Digital Compass Watch

Welcome to DigitalCompassWatch.net. You will be able to find many deals on digital compasses, watches and GPS systems.

Firstly, you may ask yourself, what exactly is, what is the definition? Most likely you know what watch is and what compass is. Today’s technology has made it possible to combine many gadgets together. So simply put, a Digital Compass watch is a watch with a built-in compass and sometimes additional devices such as altimeter, barometer, and thermometer. All those together make it easy for people who like hiking or going into the “wilderness”.

So, how has it come that we are able to use those ingenious devices today?

Compass originated in China during the Qin dynasty. A mineral lodestone, composed of iron oxide was first used by fortune tellers to verify directions. It was also used for construction of their fortune telling boards and for feng shui purposes. It was later developed by Westerners and used for astrological and geomantic purposes.

The development of compass continues as years passed by, until it tops to what we all know; the manual compass. A navigational tool used in determining directions, as to North, East, West and South. It has a magnetized pointer that aligns itself according to Earth’s magnetic poles. Manual compasses are still used nowadays although there are newer, more modernized versions of compass; the digital compass.

Digital compass uses sensor in determining magnetic fields and display a numerical reading of the measurement. There are different types of digital compass that are available in the market. These types are handheld, compass watch, car compass and GPS systems that can either be handheld or built in to cars.

Handheld digital compass uses magneto-inductive technology, which measures the differences in the magnetic field of the Earth. It is a small, compact device that has a digital screen that displays the variation between the true north and the magnetic north; thus giving out accurate location and direction. Handheld digital compass can be use for camping, sailing, mountaineering, military activities and more. However, tilting handheld compass is not advisable for it can cost reading errors and inaccuracy. Popular brands of handheld digital compass are Coleman, Brunton, Expocell, C-Tech, Radio Shock, Oregon, Coldmate and Garmin.

Digital watch compasses, on the other hand are easier to use because it gives out instant and exact reading. Plus it is more convenient and lightweight for it comes built-in to wrist watches. Just like any other digital compasses, built-in digital watch compass also uses magneto-inductive technology. Style, features and functions depends on the manufacturer. Popular brands of digital watch compass are Suunto, Casio, Timex, La Crosse, High Gear and Brunton.

If you have your own car, you maybe familiar with digital car compass. Digital car compasses are those little gadgets you place on your dashboards, which tell you cardinal direction and bearing location in degrees. It also uses the patented magneto-inductive sensor technology, which balances the magnetic distortion cost by the car’s metal structure. Most digital car compasses have back lighted screen for more visible and easy reading, especially during the night and gloomy days. Other digital car compasses are designed to literally tell direction; thee are called talking digital car compass. However, style, design, features and functions depends on the manufacturer. Well known brands of digital car compass are Digital Navigator, Datalogic, RoadPro, A2Vpower, Type S and Reizen.

GPS or Global Positioning System provides accurate and reliable real-time positioning, timing and navigation services worldwide. This is the newest technology used in telling direction; it functions like a compass but it is more complex and elaborated. And unlike compass, GPS uses satellite technology, which is also use in map making, tracking and surveillance, geocaching, land surveying and way marking. GPS comes in two different types; handheld GPS system, marine GPS system and GPS system for cars.

Handheld GPS systems are compact and small and it usually fits into your palm. This gadget is great for determining your exact location on Earth. Since handheld GPS systems are lightweight, these are best use when fishing, camping, mountaineering, trekking and geocaching. Best selling handheld GPS systems are Garmin, DeLorme, Apisphere, Magellan and eTrex.

GPS systems for cars on the other hand, are used for navigating while you are driving your vehicle. These usually feature bigger back lighted display screens for easy reading and proper visibility. GPS system for car Features Street mapping technology and real-time traffic updates for easier, faster and safer driving. Popular brands of GPS system for cars are Garmin, Magellan, Tom Tom, Right Way and Motorolla.

Another type of GPS is the marine GPS system. This type of GPS is used mainly for marine vehicles like boats, yacht, ferry and other sea vessels. Marine GPS systems provide your exact location at sea using coordinates. These are generally weatherproof and have active sonar, marine mapping and back tracking features. These are best used for Fleet Tracking, fishing and other marine navigation activities. Well known marine GPS brands are Garmin, Standard Horizon, Cobra and Lowrance.

When choosing the right and best digital compass and GPS system there are few things you must consider. First, know what will be its main purpose; will you use it for fishing, trekking or driving? Next is to know what particular features you want, style, functions, etc. When you determined those factors, its time to choose what brand you want; model and price. Make sure that the digital compass you choose will serve its purpose and will last for a long time.

Digital compasses are battery powered devices so make sure to always check the batteries before you use your gadget. Just like any other gadgets that give out reading, digital compasses must be calibrated on the initial use and every time you change batteries. This is to ensure accurate results every time; be reminded not to calibrated digital compass near magnetic and metallic objects, other electronics devices and mineral deposits. If you are clueless on how to calibrate your digital compass, here is a brief guide on how to do so:

1. Look for the set or heading button and gently press it to prepare your digital compass for recalibration.
2. Hold your gadgets flat and level it to the horizon; make sure not to tilt it.
3. Rotate it twice to assure that your compass is properly held and leveled.
4. Watch for the compass reading; it should read accordingly with your location. If not adjust the declination value accordingly.
5. Lastly, press the heading or set button once more. The digital compass will adjust to magnetic north and finish calibrating.

Besides calibrating, you must also take good care of your digital compass. Since it is battery-operated it is better to turn it off whenever you are not using it; never over use it and always check your batteries for possible leakage. Don’t let your digital compass be wet or exposed to extreme heat. And always clean it; wipe it with fresh lightly wet tissue to remove dust and unwanted debris.

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