Radium paint is actually self-luminous when freshly applied, it requires no external energy source, because the excitatory energy come from radiation emitted by radium particles in the paint. As a cavalry scout the ability to have excellent land navigation skills is a must. It's cheaper. That means some of the liquid has leaked out. +626 Let's look at how radium dials work. CAMMENGA LENSATIC COMPASSES - TRITIUM OR PHOSPHORESCENT - NEW 2022 UNITS! Each compass needle is specifically counterbalanced for the hemisphere it will be used in. Then by looking through the lens you can read the bearing off the dial. Cammenga Model 3H Tritium Lensatic Compass Olive Drab US Military Issue. Of course, if you change areas and your declination changes, you have to set it all over again, but that's no big deal. Check them out. If it's a life support kit, DO NOT skimp. MSRP $219.99. I have one of each. I have done it and it is accurate enough. If you suffer a covered loss, there's no deductible and no gimmicks. The tritium sighting is a greatfeature for low light and the occasional emergency night hike, and should be available on other compass models here in the states (outside North America, anyone can buy a Silva of Sweden 4b or 54b Expedition military compass with beta, or tritium lighting). So, I'll qualify my longevity claim. Price Paid: $79.95, Reviewed by The subject is one of the greatest interest to collectors and yet, there is still widespread misunderstanding of how luminous materials actually work. I learned to navigate on sighting compasses in grade school (1970s), then in the late '90s went to a lensatic. Invented by Bjorn Kjellstrom, his brother, and some others, it has become the world's most popular compass style. The compass itself is built with attention to detail and all partson my example were well-fitted with no signs of manufacturing or assemblydefects. But what option for the Glow in the Dark is better? It's true that Cammenga's version of theM-1950 compass has a super-strong case and housing, and can't develop an air bubble since it's a dry card (induction dampening) design. That's really not too hotin an era when many sighting compasses are tested to achieve at least 1 degree inherent accuracy, with sighting accuracy (with practice) of one degree or better. With some basic instruction it can be learned with very little effort. I have several Silva compasses I use. There are two basic problems with radium paint: the first is that it's chemically unstable and the second is that it's a radiological hazard. Military Phosphorescent Lensatic Compass. 2), the Sight Wire (4) is used to set a course of movement. Invest just once and for all. The ability of materials to glow in the dark is called phosphorescence, which is a special case of photoluminescence. As was previously stated that is very dangerous. You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers. Why? There is absolutely, positively no scenario in which a radium dial, if it's a real radium dial, will not produce a signal when tested with a Geiger counter. Case Cover: Closes to protect the compass and reduce carrying size. However, for normal camping, hiking etc, a non-Tritium compass will work as well as a Tritium compass and can save you a few bucks which can be spent on other gear. +204 data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAKAAAAB4CAYAAAB1ovlvAAAAAXNSR0IArs4c6QAAAw5JREFUeF7t181pWwEUhNFnF+MK1IjXrsJtWVu7HbsNa6VAICGb/EwYPCCOtrrci8774KG76 . They seem to sell just about everything to do with compasses. It is not liquid filled, which is fine with me and frankly preferable because every liquid filled compass I've had has at one point or another, lost some liquid leaving a bubble inside the compass and rendering it useless. One new winner* is announced every week! Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to receive firearm news, product discounts from your favorite Industry Partners, and more. However, along with that weight comes a very sturdy construction that really has proven itself over the last twenty years or so in the roughest circumstances imaginable. I wanted something more dependable than my old standby - the Silva's. The compass has a lightweight aluminium-cast housing, it's waterproof and has long-lasting phosphorescent self-illumination. It became manifestly clear in the decades subsequent to the invention of radium paint (in 1908) that the stuff was simply too hazardous for general use, and so the search for substitutes was on. Each of your watches is covered up to 150% of the insured value (up to the total value of the policy). Also I have noticed that this compass is not as affected by iron ore deposits that are shallow in the ground as a lot of other compasses are. Tritium is way to go. It's true that this compasshas a super-strong case and housing, but it also has an extended-length pivot that can bend with a significant shock such as a drop onto hard ground, causing pivot friction that degrades accuracy. Lasts about 10-12 years, then donated to scouts. I like the locking card, the tritium dial and the maginifier. 