy is assured.
But I don't see the weight of the spirit level as a major concern for the leveled mirror. I've tested by slowly lifting the level, gradually increasing upward pressure until it lifts. There was little or no shift in the bubble as long as both ends of the foot were still in contact with the glass.
The mirror glass is thick, rigid, and well supported on the tips of three screws. The uncertain and vulnerable element is the table or tripod supporting the arrangement.
On another note, I seem to need a larger artificial horizon than you do, especially for low altitudes.
Bruce
I haven't had much experience with the leveled mirror horizon. Took too long to set up, for one thing. My water horizon takes less than two minutes to set up or put away, and accuracy is assured.
But I don't see the weight of the spirit level as a major concern for the leveled mirror. I've tested by slowly lifting the level, gradually increasing upward pressure until it lifts. There was little or no shift in the bubble as long as both ends of the foot were still in contact with the glass.
The mirror glass is thick, rigid, and well supported on the tips of three screws. The uncertain and vulnerable element is the table or tripod supporting the arrangement.
On another note, I seem to need a larger artificial horizon than you do, especially for low altitudes.
Bruce
