NavList:
A Community Devoted to the Preservation and Practice of Celestial Navigation and Other Methods of Traditional Wayfinding
Re: Celestial method
From: Dan Hogan
Date: 1997 Feb 17, 13:03 EST
From: Dan Hogan
Date: 1997 Feb 17, 13:03 EST
One of each. I use a calculator for primary Celestial and keep a set of tables onboard. Trick is you need to know how to use both. I would also carry a GPS. But for tables use a set you find easy to use. You don't really need 0.5' accuracy on a small boat. You do maintain a DR of course? TABLES 229: are large 6 Volumes and bulky. Small type. Covers the world and all situations. Learning curve. $11.60(US) 249: are large 3 volumes. Designed for air navigation. Limited in declination. The star volume is limited to 57 selected stars, never found a need for moreEasy to use. Good type size. The binding is a plastic ring hinge. Don't get them soaked. Easy learning curve. In 5 years of use I never needed more accuracy $11.60(US) THESE WOULD BE MY CHOICE FOR YOU. SHORT TABLES: I would wait until you have more knowledge and experience. CALCULATORS Celesticomp V: $279.00(US) My first choice. Merlin II: If you can't find a Celesticomp $229.00(US) HP or TI programmable calculators: You can program your own formulae or buy a card with navigation program. The cost/w card is about the same as a Celesticomp/Merlin. I have total faith with any electronic system that I can take skindiving. Don't forget the Nautical Almanac $16.95(US). And the usual plotting tools. At 07:00 2/17/97 +0000, Johan Smit Wrote [Snip] >I have sailed before, but never alone, and never had to do the >navigation. >Now I will be doing an ocean crossing alone, and need to decide on a >method of celestial navigation. Calculator, tables, which tables or >program? >Please advise me on your experience. [Snip] Dan Hogan West Covina, CA dhhogan@XXX.XXX