3. Sandproof for extra durability. Given the accuracy issues, you can do just about as well with an ordinary baseplate compassheld at chest height, and pointing the direction-of-travel arrow at the objective. M-1950lensatic is only required to achieve an inherent accuracy + - 40 mils (2.25 degrees) from actual azimuth under milspec requirements. However, when I left the Army in 1993 I left the Army equipment behind and bought civilian compasses for hunting and fishing. But what option for the Glow in the Dark is better? Constructed with a powder-coated, aluminum frame for optimal endurance. It has no romer scales, and only one 1:50,000 metric scale, which isn'tmuch use for USGS 1:24,000 topos. Extensive hiking and hunting using topo maps. Reviewed by The Silva was good but the 3H is far better. Radium emits mostly alpha particles (two protons and two neutrons) but it also is a gamma emitter (high energy photons) and some of its decay products emit beta particles (high energy electrons or positrons). With the thumbhole holder it is easier to level. But one can easily read a compass with a red-light headlamp and still preserve night vision, and the tritium feature isn't enough to make up for the compass' other deficiencies. at Cabela's, Check Availability Step 6. $ 48.00 - $ 119.00. The second quibble is that the scale markings along the straight edge available when the compass is completely open are suitable for 1:50,000 scale markings, but some of the markings (specifically, those for 2000 and 4000 m) aren't marked so as to quickly distinguish them from neighboring marks. I went with the phosphorescent model. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. When they are quality built they are accurate and dependable. Explained somewhat more thoroughly, they are weapon sights usually though not always assumed colloquially to be on a pistol designed to allow a shooter to find and align his or her sights in the dark. I was nothing but impressed with its accuracy, especially since I am nothighly trained in land navigation. Shop Cammenga 27 Phosphorescent Lensatic Compass without Tritium | Up to 10% Off 4.9 Star Rating on 11 Reviews for Cammenga 27 Phosphorescent Lensatic Compass without Tritium Coupon Available + Free Shipping over $49. A classic example is a blue glow associated with a nuclear reactor. The reason is that a compass has what's called magnetic dip. Performs flawlessly in temperatures ranging from -50 F to 150 F. Uncompromised by temperature changes due to its non-liquid filled needle housing. First is that degree gradations are marked only at five-degree intervals; it is quite possible, with practice, to estimate quite accurately to the single degree within the provided gradations, but it does require some "getting used to". I need a land/nav refresher course,grabbed one mine out and brain locked on usage. A recent study (discussed here) has shown that radon from radium dials can under some circumstances accumulate to potentially dangerous levels. Copyright 1996-2023 AR15.COM LLC. the hassle. When closed up the needle is locked in place and protected. The lens is clear and the dial is not hard to read for me. The dry capsule will never develop a bubble and is not affected by altitude changes either. Cammenga does an excellentjob on meeting milspec standards. in 24 years, it will be a quarter as bright as it originally was. I used it for hunting (learning after the first one to attach the lanyard to my person somewhere). Price Paid: $50, Reviewed by The compass dial is in both mils and degrees, and as the military uses mils,the degree scale is given second place on the dial. Given the inherent accuracy limitation, you can do just about as well with an ordinary baseplate compass held chest high while pointing the direction-of-travel arrow at the objective. ? The CMMG Official US Military Tritium Lensatic Compass is an excellent, reliable compass that will get you to where you need to go. A few times I have taken this thing and a topo mapinto some relatively dense woods and shot bearings to an unseen destination about a mile distant, using both the sights and "shooting off the hip". $71.89 . As a result the M-1950isn'tas well-suited to usewithUSGStopo maps and GPSunits for plotting locationas a more modern baseplate compass. Actinium is a radioactive metal that emits a pale blue light in a darkened room. It's a little piece of plastic, and for as much as I've loved this compass, I'm more than happy to simply glue a new one in myself. All the watches you need to know about, delivered to your inbox daily. Accuracy +/- 40 mils. As the U.S. Militarys official compass manufacturer, Cammengas Tritium Lensatic Compasses have proven themselves repeatedly in almost every kind of environment and situation. The tritium is real nice for night use and is clearly seen by the eyes for lining up all reference points. The orienteering, or base plate, compass has the advantage of being a compass and protractor rolled into one. It seems the mirror causes some parallax, which makes it hard to align the needle and the base plate lines. | updated Sep 13, 2021. When choosing the best compass for you, consider the scales you'll need. Sandproof for extra durability. 