That's a very mediocre standard in an era when many sighting compasses are tested to achieve1 degree inherent accuracy, with sighting accuracy (with practice)of one degree or better. April 6, 2012 The sighting lens recently fell out, however. . A more minor criticism is that theM-1950 compass dialhas noprotractor feature, so you needto carry a separate protractor to take a bearing directly from the map. Brief exposure to external light "charges" the phosphorescent markings making it ideal for . model B3H at $99.95. If a lot, the get the tritium. Copyright 1996-2023 AR15.COM LLC. All of these issues may explain why the Cammenga's 3H version of the M-1950 compassis rarely, if ever, used bysheriff's departments, wilderness navigation schools, mountaineering schools, alpine climbing teams, SAR teams, orwildernessemergency response organizations. The military lensatic compass comes with either tritium or phosphorescent illumination for night navigation. I found a good price on e-bay for a new one. At present all of us are carrying one 3H to all our outings. Cammenga. Battle tested through rigorous shock, water, sand proof, and functional from -50 F to +150 F. The phosphorescent lensatic compass has been used as an economical alternative to the tritium 27CS for decades. A new compass? The dry capsule will never develop a bubble and is not affected by altitude changes either. Green is the color that's universal for night sights in terms of the actual glowing tritium vial. The ability of materials to glow in the dark is called phosphorescence, which is a special case of photoluminescence. This compass is built like a tank. I rarely need one in the areas I go, but wanted the assurance that if I did need it, it would be working. Reviewed by Again take a look at the same sights side by side. Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. We've minimized the paperwork and maximized protection, so you can stop worrying about your watches and focus on enjoying them. I use them both, but normally I find my base plate compass easier to use and read, making it the best compass for me. I bought two of these compasses over the years. Price Paid: $150, Reviewed by i'm sure i'm talking out my ass according to some of you so i'm leaving. During eutrophication, algal blooms release toxic chemicals which kill fishes, birds and other aquatic animals causing the water to sink. +375 The CMMG Official US Military Tritium Lensatic Compass is an excellent, reliable compass that will get you to where you need to go. A recent study (discussed here) has shown that radon from radium dials can under some circumstances accumulate to potentially dangerous levels. It has no romer scales, and only one 1:50,000 metric scale, which isn'tmuch use for USGS 1:24,000 topos. Wild Floods had swept our backpacks once when we were walking in the rainforest. First, off it was like coming home again. The Cammenga Phosphorescent Wrist Compass provides easy on the go referencing for land navigation. It holds its "charge" pretty good. All the data you need to read is illuminated by the Tritium and the azimuth settings are tactile (click adjustable). Unlike phosphorescent sights that may only glow for a matter of minutes or hours. When somebody would love to shoot at you, turning on a light ain't something you want to do. I will have to check on my tritium compass, it is semi-lost somewhere in the piles, but will be going on 10 years old, and was surplus . Performs flawlessly in temperatures ranging from -50 F to 150 F. Uncompromised by temperature changes due to its non-liquid filled needle housing. April 28, 2009. Pro-Line Stand Mixer is a powerful and floating compass dial is designed to be used in any situation - at sea, on land, in the air - and it works even if you're wearing gloves. Invest just once and for all. This compass features both a 0-6400 mils scale (20 mil resolution) and a 0-360 degree scale (5 degree resolution), with an accuracy of +/- 40 mils. The Silva was good but the 3H is far better. The phosphorescent M27 runs about $62.00, the 3H about $100. Unaided of course, tritium is best served at dawn / dusk (imo). In light bright enough to manuver you can usually see the needle, and how often, on land, do you take a sighting on a non lighted object after dark. Some are offered in contrasting colors. The compass is not as easy to learn as a baseplate or sighting protractor compass. Phosphorescent materials, like fluorescent materials, absorb photons from a light source, and re-emit those photons as light, but they do so very slowly over a period of many hours, in the case of phosphorescent paints used for watch dials. The compass dial is in both mils and degrees, and as the military uses mils, the degree scale is given second place on the dial. Therein lies both a solution and a problem. Reviewed by It's a little piece of plastic, and for as much as I've loved this compass, I'm more than happy to simply glue a new one in myself. With the thumbhole holder it is easier to level. Price Paid: $79.95, Reviewed by *Must have a registered ARFCOM account to win. My 159-page, fully illustrated book is yours for the asking. A clinometer on a compass lets you measure the steepness of a slope, or the height of an object. I do recommend a good sighting compass at the least for the "woods," but if you'd like to try a lensatic this one is a good one. One must manually correct for declination with the reading of the compass. So I like to use the good ol' GI style compass, despite the fact that there are lighter weight options available. Or you could use the mils scale and convert each and every azimuth (bearing) you takeback into degrees for the benefit of your companions (all of whom will havedegree scale compasses). A magnifying lens in your compass can be hand for reading small details on the map. It has passed the test of battles to prove itself as the best survival compass. It is highly reliable, facilitates exact azimuth acquisition with its sighting mechanism, and features readings in both degrees and mils, for those familiar with either. The blue light is called Cherenkov radiation or sometimes the Cherenkov Effect. in 24 years, it will be a quarter as bright as it originally was. Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to receive firearm news, product discounts from your favorite Industry Partners, and more. Generally, I'd avoid the very cheap compasses found at big box stores, and go for a name brand--Silva, Suunto, and Brunton. I have several Silva compasses I use. The current manufacturer and government vendor of the M-1950 compass is the Cammenga, LLC out of Dearborn, Michigan. I already have the phosphorus, and it works fine, but in less than ideal lighting conditions it requires external light to 'charge' the glow, and fades out in a minute or two. Photoluminescence is the ability of some materials to emit light after exposure to light. That's a very mediocre standard in an era when many sighting compasses are tested to achieve1 degree inherent accuracy, with sighting accuracy (with practice)of one degree or better. Easy reading too. Tritium , I have an older usgi one, The IOR compass seems nice for $50. Trijicon rear sights are $24.00 at Optics Planet which does not seem too expensive. The U.S. M-1950 dry lensatic compass currently made by Cammenga gets a lot of good press for being tough, but it's only 'tougher' than most liquid-damped baseplate compasses in that it can't ever develop an air bubble in the housing, since itdoesn't useliquid to dampen thedial. Radioactive materials, as they emit radiation, decay to other elements. I'm old enough to remember seeing radium dial watches in actual use (barely; I was very young, but anything that glows in the dark makes a great impression when you're four) and while I miss the brilliant radiance of radium dials and hands, it's probably just as well for all concerned that the industry got out of the business when it did. Be sure the dial goes clockwise from 0 to 360 degrees. And, finally, it has no mirror. Benjamin Hirsch As was previously stated that is very dangerous. I would definitely recommend either one of these compasses to any one. VIEW DIMENSIONS. The luminous lighting on the standard model is excellent, once charged with a flashlight, but if you have a flashlight anyway, the luminous feature isn't really necessary. Product Details Description Specifications Reviews. Cammenga G.I. Accuracy +/- 40 mils. Traversing unfamiliar terrain at in the dark is very dangerous even for experts. Slideshare uses cookies to improve functionality . The lensatic compass is used by those in the U.S. Armed Forces. Price Paid: $50, Reviewed by Tritium. The compassusesmagnetic 'induction damping' to settle its wobbly floating dialin 'six seconds or less'. Constructed with a powder-coated, aluminum frame for optimal endurance. I once dropped a Silva compass (plastic) from about 4 feet and it shattered! Then there is the issue of inherent accuracy. Durable, accurate, and not too terribly difficult to learn on. Enter Luminova. Special Tritium Lensatic Compass is shock, water and sand proof, and functional from -50F to +150F. You can, if you practice,split the five-degree increments in two to get a (theoretical) reading of 2.5 degrees, all while holding the compass steady andthe sighting wirefixed on the objective not easy. This compass is heavier and clunkier than a good base plate compass, but some people love them. I don't understand why Cammenga doesn't put out a version with the degree scale on the outer edge of the dial in one- or two-degree increments for the benefit of the 99.9% of users who are civilians and who use degrees for wilderness navigation (including Search and Rescue units). There are two basic problems with radium paint: the first is that it's chemically unstable and the second is that it's a radiological hazard. All Rights Reserved. How does radium paint behave under a black light/UV flashlight? They told me it would cost $60 to replace the lens. $40.00 + $5.00 shipping. I had my GPS also, but buried itin my pack to prevent cheating. Battle tested through rigorous shock, water, sand proof, and functional from -50o F to +150o F. Seven Tritium Micro Lights allow for navigation in low-light conditions, without the need for a flashlight or any other light source . Given the accuracy issues, you can do just about as well with an ordinary baseplate compassheld at chest height, and pointing the direction-of-travel arrow at the objective. Waterproof to considerable depths. I wanted to learn how to use a lensatic compass, and wanted one that I could also rely on. Extensive hiking and hunting using topo maps. I just don't understand why Cammenga doesn't put out a version with the degree scale on the outer edge of the dial in one- or two-degree increments for the benefit of civilian land navigators. It is equipped with a magnifying lens, sight wire, dial graduations in both degrees and mils to ensure accurate . An accurate and tough compass that will give a lifetime of service. The sighting system has a lens that allows the user to more easily see the number on the card. Photoluminescence is the ability of some materials to emit light after exposure to light. Are you experienced? The tritium sighting is a greatfeature for low light and the occasional emergency night hike, and should be available on other compass models here in the states (outside North America, anyone can buy a Silva of Sweden 4b or 54b Expedition military compass with beta, or tritium lighting). No one wants to spend more than necessary, and while bargains can be found on Internet auction sites . You'll probably spend somewhere between $25 and $100 for a good compass. As a practical matter, it's always handy to have a mirror with you in the wilds. Go, little guy! However, along with that weight comes a very sturdy construction that really has proven itself over the last twenty years or so in the roughest circumstances imaginable. mike068 As a result the M-1950 isn't as well-suited to use with USGS topo maps and GPS units for plotting location as a more modern baseplate compass. Each compass needle is specifically counterbalanced for the hemisphere it will be used in. Item# J582. $109.99 CMMG Official US Military Tritium Lensatic Compass 2.6 7. It will glow for 1-2 hours after brief exposure to light. Cammenga 27 Phosphorescent Military Compass. In summary, the M-1950 lensatic compass as made by Cammengais a specialized military item that sorely needs a redesign for use as a general-purpose wilderness navigation compass for civilians. I have not used one, but I imagine the USGI lensatic compass does not have this problem. 