Short, simple, and to the point. Great video.

Sir, great information. 95 - 98% of compass usage videos forget this very important starting point. Thank you Sir, for your work on this issue.

Very good video, but I would suggest showing that crucial point where you finally know your declination, but are confusing about exactly which way to turn the compass to adjust because it's not intuitive.

@allenheart582

Жыл бұрын

Because of the coming micronova, declination is moving much farther, and much faster and so declination information is likely incorrect My up-to-date declination is 30 degrees, 15 degrees off from the official declination for my area. but there is still a way to recalibrate magnetic declination using the shadow of sticks recording the path of the sun---rotation of the earth has not yet changed. First stick will show East. Mark it with a sharp stick pushed in. After a few minutes you can mark sun shadow travel where the shadow has moved - Push another stick in to mark West. Lay a straight stick from the E mark to the W mark. Geographic north or True North is 90 degrees from the E-W line. With your compass pointing toward True North, note how far off your compass is now. That is your true up-to-date declination. More on micronova in my 2nd book, Surviving the Micronova: This Train Is on the Tracks is available now.

@allenheart582

Жыл бұрын

Because of the coming micronova, declination is moving much farther, and much faster and so declination information is likely incorrect My up-to-date declination is 30 degrees, 15 degrees off from the official declination for my area. but there is still a way to recalibrate magnetic declination using the shadow of sticks recording the path of the sun---rotation of the earth has not yet changed. First stick will show East. Mark it with a sharp stick pushed in. After a few minutes you can mark sun shadow travel where the shadow has moved - Push another stick in to mark West. Lay a straight stick from the E mark to the W mark. Geographic north or True North is 90 degrees from the E-W line. With your compass pointing toward True North, note how far off your compass is now. That is your true up-to-date declination. More on micronova in my 2nd book, Surviving the Micronova: This Train Is on the Tracks is available now.

@usernamemykel

Жыл бұрын

Exactly!!! My declination is -7.1, so which way should I turn the screw - to East or West?

@lampoyo

Жыл бұрын

@@usernamemykel Did you figure it out? If that's a NEGATIVE 7.1, then think about minus-ing 7 minutes from a clock; you want the dial to rotate counter-clockwise. Not sure what direction the screw will turn but turn it so it rotates the dial ccw

@lampoyo

Жыл бұрын

@@allenheart582 My location on a declination page shows about 10 degrees greater than a declination calculator (using typed-in city and state). Wowzers

Thanks for the video guys. It might be worth mentioning that Grid North is not the same as True North though. There is a difference.

I have been looking for a video to have my map students check out. This is the best I’ve found as far as explaining clearly and easily. Great job.

@allenheart582

Жыл бұрын

Because of the coming micronova, declination is moving much farther, and much faster and so declination information is likely incorrect My up-to-date declination is 30 degrees, 15 degrees off from the official declination for my area. but there is still a way to recalibrate magnetic declination using the shadow of sticks recording the path of the sun---rotation of the earth has not yet changed. First stick will show East. Mark it with a sharp stick pushed in. After a few minutes you can mark sun shadow travel where the shadow has moved - Push another stick in to mark West. Lay a straight stick from the E mark to the W mark. Geographic north or True North is 90 degrees from the E-W line. With your compass pointing toward True North, note how far off your compass is now. That is your true up-to-date declination. More on micronova in my 2nd book, Surviving the Micronova: This Train Is on the Tracks is available now.

All this time, and it took a guy with a grapefruit and 2 push pins to clarify. Who knew? Thanks!

@SierraOfficial

7 жыл бұрын

Ha, when all else fails, it's time to pull out the grapefruit. ;) Glad the grapefruit helped you visualize the concept of magnetic declination more easily. We had fun putting this video together. Thanks for your comment. :) - Chris

It was quite illustrative when the Grapefruit showed the alignment of Magnetic North and the True Geographic North. Thank you!

This was very simple and helpful. Thank you!!