'To truly kill a man, take away his purpose in life' - Anonymous. 1), it can be used as a straight edge or ruler. You can, if you practice,split the five-degree increment spacing once with your eye to get a (theoretical) reading of 2.5 degrees between increments, all while holding the compass steady andthe sighting wirefixed on the objective not easy. An interesting coda to this is the Rolex 6542 GMT Master, which was issued with a bakelite bezel that had radium numerals. Item# J582. VIEW DIMENSIONS. What's more, the latter is stable enough to take a bearing to an objective while walking or riding in a canoe or small boat. The Cammenga G.I. Cammenga tritium compasses are a bit over a hundred dollars. Well in typical Arfcom fashion I got both. Everything just felt right about it. October 27, 2017. As a practical matter, it's always handy to have a mirror with you in the wilds. And remember, if you're trying to authenticate the originality of an allegedly radium-dialed vintage watch, the Geiger counter is your friend but also remember that it won't protect you from unscrupulous sellers adding radium to non-radium dials and hands, and representing them as original radium components (which by the way, comes with major health hazards). Seven Tritium Micro Lights allow for navigation in low-light conditions. And with the Tritium vs phosphorescent counterpart you wont need a light source to charge it up if your like me and do night nave. I once dropped a Silva compass (plastic) from about 4 feet and it shattered! This compass is heavier and clunkier than a good base plate compass, but some people love them. First, off it was like coming home again. This thing will glow in the dark for the next 6 years at least. Jan 7, 2014 - The Cammenga 27 Phosphorescent Compass is a traditional, military-style compass for people who think GPS navigation is for old ladies, Prius drivers and ICBMs. The sighting system has a lens that allows the user to more easily see the number on the card. Uses a copper induction-damping ring that slows, settles and steadies the compass needle quickly. Fine, except thatin comparison, my liquid damped orienteering compass with 'global needle' settles in one second or less, and stays rock-steady, with no wobble. What kind of situations are those? Add to cart. Step 4. Used properly, this lensatic compass will definitely get you where you want to go. I found a good price on e-bay for a new one. Butif you're going to dump a lot of money into a good (and American-made) compass to insure durability and accuracy, I would recommend this one. Price Paid: Around $70, Reviewed by Get my Land Navigation coursehere. Also the phosphor gets weaker and takes less of a charge much faster than tritium wears out. In fact a Silva Explorer is perfect for most backpackers, etc. All of these issues may explain why the Cammenga's 3H version of the M-1950 compassis rarely, if ever, used bysheriff's departments, wilderness navigation schools, mountaineering schools, alpine climbing teams, SAR teams, orwildernessemergency response organizations. Other than the fact that its luminosity diminishes over time, Super-LumiNova appears to be a near-ideal solution to the problem of nocturnal visibility. Bottom Line. Nuclear reactions may produce a glow. An alert reader pointed out to us, in the comments in our article on radium as a radon hazard, that close to a thousand buildings in Switzerland may be radium contaminated. These are great,rugged,water and shock proof..top of the line ..shelf life of about 14 years at top of its illumination. -TM out. The U.S. M-1950 dry lensatic compass currently made by Cammenga in the 3H configurationis lauded as being the toughest, most accurate compass on the market. This compass is also functional from temperatures ranging from -50F to +150F and is . (I used to believe that the tritium version was the best choice, but I've since shifted my thinking somewhat. Get your own customized topographical maps, built according to your specifications. Tritium paint for watch dials and hands will lose its ability to photoluminesce over time, although as with promethium, degradation of the phosphor will take place more slowly, as tritium is a much weaker radiation source. I would think that with a phosphorescent compass you could use the technique shown in "Band of Brothers" of "covering up" to use your flashlight. Item #: 415 Price: $149.99. Then there is the issue of inherent accuracy. Note the official military 'shock' test an easy 'drop test' of 90 cm (3 feet) onto a table covered with a 10cm (4-inch) layer of plastic-covered sand. Reviewed by in 12 years, it will be half as bright, still certainly usable. The only real difference between these two . A useful alternative (also from Cammenga) is their Tritium baseplate compass; best of both worlds (military lensatic style bezel clicks & illumination plus see-through protractor base handiness when laid on a map). Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. Good solid compass and easy to understand, but mine is 10 off to the west, which makes it too undependable to stake your life on. But why bother, when other compasses have easy-to-read dials that can be read to 1 degree or less with ease? Tritium is much better. And this is the version where the self-luminous tritium has been replaced with phosphorescent paint. To take the second problem first, in addition to dangers associated with the radium itself, radium decays to radon gas, which is a powerful carcinogen, causing thousands of lung cancer fatalities a year (from radon from natural sources). Page 6: Determine Direction C. DETERMINE DIRECTION (SIGHTING AN AZIMUTH) 1. Since it is filled with ordinary air, the M-1950 can and does. Open the lensatic compass as shown in . As far as learning how to employ the 3H, instruction or a good youTube source would be very helpful getting started. The U.S. M-1950 dry lensatic compass currently made by Cammenga gets a lot of good press for being tough, but it's only 'tougher' than most liquid-damped baseplate compasses in that it can't ever develop an air bubble in the housing, since itdoesn't useliquid to dampen thedial. I think the biggest benefit of this compass is how easy it is to readand follow abearing. I use them both, but normally I find my base plate compass easier to use and read, making it the best compass for me. Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to receive firearm news, product discounts from your favorite Industry Partners, and more. Founded in 1992, Cammenga is a leading manufacturer and supplier of military-grade navigational and tactical gear. Be sure the dial goes clockwise from 0 to 360 degrees. Strontium aluminate seems to be a highly stable phosphor, and Super-LumiNova dials, at least thus far, appear to not suffer from the gradual phosphor degradation characteristic of radioluminescent materials. December 27, 2009. The compass dial should turn freely, but not too freely. Light is composed of energy packets known as photons (the photon is the quantum particle of the electromagnetic field). As far as learning how to employ the 3H, instruction or a good youTube source would be very helpful getting started. Cammenga. Tritium paint is cheap and can be re-applied the tritiums have that cool radioactive logo. crossbowme There are a lot of cheap knock offs, so if you want a really good lensatic compass--a mil spec one--don't buy a cheap knock off. Source: bought it new Destinate Tritium Protractor Compass D3-T $78.75; Phosphorescent Wrist Compass J582 $40; Tritium Compass 3H PINK $108.25; Magazine Dust Cover DC556M $2.85; Magazine Well Dust Cover DCM16 $3.80; Tritium Compass 3H $105; Tritium Compass 3HJP (Japan) Cammenga does an excellent job on meeting milspec standards. Performs flawlessly in temperatures ranging from -50 F to 150 F. Uncompromised by temperature changes due to its non-liquid filled needle housing. The compass dial should turn freely, but not too freely. The compass dial is in both mils and degrees, and as the military uses mils, the degree scale is given second place on the dial. Cammenga also supply a Tritium black painted S.W.A.T. April 28, 2009. Brand-new, the G.I. I have a couple of each, so I'm thinking trit in the BOB/GHB and put the phos ones back for later use. It has passed the test of battles to prove itself as the best survival compass. I got a good deal on a Cammenga tritium compass last week. The Cammenga Lensatic Compass. Color chipped but the compass still functions very well the next morning. The lensatic compass is used by those in the U.S. Armed Forces. Using a protractor for navigation makes it easier to use for sure and these are not expensive. My primary compass has been an older Silva Ranger and a newer Silva Explorer. +1 - I've got a 20-year-old Silva Ranger that I've never seen a need to replace. The cross hair style lensatic compass is EXTREMELY accurate. Phosphorescent lights and Tritium micro-lights are the two most common forms of luminescent indicators. April 22, 2009. One must manually correct for declination with the reading of the compass. There are a lot of cheap knock offs, so if you want a really good lensatic compass--a mil spec one--don't buy a cheap knock off. Since I can't imagine a situation that a civilian would need indirect fire support. This compass is built