Welcome to the NavList Message Boards.

NavList:

A Community Devoted to the Preservation and Practice of Celestial Navigation and Other Methods of Traditional Wayfinding

Compose Your Message

Message:αβγ
Message:abc
Add Images & Files
    Name or NavList Code:
    Email:
       
    Reply
    Re: Did transistors transform celestial navigation?
    From: Geoffrey Kolbe
    Date: 2018 Jul 17, 23:44 -0700

    I would say no.

    It could be argued that the advent of radio technology meant that a relatively cheap watch or clock in conjunction with a relatively cheap radio could replace a very expensive chronometer grade clock or watch. That meant the small-boat sailor could venture further afield (out of sight of land) with more confidence. But reliable valve (tube) radios were around for thirty years before transistor radios came along.

    The advent of integrated circuits, or silicon chip technology, meant small calculators could make sight reduction easier. But you need to know how to do the sight reduction first and that - I would maintain - is and was the biggest barrier to the use of CN by the small boat sailor. In any case, it was but a short period between the introduction of competent calculators and the introduction of the GPS receivers at resonable cost. 

       
    Reply
    Browse Files

    Drop Files

    NavList

    What is NavList?

    Get a NavList ID Code

    Name:
    (please, no nicknames or handles)
    Email:
    Do you want to receive all group messages by email?
    Yes No

    A NavList ID Code guarantees your identity in NavList posts and allows faster posting of messages.

    Retrieve a NavList ID Code

    Enter the email address associated with your NavList messages. Your NavList code will be emailed to you immediately.
    Email:

    Email Settings

    NavList ID Code:

    Custom Index

    Subject:
    Author:
    Start date: (yyyymm dd)
    End date: (yyyymm dd)

    Visit this site
    Visit this site
    Visit this site
    Visit this site
    Visit this site
    Visit this site