Handbearing compass

[Pye_End]

Ie. the ones you hold up to your eye.

What do you do when you can no longer read the numbers at night? Don't know how they light up in the first place, and therefore whether they are rechargable in some way.

 

[old_salt]

I found this site it may help. They may be able to supply you a "Tritium Light".

AD2001PER Axium Mini Handbearing Compass Tritium Lit (Permanent Light)
see here

 

[oldsaltoz]

G'day Pye_End,

If it has luminous readings, try holding it under a light just before use.

Avagoodweekend......

 

[dunvegan]

hi pye_end if i remember correctly those tritium lights use the same radioactive hydrogen gas thats in the susat sight on the army,s sa80 weapon.so if the compass gets broken i would advise getting as much distance between it and yourself, /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Anonymous]

I have the Axium tritium HBC. The first one I bought in Jan 2000 at the LBS lost its fluid in mid 2002 and they replaced it after I'd jumped through hoops and dealt with them in France. The warranty was five years and they did honour it. I've been using the replacement ever since and the tritium cell is still holding up well. The half life of Tritium is 12.3 years though the phosphors might decay as well. Here is an interesting webpage showing military applications of betalights and here is a web page showing how they work. According to this, they last for fifteen years. When this Axium fails or falls, I shall buy the same again, it is a good all-rounder.

 

[DeeGee]

[ QUOTE ]
I have the Axium tritium HBC. ... When this Axium fails or falls, I shall buy the same again, it is a good all-rounder.

[/ QUOTE ]Ah, were life so easy. I have a suunto h/b compass which has served me v well. The luminous has failed, it is useless at night and I keep it in the car now. It lasted something like 10-15yrs, but I can't buy another. I have an Axium now... Wonder what will be available in 15yrs?? /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[Anonymous]

My father bought an Axium in 1972, with betalight, and it lasted until the mid 1980s, maybe longer, I don't remember. So the Axium design has been around a while! It's hard to better it for human eyes and human hands /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif And it dangles safely around the neck and is protected by a little tyre.

Do you thing I qualify for a free Axium now? /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[jwilson]

If it's a tritium light it should stay lit for about ten years from new: after that it fades as the radioactive stfff decays. A lot of these compasses now have 'luminous' dials that you activate before use by shining a torch on it for a few seconds, or holding it under the chart table light. It then stays lit for a few minutes. Not as good as the tritium ones but doesn't wear out. Some of the tritium ones can also be temporarily reactivated by shining a light.

 

[Pye_End]

That sounds familiar - ie the rubber tyre round it. I think mine was a Maxi or something, and has lasted 15 years. The beta is also familiar.

Tried putting it under a light source but didn't get a response from it.

So, buy a new one then.

Thanks to all.

 

[bpscmarine]

Depending on the make we may be able to replace the Tritium capsule.
bpsc-marine.co.uk

 

[old_salt]

No not a new compass, just the light.
If you are it the Solent and can get to Cowes some where on the other side of the road to "Beken's" was the "Mini" shop and they would fit a new light for you while you wait, it is some time since I was last at Cowes.
If they are still there, some one might know.
Other than that try a phone call to peeps in the link 'see my above post' may be they will supply just a light or re fit one for you. Got to be cheaper than buying a complete new compass.

Just read the above post it sounds good to me.

 

[Pye_End]

Mini. That's it. Jogs the grey cells. Axium doesn't ring any bells but it was a while ago.

Will follow up.

thanks