How to identify a Ritchie compass?

How to identify a Ritchie compass?

Most Ritchie compasses built after 1974 were supplied with a model & serial number sticker which can be found on the compass bowl or the bottom of the housing. The serial number is key to determining what year a compass was built, which in turn helps you determine what parts to order in this manual.

Can a boat compass be repaired?

Repairing a compass will save you hundreds of dollars. The most common problems with a boat compass are air bubbles in the fluid and a sticky dial. Bubbles are often caused by leaks, which you can repair by replacing gaskets or tightening screws. A sticky dial may require replacement parts.

What fluid is in a Ritchie compass?

Isopar L
Until 2001, all Ritchie compasses (see exception) were filled with Odorless Mineral Spirits (100% Paraffin based). Ritchie now uses a fluid called Isopar L that has similar properties but some added benefits over Odorless Mineral Spirits.

Where are plastimo compasses made?

Lorient, France
Navimo USA, formerly Plastimo USA, is the North American importer of Plastimo compasses, which are manufactured in Lorient, France.

How do you fix a broken compass?

If this happens, you will need to remagnetize the compass using a strong magnet. Place the compass on a flat, stable surface facing upward. Place the south pole of the magnet directly on top of the needle. Drag the magnet slowly along the length of the needle towards the north-marked end.

Should a compass have a bubble in it?

Are compass bubbles a problem? Small bubbles have no influence on the accuracy of a compass and in most cases will disappear when the compass is returned to sea level and/or warmer temperatures. In fact, compasses are designed in such a way that the development of bubbles is actually both inevitable and desirable.

What fluid is in aircraft compass?

The correct fluid is MIL-C-5020A.

Can you use mineral oil in a compass?

if compass is filled with mineral oil only it will be very slow to respond because of the higher viscosity. but it won’t harm the compass. however compasses should never be filled with mineral SPIRITS.

Is the liquid in a compass harmful?

DANGER: Harmful or Fatal if swallowed; Combustible. Keep from heat, sparks, open flame, or other ignition sources. Avoid breathing of vapor or contact with skin.

Does a compass need to be calibrated?

Calibration of the digital magnetic compass is an essential and critical step before actually using the compass. Many times, it has been observed that users tend to skip this step which is a highly unsafe practice. The compass should be re-calibrated if the soft or hard iron sources of error in the vicinity change.

How do you adjust a plastimo compass?

– Run your boat under power along a northerly course as indicated by your hand bearing compass and adjust your steering compass by turning the north-south screw either way, until the steering compass also points north.

Do compasses go bad?

A good compass will last a long time. However, some things can go wrong with a compass: the plastic components can break, or the housing can develop a leak. Over time, the fluid within the housing may turn an opaque blue-green.

Can you Remagnetize a compass?

‘ you might ask. A neodymium magnet (also called a rare-earth magnet) can be used as a modern substitute for a lodestone, and any magnetic compass needle can be remagnetized at the magnet’s south-seeking pole to track and settle to magnetic North not only faster, but with higher accuracy.