spit compass

[jf1981]

Originally Posted by ty1

Hi does any know how to set the compass if it works in the spit mk1a or procedure thanks in advance

You have to set keys for magnetic compass & for gyro.

Basically most people use to move the bottom one (magnetic) until indicated north and real north (the yellow T marker) are parallel then read the indicated heading and set gyro at same. Then you would follow the gyro.

For myself, I have an easier & faster trick.

Just keep the magnetic indicator as it is. Read the indication in front of the yellow T marker, and set the gyro to the symmetric value.

For example, if the magnetic compass points to 350, you are heading 10.
If it points to 270 you are heading 90.
If it points to 30 your heading is 330.
If it points to 150 you are heading 210.
0 is 0 and 180 is 180 but for other readings make the symmetry.

Also remember to recalibrate sometimes and always after strong maneouvers as the gyro will deviate. Only the magnetic will remain. And finally, the geographic north has 10 degree difference with magnetic north. So if you read on the map heading 90 you have to head 100 magnetic compass. Just add 10 degree to get the magnetic heading, the only one which you have access to.

[Skoshi Tiger]

Here's my take on it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9ZRDkt6ODw

Cheers!

[Osprey]

I tend to just read the magnetic these days because even the slightest move upsets the DI. The DI is about as useful as the artificial horizon - is this broken in game or was it just a useless instrument?

[IvanK]

Originally Posted by cheesehawk

So once the 109's gyro distortion gets implemented, how did they take care of it? The whole compass thing gets me, glad I can dead reckon almost everywhere on the map!

No Gyro to it in the 109 just a straight out Raw Mag compass with all the usual errors associated with such. "ONUS" Nippy on North Sluggish on South plus the acceleration errors

As for those with Gyro instruments I think the Gyro precession is a little overdone.

[phoenix1963]

Originally Posted by IvanK

As for those with Gyro instruments I think the Gyro precession is a little overdone.

I agree. Most of the reason for having a gyro direction indicator is surely that it is MORE immune to aircraft movements than the magnetic compass!

I also think this is an area where the limitations of being a PC based sim need a palliative. A real pilot would simply lean forward, twiddle the compass ring then set the gyro DI. An operation taking maybe 10 seconds.

In this sim, it's painfully hard and the aircraft usually rolls and turns a little while you zoom-in on the instruments, immediately introducing serious inaccuracy.

What we need is a "synchronise compass and DI" button or command, which does this action, maybe taking 10 seconds to do so, while we try and keep the 'plane level. That way it would introduce realistic error rather than unrealistic error.

My twoha'pworth,
56RAF_phoenix

[IvanK]

"What we need is a "synchronise compass and DI" button or command, which does this action, maybe taking 10 seconds to do so, while we try and keep the 'plane level. That way it would introduce realistic error rather than unrealistic error."

That is a good idea .... Devs informed directly.