Autohelm Electronic Hand Bearing Compass. Any good?

Poignard

Poignard

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This is the gadget that remembers any bearings you take, so that you can go below and lay them off on the chart without having to write them on bits of soggy paper. I think they have a fluxgate compass in them.

Seems too good to be true. Anyone got one? Are they any good?
 
Yes, I've got one. They work well once you know how to use them. The flux gate isn't gimballed so it's up to you to hold the compass dead level when you're taking sights. Didn't think they were still available though.
 
I had one for a long time but found a traditional hand bearing compass easier to use. I also have a pair of binoculars with an internal compass which are fantastically useful. The electronic compass is very sensitive to being held exactly level and is much less useful for many purposes. For example if you are following a leading line with a trad compass you just hold it to your eye and read the bearing then steer, no thought required. With the electronic you have to take the bearing, read the display and then think (OK only briefly) about what the bearing means and what to do about it. I sold mine on ebay a while ago.
 
Mine must be over 15 years old, never missed a beat, excellent bit of kit. can be used as a standard steering compass, auto shut off, records sightings etc etc.

Keep the lanyard around your neck, stretch your arm out and line up the sights on the sides (for right and left handed users) and click, your done.

Avagoodweekend......
 
Used one a lot about 15yrs ago and like most posters found it excellent for taking fixes for quick plots. If anyone knows if they're still available and if so where from, please let me know as I'd like another !!
Chris.
 
Some bu**er nicked mine when the last boat was broken into. It was the thing I missed most. If I ever get the chance I will have another one.
 
As the others say, extremely useful, especially when worrying if a ship is going to hit you. 3 quick clicks, take an average, repeat 5 minutes later, and if the result differs by only a couple of degrees you know his bearing is changing and so you are ok. I could never understand why they were discontinued.
 
One of these was in my boat when I got it - no instructions. The three clicks function is news to me and very useful. Has anyone got the manual for it or can post a few more quick hints for use

Ta

Stuart
 
They come up on ebay occasionally, and on this site, pity they are not made any more.
 
Thanks Earlybird

I had managed to get as far as locating old Autohelm on the Raymarine site but couldn't find it amongst the downloads - anyone else point me in the right direction?

Thanks

Stuart
 
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