Thanks, I got it. The grapefruit was an excellent choice for showing your point. And also saying if the line is on the left or the right. I learned something from your video. Well done.

Adjusting for magnetic declination is pretty simple. People advising a compass with an adjustment for magnetic declination is a "must have" , I think, blocks people from understanding just how easy it really is. Most base plate compasses have a fixed mag. declination scale printed inside the compass capsule. I rarely see any videos explaining it is there or how to use it. The mag declination scale goes from 0˚ -> 65˚ or 90˚, for both East an West mag. declination. It is easy to use, in many different ways. Here is one example. After you have taken your azimuth off the map, standup and turn until the compass mag. needle is aligned over the orienting arrow. [red in the shed]. Then look at the mag declination scale inside the compass capsule and turn until the compass mag needle to pointing at the correct number of degrees of mag. declination. The direction of travel arrow will now be pointing in the correct direction. Hint: If mag. declination is 10˚ West, you will turn 10˚ CW, to your right. If mag. declination is 12˚ East, you will turn 12˚ CCW, to your left. If you want to, before walking toward your destination. You can do one more step. Hold the compass stationary, and carefully turn the compass capsule so that the orienting arrow moves to be below the mag. compass needle. The needle will once again be pointing at N on the bezel. [note, if you have a compass with adjustable mag declination, when you adjust it, all you are doing is making the "orienting arrow" (the shed) point at the same number of degrees of mag, declination on the same mag declination scale] If you prefer doing the math. Maybe an acronym I created will help you understand it, and remember it.. [[ WAvES = West Add v East Subtract ]] think of the "v" as a symbol of the mag. declination diagram. If the azimuth taken off the map = 120˚, and mag declination = 10˚West => reset the compass to 130˚ (120˚ + 10˚) If the azimuth taken off the map = 42˚, and mag declination = 12˚East => reset the compass to 30˚ (42˚ - 12˚) Your compass direction of travel arrow will be pointing in the correct direction.

@savage22bolt32

2 жыл бұрын

Well put Tyjee

@elspethtirel

Жыл бұрын

This comment is two years old and only got one like, and I think that's tragic, because it's helped me to understand this better than anything else I've found on the internet. Thank you.

Thank you for your explanation . Needed this refresher.

Thanks for the simple and easy to understand explanation

really good video, best explanation I've seen. it seems you could stand on a given map waypoint, direct the compass to another given map waypoint, then subtract or add the amount when you plot the same reading on your USG map. The difference would be the declination you would have to add or subtract at the given time. however, the waypoints would have to be small enough to hone in the exact degrees of declination.

Great exactly what I wanted to know and simply explained, thank you.

Good simple easy to follow video. I trust no Grapefruit were harmed in the making of this video?

Wow I actually understand now your the best !!

Not always VITAL to adjust for declination. If it is quite minor, I'd say 5 deg. or less, it might not matter worth mentioning. Even a larger declination depends on the terrain and how large or small your target is. If you can see quite well visually around in the terrain, you could easily spot a large target (like a lake etc.), even at a considerable distance (such as halfway to your target). Also could depend on how long your A to B travel line/hike will be. So can be a judgment call due to different factors and situations.

@KiwiBushcraftAndSurvival

2 жыл бұрын

Very true, but if people don't take the time to learn and practice adjusting for declination. They may get lazy and stop adjusting for declination or even forget how to adjust properly or even not find out until it is too late that they have misunderstood what they have learnt and are doing it all wrong. All or many of these could turn their judgement calls, into very bad judgements. This could get people lost and in a world of hurt and / or embarrassment. I would suggest people practice this skill every opportunity they get, even if it means small adjustments, small distances or destinations with large features. Practicing and fine tuning these skills is an excellent way to ensure that their skills are on par. Many people already struggle with learning and understanding the why, when, what, where, who and how to adjust for magnetic declination. As the old saying goes "practice makes perfect", so I would lean more towards this. especially when many people can find the time to actually get into the outdoors and practice these skills.

