NavList:

   

Reply

Paul,

> I have recently become interested in learning celestial navigation

You are welcome to this community.

> After some further research, I have acquired Kolbe's "Long Term Almanac
> 2000 - 2050", Burch's "How to Use Plastic Sextants", and the iPhone apps
> Sight Calc and Timestamp.  I've also acquired some plotting sheets, a
> course plotter, parallel rules, and a Davis Artificial Horizon.

That's a lot of equipment:-)
All you need, besides a sextant, is a watch, pencil and paper.
Almanac data are available online. Simple calculator helps a lot.

> Along with a good watch (Casio Wave Ceptor
> atomic), I should be self sufficient and determine my position.

There were several discussions about "atomic" watches on this site.
I mean watches
which depend on outside signals. Short conclusion from these discussions
I can state as follows: use ordinary Casio watch, which is independent
of outside signals. You can check it from time to time by Internet
or radio signals. But it is better that you check it yourself, rather then
rely on automatic radio adjustment.

> Any other suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Now just take some sights and reduce them.
Of course it is better to use a real horizon if you have one within
driving distance. If not, use an artificial horizon in your backyard.
(A plate with water or spent automobile oil is OK if there is no wind).

Alex.

   

Reply