NavList:
A Community Devoted to the Preservation and Practice of Celestial Navigation and Other Methods of Traditional Wayfinding
From: Paul Saffo
Date: 2012 Aug 7, 09:42 -0700
David,
You have a third option -- an aircraft bubble horizon converted for use on a sextant. Cost typically runs $200 to $400 and they show up on eBay from time to time. I got mine from a member of this list who does an esp nice conversion.
I found the practice bubbles nearly useless.
I have three other AHs. Here is my opinion:
-- the converted aircraft bubble: best choice. It is affordable and is terrific for both day and night sights.
-- the last version Plath Bubble horizon. Fine for night, but very difficult for day sights because the lighting level isn't adjustable.
-- the middle version Plath bubble: it terrific for both day and night sights. It has an adjustable internal light powered from the sextant. It is my favorite AH.
I also have a 1941 continuo-style Tamaya Sextant with integral bubble horizon. It is a fascinating device, but awkward to use. After messing around with it for a few hours, it became obvious why so few of this style AH was made. A pain to use on dry land; I can't imagine trying to use it in a plane.
Finally, I don't have the earliest Plath AH (am still hoping to get one), but suspect it is the best option as it apparently has both an adjustable light and an adjustable bubble.
I am happy to send photos if you like, Feel free to contact me directly if you want to have a phone call about any of this.
best
-p
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