NavList:

   

Reply

I almost completely agree with George in his answer to
this question:

> George, once you decided to acquire a metal sextant,
> why didn't you just go
> the whole way and purchase a micrometer
> drum sextant?

I say "almost" because it is not evident at all to me
that the drum sextants are "technicaly superior",
the thing which seems somehow to be accepted in this
discussion.

I agree that the drum sextants are easier to use
(and probably cheaper make, with modern technology)
However, I it is not evident at all that they are
superior in accuracy.

Notice: the drum sextants were introduced when nobody
was already taking lunars, and when 0'5 accuracy was
considered sufficient. I suspect that they sacrificed
extra precision to economy and convenience of use.
This is only a conjecture, of course.

But I am also looking for a good 10" vernier sextant,
essentially for the same reasons as George.
When I get one, I can test my conjecture:-)

At this time I own one drum sextant (SNO) and
a pocket vernier sextant (Troughton and Simms),
where the tiny scale can be read only to 1'.
But I am very much satisfied with this little
toy.
Even reading the fine silver scale through the
magnifying glass is fun:-)

Alex.



--~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~
To post to this group, send email to NavList@fer3.com
To , send email to NavList-@fer3.com
-~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---

   

Reply