Liquid Compass
Liquid compass is one of most popular compasses, used for navigation and has been a vital tool for navigators at sea for centuries. Liquid compasses, because of its greater steadiness, are used in most ships, especially small boats and life craft. It is also a favorite among the hunters for years. Today liquid compasses not only are used in navigations but also as decorative and gift items.
Purpose of a liquid compass
The compass allows ships to steer a selected course and by taking bearings of visible objects with a compass, the navigator is also able to fix a ship's position on a chart.
Components of liquid compass
High-quality liquid compass features the following:
- A liquid filled header
- Fine graduations
- Large easy to turn dial
- Magnifying glass and
- Lanyard.
In the liquid filled compass, which is the most stable type of mariner's compass, the bowl is filled with a liquid, usually a mixture of alcohol and water. The liquid helps to support the graduated card, which pivots about its center and floats in the liquid, thereby reducing pivot friction and lessening the vibrations of the card caused by the motion of the vessel. Because of these advantages the liquid compass is used more often than the dry compass.
