Brian:
I totally agree that a good navigator uses input from as many
sources -- especially independent sources -- as possible. So while
GPS is fantastic, a wise person going offshore knows celestial, too.
But you seem to imply that calculators are somehow less reliable
than other methods of sight reduction. A copy of HO 229 can go into
Davy Jones's locker as easily as a calculator (assuming you are
using the two in the same place, eg, a contained bridge, and not
waving the calculator about as you roam the rails).
Another thing that is often overlooked is the cost. I purchased a
solar-powered scientific calculator ("if you can see the numbers,
it's getting enough light to run," no need for batteries) for $10
over a decade ago. A copy of HO 229 for a single band of latitudes
costs more than twice that, and you need HO 229 for six latitude
bands (okay, lets be practical, few of us will sail north of 60 deg,
so maybe only four). So I could hermetically seal a half dozen of
these calculators and store them in a protected location for less
than the cost of the four copies of HO 229.
I'm not at all implying that I'm right and you're wrong. But I am
saying that one needs to look at both the quality and cost of
alternative solutions. And be willing to admit that "paper good,
electronics bad" feelings (as some on this list have espoused) are
personal, not universal.
One more thing -- if I have a copy of the Nautical Alamanac, I also
have a copy of the NA Sight reduction tables. Do I need more??
Lu
On 4/3/2013 8:29 AM, Brian Killian
wrote:
Oh yaaaa I forgot about that method. The Calculator works
well, but being a captain, I always plan for the worst and
hope for the best. If your calculator decides to go south or
into Davie Jones locker, what would be your back up? Do you
know how to use a slide rule, or use Natural Log and Trig
Tables? I am still learning the Slide rule. Trig Tables are
fairly easy to use. Peace
----------------------------------------------------------------
NavList message boards and member settings:
www.fer3.com/NavList
Members may optionally receive posts by email.
To cancel email delivery, send a message to
NoMail[at]fer3.com
----------------------------------------------------------------
View and reply to this message:
http://fer3.com/arc/m2.aspx?i=123287