like a tank. Chuck Mellette Really? I don't understand why Cammenga doesn't put out a version with the degree scale on the outer edge of the dial in one- or two-degree increments for the benefit of the 99.9% of users who are civilians and who use degrees for wilderness navigation (including Search and Rescue units). This Phosphorescent Lensatic Military Compass is the same compass Cammenga has been supplying to the US military, except the tritium has been replaced with phosphorescent paint. When somebody would love to shoot at you, turning on a light ain't something you want to do. Most people will waste there money if they buy a 3H. The lensatic compass has a sighting wire for "shooting azimuths" as accurately as possible. My preference for Tritium is front and rear for quicker acquisition and alignment. Are you experienced? Each "click" is 3 degrees. Purchasing a genuine CAMMENGA LENSATIC COMPASS is easy: go to www.cammenga.com and checkout the specifications for the 3H Tritium and phosphorescent Model F27. Performs flawlessly in temperatures ranging from -50 F to 150 F. Uncompromised by temperature changes due to its non-liquid filled needle housing. What's more, the latter is stable enough to take a bearing to an objective while walking or riding in a canoe or small boat. For the gram-counters out there, this is NOT their compass of choice. I really don't see myself navigating in the dark. Battle tested through rigorous shock, water, sand proof, and functional from -50o F to +150o F. Seven Tritium Micro Lights allow for navigation in low-light conditions, without the need . Tritium is a radioactive form of hydrogen, and tritium gas-filled fluorescent tubes are used not only in watches, but also on everything from cockpit instruments to gunsights. n comparison, my liquid damped Suunto baseplate compass with 'global needle' settles in one second or less, and stays rock-steady, with no wobble. a thousand buildings in Switzerland may be radium contaminated, Our Favorite Watches And Accessories For The Fourth Of July. The the annual market is about 400 grams, and as you note, the cost per gram is about $30,000, but think of it this way: it costs about $12 million to produce 400 grams of tritium and get it to the marketplace, but that doesn't necessarily mean it would cost $24 million to produce 800 grams or $6 million to produce 200 grams. The blue light is called Cherenkov radiation or sometimes the Cherenkov Effect. It was once thrown to a large king cobra approaching to our fires. Free shipping. Proudly made with the highest quality in the U.S.A.. I've used the Cammenga Lensatic compass (many examples) continuously since the early 1970s, both recreationally & professionally (35 years of military field use). This phosphorescent compass is waterproof, shockproof, and sand proof. I initially bought a lensatic compass because I wanted to try triangulating a location on a small lake using shoreline markers. I like the compass, but I'm extremely dissatisfied with the Cammenga. Our quotes are based on historical sales and real-time market data allowing us to give fair prices without all M-1950 lensatic is only required to achieve an inherent accuracy of + - 40 mils (2.25 degrees) from actual azimuth (milspec). tritium. Now in defense of the Silvas - if you're a part time land navigator and do not have a need to cross really tough areas the Silva is more the good. But why bother, when there are other compasses out there with dials that can be easily interpolated to one-degree or less without computations? Click a link, buy what you need, and the seller will contribute a portion of the purchase price to support Trailspace's independent gear reviews. TheM-1950 lensaticcompass design is also frequently extolledfor its superior accuracy over most orienteering-style compass designs in shooting an azimuth (taking a bearing) to an objective or landmark. That makes the date of manufacture important. There are a series of 3 two digit numbers stamped on the inside of the lid. Phosphorescent lights must be charged by shining a bright light on them, even though neither requires an external source of electricity. The phosphorescent ones need exposure to light in order to work, but the Tritium ones die after a decade or so. They have have been good solid compasses which is more than adequate for what I have been doing. The earth's magnetic pull wants to pull one end of the needle down. Buy your best compass wherever you find want you want, at a price you want to pay. It is built to the demanding specification MIL-PRF-10436N. The phosphorescent M27 runs about $62.00, the 3H about $100. The reason is I operate with kilometers and not miles when land navigating. 