@allenheart582

Жыл бұрын

My up-to-date declination is 30 degrees, 15 degrees off from the official declination for my area. but there is still a way to recalibrate magnetic declination using the shadow of sticks recording the path of the sun---rotation of the earth has not yet changed. First stick will show East. Mark it with a sharp stick pushed in. After a few minutes you can mark sun shadow travel where the shadow has moved - Push another stick in to mark West. Lay a straight stick from the E mark to the W mark. Geographic north or True North is 90 degrees from the E-W line. With your compass pointing toward True North, note how far off your compass is now. Because of the coming micronova, declination is moving much farther, and much faster and so declination information is likely incorrect You need up-to-date declination. More on micronova in my 2nd book, Surviving the Micronova: This Train Is on the Tracks will be available in September.

Explained very well!! Nice Video

Excellent! Thank you so much!

Nice and clear information. Where I am in the UK we are now on 0 magnetic declination, soon the little rhyme we learnt as children 'mag to grid get rid, grid to mag add' will no longer be applicable. so, there's a definite reason to get a compass with an adjustable magnetic declination. Especially if you get caught out and things go a little 'pear shaped and there's a need to rely on remembering if to add or subtract under pressure.

@paganphil100

4 жыл бұрын

Guy Ditchfield: The rhyme you mentioned only applies if the magnetic variation / declination at your location is West.......if the variation / declination is East you just need to do the opposite (i.e. it would then be grid to mag, get rid.....mag to grid, add).

@sara_387

2 жыл бұрын

I know these comments are old, but we live in an area where magnetic declination is East and ours is ‘GrandMa’s socks’ grid to magnetic subtract. If your declination is West it’s a negative number, so you can still use this mnemonic you just end up with subtracting a negative number, so it becomes add. Much easier if you think an East declination is a positive number and a West declination is a negative number. Then you can use the one rhyme.

Ok I'm using lensatic compass with rotating bezel if it's on right which way do I turn

Nice explanation

Ok once I have adjusted the compass for declination I put the compass on the map, do I align the map with the magnetic arrow of the compass or the adjusted red arrow (dog house) of the compass?

@WilliamAndrea

2 жыл бұрын

Correct me if I'm wrong, but you always want to put the needle in the dog house (we call it "putting red in the bed" cause the needle tip is red). Then you align the map with the compass *body*, not the needle or dog house. Although if your compass has a separate arrow to indicate declination, that might be a different story. I've never used a declination-setting compass myself.

I understand the concept I just wish I could find a video that just puts the compass down in front of me and just shows me which way to turn the needle without all the talking when you turn the compass over it doesn't show north south east or west it just has degrees I just want to know which way the needle turns 2 see it done in front of my eyes

@JuliusToltesi

6 жыл бұрын

I know exactly what you mean. It would be hard to explain by typing lol. Let me know if you figured it out. If not I could make a video for you. :)

@xsteevox

6 жыл бұрын

If you just want something to remember - East Coast is West declination and West coast is East declination. Minnesota and Iowa are zero. What he doesn't show here is to check that you line it up correctly. Once you set the declination, you can put your compass on your map where it shows the declination and it should all line up.

@whitemexican3923

6 жыл бұрын

Write "LARS" on your map. LA=left, add. "RS" Right=subtract.

@carls.6746

5 жыл бұрын

here you go James, this should help. pick an area and it will tell you the declination - www.magnetic-declination.com/ the picture diagram will tell you which way to turn - setcompass.com/MagneticVariationAdjustment.htm basically if you are west of Minnesota and Iowa then magnetic north is east/right of true north. if your are east of Minnesota and Iowa then magnetic north is west/left of true north

@yorkshire_tea_innit8097

5 жыл бұрын

If you are in West declination the red arrow needs to be the right of 0 degrees.

Hi was hoping to learn more and maybe get a table of location vs mag declination. Tried the link in description and it no longer works Critical error: Bad database connection: #

In which direction is the correction being turned in Finland? east or west?

