How to Set a Globe Car Compass
Globe car compasses are compasses that have a full, spherical look like a globe. They attach to your windshield and hang down so that the driver can easily see in which direction he's traveling. It's important that you properly set the compass first though, otherwise you'll find yourself driving off toward the wrong cardinal direction and getting yourself all sorts of turned around when you consult the compass on the road.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Stick the compass to to front windshield using the attached suction cups. You should be able to easily see it from the driver's seat and the compass should hang down, the globe's base facing upward. It will look sort of like a street lamp, but giving you directions instead of light.
-
2
Face your car to the North, according to your working, hand compass. Examine the globe compass and check that you are in fact facing North. If you have an off measurement, turn the North/South screw until the reading rests firmly on the N.
-
-
3
Turn your car to the East, according to your hand compass. Examine the globe compass to check the direction. If the direction is off, then turn the East/West compensator screw until the E rests squarely in your direction.
-
4
Turn to the South and then to the West to check the direction. If the S and W don't wind up squarely in your display, then turn the appropriate screws until you've compensated for half the error. If you're four hash marks off from South for instance, turn the North/South screw until you're two hash marks closer to South. Repeat for the West.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Make sure that you like where the compass is positioned on your windshield before you start adjusting. Make sure that you can easily reach the adjustment screws while it's attached as well.
Keep magnets and other disruptive items away from the compass. Otherwise, it will damage the magnets that let you find direction. There are auto compasses that stick onto the dashboard. Make sure you know which part of the car to which the compass should be mounted.
References
- Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