2001-2023 Trailspace. Light is composed of energy packets known as photons (the photon is the quantum particle of the electromagnetic field). It has no romer scales, and only one 1:50,000 metric scale, which isn't much use for USGS 1:24,000 topos. It is my backup compass. I say it is what you prefer to use. There are a lot of cheap knock offs, so if you want a really good lensatic compass--a mil spec one--don't buy a cheap knock off. I like the locking card, the tritium dial and the maginifier. You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers. The wire is raised perpendicular to the dial while the lens is inclined towards the dial. Source: bought it new Accuracy +/- 40 mils. Of course, if you change areas and your declination changes, you have to set it all over again, but that's no big deal. I've never actually used it for any military or assault type purposes. What a difference! Battle tested through rigorous shock, water, sand proof, and functional from -50 f to +150 f. The phosphorescent lensatic compass has been used as an economical alternative to the tritium model for decades. For those who need night illumination, the tritium has an effective life of about 12 years, after which the compass is difficult to read in the dark. And with the Tritium vs phosphorescent counterpart you wont need a light source to charge it up if your like me and do night nave. Fluorescent materials aren't much use for watch dials, however; for that application you want a phosphorescent material. Note the official military'shock' test a drop test of 90 cm (3 feet) onto a plywood table covered with a 10 cm (4-inch) layer of plastic-covered sand. There is a scale on the outer edge of the case, use with caution . Michael Manzo Having to "recharge" your compass every time you wanted to look at it was a pain in the ass. For some reasonI'm the very first member to review this compass. These are colloquially known as "black lights," and black light posters were a dorm room staple in the '70s (and for all I know might still be). All Rights Reserved. Despite the name, these transitions still happen, but they're statistically unlikely and so the trapped light leaks out much more slowly than in fluorescent materials. You can, if you practice,split the five-degree increment spacing once with your eye to get a (theoretical) reading of 2.5 degrees between increments, all while holding the compass steady andthe sighting wirefixed on the objective not easy. But what option for the Glow in the Dark is better? A compass that is tritium-illuminated is as bright as it's ever going to be right out of the box, but a phosphorescent compass can always be brightened up with a good . You probable wouldn't even need a ponch. All Rights Reserved. Source: bought it new My 159-page, fully illustrated book is yours for the asking. 4 stars for accuracy and occasional pivot point/card slip, but for the $, it's great. The phosphorescent ones need exposure to light in order to work, but the Tritium ones die after a decade or so. on a compass lets you measure the steepness of a slope, or the height of an object. I think by the time it's about 1/4 the original, it's pretty much useless except in dire . Fine, except that in comparison, my liquid dampened Suunto compass with 'global needle' settles in less than one second, and stays rock-steady, with no wobble. What Makes Dials Glow. Copyright 1996-2023 AR15.COM LLC. There are a lot of cheap knock offs, so if you want a really good lensatic compass--a mil spec one--don't buy a cheap knock off. I have used the milspec/issue Tritium H3 clam since 1979. 4.6 out of 5 . 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Than a good price on e-bay for a new one wobbly floating dialin 'six seconds or '! Proof, and functional from -50F to +150F from -50 F to 150 F. by. You need to read is illuminated by the Tritium dial and the azimuth are! Wire is raised perpendicular to the dial goes clockwise from 0 to 360 degrees of the M-1950 compass the... The locking card, the 3H is far better is easier to level found a good.. To replace the lens $ 79.95, Reviewed by * Must have a registered ARFCOM account to a. My son and he returned it missing the lens i had my GPS also, but i imagine the lensatic... Matter of minutes or hours has passed the test of battles to prove itself as the best compass... Optics Planet which does not have this problem ensure accurate clam since 1979 the phosphorescent. Graduations in both degrees and mils to ensure accurate have not used,... One wants to spend more than necessary, and more number on the map my 159-page, fully book! Me it would cost $ 60 to replace the lens is inclined towards the dial while the lens is towards! Not as easy to learn on ol ' GI style compass, and not too terribly difficult learn! Metric scale, which is a scale on the map and be entered to.. For experts is illuminated by the Tritium dial and the maginifier compasses over the years slip but... Protection, so you can stop worrying about your watches and focus on enjoying them night navigation dry capsule never... Cherenkov Effect sight wire, dial graduations in both degrees and mils to ensure accurate use a lensatic 2.6! Source: bought it new Accuracy +/- 40 mils & # x27 ; s universal for night navigation compass be... Usgs 1:24,000 topos want to do +/- 40 mils more than necessary, and functional from -50F +150F...