Excellent tips, ty..........

@SierraOfficial

7 жыл бұрын

Glad you like this one Ben. Magnetic declination is definitely important to account for. Thanks for watching. :) - Chris

Thank you for the video! At 2:30s, you said if the MD is on the right, you adjust your compass to the East, does that mean the red arrow goes to the west while the bottom part of the arrow goes to the east? I have the same compass and the MD adjustment is confusing.

@TyJee28

6 жыл бұрын

If mag. declination is east, the orienting arrow inside the compass housing will move cw when viewed from the top, which means, it will move or rotate ccw when viewed from the bottom side. [ so yes, when viewed from the bottom side, the red end of the orienting arrow will appear to move west, while the bottom part, (= the black part), the other end of it, will appear to go to the east. But it looks just the opposite direction when viewed from the top side of the compass] There is a thin pointer on the black end (= south end) of the orienting arrow that points precisely at the declination degree scale printed inside the compass housing. (it is the same scale used to measure inclination angles). Each scale mark = 2˚. So you would turn the mag declination screw, while watching the position of the thin pointer. When it points at the correct number of degrees on the scale. Your magnetic declination adjustment is done. [when you are looking at the bottom side of the MC2 compass, you will see , the declination scale is labeled W. Decl on one side, and E Decl on the other side. So the scales are clearly marked which side to use for your local mag. declination adjustment, W (west) or E (east).] Hope that makes it clear.

Please do a video on how to do the math in order to get the proper Meg. Dec. (i.e. 1974 map vs 2018) declination needs to be calculated. I keep forgetting how to do it

Hello @Sierra Trading post If my magnetic declination is 0, does magnetic north point to true north also?

@anagingrebel6229

5 жыл бұрын

Yes

Where were you located? West coast?

So let’s say you were in NJ. The magnetic north is left of true north so you dial the red arrow towards the west - is that correct?

If you set your compass declination with the screw so its permanent. Do you still need to add or subtract depending if you are mag to map or map to mag? It would have been good if you mentioned this.

@opwave79

2 жыл бұрын

He did mention it. Once you set the declination on your compass, you don’t have to add or subtract. Also, it’s worth noting that it’s not permanent. You can change the declination anytime. Especially if you travel somewhere else with its own declination reading.

Good Job Sir

If you’re changing declination from one area to another. Do you have to reset it back to where is was, then adjust, or just adjust from where the declination is? And if so, then how?

@zl1David

11 ай бұрын

Generally in the u.s. you'd have to change the declination by a degree for about every 80 to 100 miles east or west of where you originally were. So an epic Appalachian journey might apply here. Not much else

I have a question and a problem to solve. I bought two used compasses. In (at least) one of them there was a changed declination. The first of the compasses shows a few degrees more than the second. How do you reset a compass without knowing how many degrees someone has changed the declination in it?

well done

Cheers mate.

What compass is that friend???

Where do i buy that tool/key to adjust the declination ?

@oswaldburga9836

4 жыл бұрын

when you bought the compass it should have come with it. If did not or you lost it suggest contact the manufacturer

@oswaldburga9836

4 жыл бұрын

not all compasses have that, it usually comes with higher (advance) compass. Like the Suunto MC 2G or the global compasses.

Should have slowed down when you showed yourself adjusting the compass and why it works. i.e. why you are doing (in terms of traveling) and why and why it works.

He mentioned it, but it’s worth repeating that declination changes every year. So if you’re using an old map, you might not want to rely on the declination printed on it, as that has changed. NOAA website has most up to date info for your location.

@allenheart582

Жыл бұрын

Because of the coming micronova, declination is moving much farther, and much faster and so declination information is likely incorrect Magnetic North Pole has scooted across the Arctic Ocean to Siberia on its way to the Bay of Bengal in the Indian Ocean. Too much to explain here but my 2nd book, Surviving the Micronova: This Train Is on the Tracks will be available in September.

