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    Re: sextant without paper charts
    From: Robert Eno
    Date: 2008 Oct 31, 10:52 -0400

    Frank (I think) wrote:
    
    "...so to me it would make sense to teach the tables in the Nautical Almanac, 
    rather than HO229, for that very improbable emergency but definitely possible 
    emergency where you need to navigate by sextant and stars..."
    
    Robert comments,
    
    Have to disagree with you on this one Frank. I have spent a lot of time 
    noodling around with the SR tables in the Nautical Almanac and in my humble 
    opinion, they are far too convoluted and complex and therefore does not lend 
    itself to emergency situations where everyone is stressed out and already 
    liable to make mistakes.
    
    Years ago, I spent the summer at a field camp and at night when I was on 
    watch, I would spend hours trying to master these tables. Even after I had 
    gotten my head wrapped around them, I continued to make silly mistakes; 
    mostly transpositional errors.
    
    The  tables involve way too many steps and way too many transpositions with 
    attendent and virtually infinate possibilities for stupid mistakes; which in 
    turn, brings the whole house of cards down. Nothing against Admiral Davies, 
    who, I understand, developed these tables, but keep in mind that Davies was a 
    brilliant man. Most of the rest of humanity are not so cerebrally endowed.
    
    If I were to choose an emergency method, I would opt for Ageton's tables. The 
    "forbidden zone" nothwithstanding, these tables are very simple, relatively 
    accurate and very easy to master. Very easy to master.
    
    But at the end of the day, it seems to me that HO 249 is the way to go. Two 
    volumes and you can go anywhere.
    
    Another two bits' from the Nav List cheap seats.
    
    
    
    
    
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