Compass Bubble

[Cardiffcruiser]

My binnacle compass, hand bearing compass and the one in my binos, have all developed bubbles at some point in the last two months. The obvious reason I guess is the cold temperatures, but how do I get rid of the bubbles? Or will they disappear when it warms up?

The bubble in the binnacle compass is particularly annoying as it is quite large and makes the compass difficult to read.

 

[sailorman]

My binnacle compass, hand bearing compass and the one in my binos, have all developed bubbles at some point in the last two months. The obvious reason I guess is the cold temperatures, but how do I get rid of the bubbles? Or will they disappear when it warms up?

The bubble in the binnacle compass is particularly annoying as it is quite large and makes the compass difficult to read.

The bubble in the binnacle compass is particularly annoying as it is quite large and makes the compass difficult to read.


guess the diaphragm is leaking

 

[SHUG]

Here is a useful article about compass fluid and topping-up:
http://www.trademarklondon.com/compass_fluid_32.html

It seems to be very important to use the correct compatible fluid. If you use alcohol, for example, the markings in some compasses will disappear. Vodka is strictly for emergency use. What make is the compass??

 

[sailorman]

Barry Phillips is The Man to fix it
Pompy area but i have lost contact details

 

[Martin_J]

I have had compass binoculars (where the compass card got stuck at an angle) sorted out by Action Optics. Their website gives details of prices but it looks like we might have to wait until 1st March for them to re-open.

http://www.actionoptics.co.uk/

The guys there were very helpful, knowledgeable and I actually met up with them on the water, handed over my binoculars and the binoculars arrived back in the post, all fixed within a week.

Regarding the binacle compass - some are self-refillable and others are not, depending on the make/model.

 

[VicS]

They do sometimes disappear when they warm up.

I suggest you move them to a warm room and see what happens.

If necessary to top up as said it is important as said to use the correct fluid.

The wrong one may not mix properly. May be the wrong viscosity and affect the damping. Could damage the seals or strip the markings off the card!

Barry Philips referred to is a forum member. His website is http://www.bpsc-marine.co.uk/

Sirs Navigation ( youll have to Google for that) is another reputable repairer and Sestrel agents

 

[sailorman]

They do sometimes disappear when they warm up.

I suggest you move them to a warm room and see what happens.

If necessary to top up as said it is important as said to use the correct fluid.

The wrong one may not mix properly. May be the wrong viscosity and affect the damping. Could damage the seals or strip the markings off the card!

Barry Philips referred to is a forum member. His website is http://www.bpsc-marine.co.uk/

Sirs Navigation ( youll have to Google for that) is another reputable repairer and Sestrel agents

well every day a learning day
wot username does Barry use

 

[VicS]

wot username does Barry use

bpscmarine​

 

[sailorman]

bpscmarine​

well Stap me Vitals

 

[mustntgrumble]

Compass bubble

Barry Philips is your man.

I had a similar problem with the binnacle compass last year, Barry sorted it, excellent service. Web address quoted above.

 

[Cardiffcruiser]

Thanks for the advice, what sort of price should I expect?

 

[Martin_J]

And for the binoculars you might also find Action Optics on this forum.

Try a search for username actionoptics !!

(No relation - just a satisfied customer)

 

[garvellachs]

why does it happen?

A while ago I posted that a compass of ours had developed a bubble in the cold and it disappeared when the weather warmed up. True, but the bubble returned in the autumn and the compass has been sent to Barry to re-fill properly. But I wonder what causes this - in days past I think people removed their compass for the winter. Perhaps the liquid contracts in the cold more than the compass structure and the bellows/diaphragm can't cope with the contraction. So air is forced in ("sucked in" so to speak). But the reason the structure can't cope is because fluid has already been weeping out slowly - so slowly that it is not noticeable? So the diaphragm slack has been taken up already. So the bubble appears because there is a slight leak that is exploited by the cold? Has anyone thought this through? Be good if Barry could comment?

 

[sailorman]

A while ago I posted that a compass of ours had developed a bubble in the cold and it disappeared when the weather warmed up. True, but the bubble returned in the autumn and the compass has been sent to Barry to re-fill properly. But I wonder what causes this - in days past I think people removed their compass for the winter. Perhaps the liquid contracts in the cold more than the compass structure and the bellows/diaphragm can't cope with the contraction. So air is forced in ("sucked in" so to speak). But the reason the structure can't cope is because fluid has already been weeping out slowly - so slowly that it is not noticeable? So the diaphragm slack has been taken up already. So the bubble appears because there is a slight leak that is exploited by the cold? Has anyone thought this through? Be good if Barry could comment?

the diaphragm takes up the expansion of the fluid & they do leak/ become porous