@mustangsallyride

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comment! Where to find updated information on the declination figures…that’s what I was looking for! 🤩

I'm in eastern Pa, which is at 12 degrees. So do I adjust to 12 degrees east or 12 degrees west?

@SierraOfficial

7 жыл бұрын

With an adjustable compass the indicator should be set to 12 degrees west. - Chris

@Mr.56Goldtop

7 жыл бұрын

Sierra Trading Post Thanks Chris!!

magnetic declination on a nautical chart is the "variation."

Thanks guy

Thanks

pretty good

Earth isn’t orange! You should’ve used a watermelon 😂 This simple visual explanation was very helpful indeed. Thanks for sharing 💗

Most people own a compass with fixed or no declination adjustment. Saying to just go out and buy an expensive replacement compass is not a realistic solution. Had you shown how to use one of the non adjustable compasses to take a field bearing or transfer a bearing from the map would have been actually useful. Also watching you struggle with the map in the wind was comical, should have placed a couple of rocks to keep it pinned down. If a person adjusts the declination on their brand new fancy compass wrong (maybe W in stead of E or vice versa) it is actually worse than not adjusting it at all. By understanding the concepts well and making the corrections needed for a non adjustable compass, the owner will actually ingrain the concepts and be more likely to remember them.

Because of the coming micronova, declination is moving much farther, and much faster and so declination information is likely incorrect but there is still a way to recalibrate magnetic declination using the shadow of sticks recording the path of the sun---rotation of the earth has not yet changed. First stick will show East. Mark it with a sharp stick pushed in. After a few minutes you can mark sun shadow travel where the shadow has moved - Push another stick in to mark West. Lay a straight stick from the E mark to the W mark. Geographic north or True North is 90 degrees from the E-W line. With your compass pointing toward True North, note how far off your compass is now. That is your true up-to-date declination. My up-to-date declination is 30 degrees, 15 degrees off from the official declination for my area. More on micronova in my 2nd book, Surviving the Micronova: This Train Is on the Tracks will be available in September.

So 1st you say grid north then later true north on my uk map they are 2 different things

@agimasoschandir

6 жыл бұрын

They are differences between true north, grid north and magnetic north. According to the Wikipedia article, the grid north and true north difference is small enough to be ignored.

@paganphil100

4 жыл бұрын

@@agimasoschandir: Yes, you can ignore True North (unless you want to go to the North Pole).

The struggle with the wind and the map on that rock does not instill confidence.

He made a simple topic complex. Did you work with a script or just throw around random ideas while the camera was rolling?

Leave it on 0 then add or subtract the difference.

@JustinHEMI05

3 жыл бұрын

@TRUMP 2020 no, the best way is with an adjustable compass as shown.

google pictures of iron oxide in granite and you will see what I'm talking about

Those look like pins, not pens.

True north is NOT the same as Grid North

NOT helpful at all. This video did not help me set my compass' declination bezel

@45s262

5 жыл бұрын

I've watched 50 videos, finally starting to make sense. Key words that help lightbulb click on. Words that I didn't pick up the first go around. Gleen a little from each video. Grapefruit illustration was good, coincide with first few sentences. Keep racking your mind around it. It's all about getting to zero. If ur at plus 15 then subtract 15 = 0 If your at 345 out of 360 ur negative 15 so add 15 = 0 Without the math if MN is right and 0 is left simply turn left. But I want to know why. Now I understand why north is both 0 and 360.

This doesn't tell how to adjust for magnetic declination. Do you know how to adjust if your compass doesn't have a fancy adjustment built in?

@opwave79

2 жыл бұрын

There’s an old saying: “west is best, east is least”. This means add west and subtract east. So if the map/chart indicates a declination of 4 degrees W for example, you add that to the compass bearing. But if the map/chart indicates a declination of 4 degrees E, you subtract it from your compass bearing.

Thank you, but you underestimate how stupid we are, I still don't get the east west and negative positive.

You really need to specify that you NEED that type of compass otherwise this is usless.