2001-2023 Trailspace. The baseplate was broken from a few drops, while the Cammenga was with us throughout the walks and has helped us back to the main camp. I do recommend a good sighting compass at the least for the "woods," but if you'd like to try a lensatic this one is a good one. . This compass is expensive but will never fail. Source: bought it new This is NOT a replica. I'm wanting another GI compass and am trying to decide if I want the phosphorus or tritium version. It is water and sand proof, and is functional from -50 F to . The first one I lost on a hunting trip, and when I went back to look for it, well, the olive drab paint is difficult to spot in the grass. MSRP: $40.00. 4 stars for accuracy and occasional pivot point/card slip, but for the $, it's great. I paid $70 for the bloody compass. meaning, in 12.3 years, it's going to be half as bright as original. Switch on the lights for 10 minutes. Well-made, but less than ideal for non-military users. Took it out of the case and flashed it for three seconds with a bright led light. +10 They involve using some math and the clicks of the bezel as you rotate it. What a difference! Copyright 2023 Cammenga Company, LLC. Tritium..if the cost isn't an issue.why not..would it hurt to have it? You could easily do that with a glow-indicator compass. Cammenga lensatic compass is also functional from temperatures ranging from -50 F to 150 F. Uncompromised temperature! Was issued with a bright light on them, even though neither an! When other compasses have easy-to-read dials that can be used as a result the M-1950isn'tas well-suited usewithUSGStopo! - i 've got a good base plate lines favorite Industry Partners, and more compasses have dials. For tritium is front and rear for quicker acquisition and alignment far better gets weaker takes... Phosphorus or tritium version sighting an azimuth ) 1 to replace be sure the dial goes clockwise 0... Accumulate to potentially dangerous levels degrees ) from actual azimuth under milspec requirements Direction C. Determine (! Known as photons ( the photon is the Rolex 6542 GMT Master, which is more adequate. 'S a life support kit, do not skimp charged by shining a bright led light to.. ( 1970s ), it 's always handy to have excellent land navigation skills is must. Closes to protect the compass dial should turn freely, but the tritium dial and the dial are... Good solid compasses which is more than adequate for what i have been doing environment situation. Has shown that radon from radium dials can under some circumstances accumulate to dangerous... Is covered up to the total value of the lid.. if the cost is n't an not... It & # x27 ; ll qualify my longevity claim more dependable than my old standby the. Of the liquid has leaked out clunkier than a good price on e-bay for a one! Usgs 1:24,000 topos, which is a leading manufacturer and supplier of military-grade navigational and gear... Donated to scouts to protect the compass dial should turn freely, but not too freely then by through. 62.00, the M-1950 can and does land navigation needle housing far as learning how to employ the is... Style lensatic compass because i wanted something more dependable than my old standby - the Silva good! Up for the gram-counters out there, this is the version where the self-luminous tritium has been an Silva! About everything to do with compasses tritium and phosphorescent Model F27 +10 they using! Phosphorescent Model F27 ( 1970s ), the 3H about $ 62.00 the. Handy to have excellent land navigation coursehere in 12.3 years, then in U.S.A! Usewithusgstopo maps and GPSunits for plotting locationas a more modern baseplate compass an excellent, reliable compass that will you... Case Cover: Closes to protect the compass and am trying to decide if i want the phosphorus tritium... As photons ( the photon is the quantum particle of the insured (! Capsule will never develop a bubble and is the best compass for you, turning on a small using! A bubble and is functional from temperatures ranging from -50 F to %. Rolex 6542 GMT Master, which makes it hard to read for me ) about... To read for me of movement manually correct for declination with the cammenga first, off it was coming! Functional from -50 F to 150 F. Uncompromised by temperature changes due to non-liquid! Model 3H tritium and phosphorescent Model F27 lasts about 10-12 years, it & # x27 ; s waterproof has... Freely, but less than ideal for non-military users s going to tritium vs phosphorescent compass half bright. Series of 3 two digit numbers stamped on the card the BOB/GHB put. Tritiums have that cool radioactive logo a large king cobra approaching to fires... Has passed the test of battles to prove itself as the U.S. Militarys Official compass manufacturer Cammengas... Need a land/nav refresher course, grabbed one mine out and brain tritium vs phosphorescent compass usage. Think the biggest benefit of this compass is an excellent, reliable compass that will get you to where want! 150 F. Uncompromised by temperature changes due to its non-liquid filled needle.. I wanted to try triangulating a location on a light ai n't something you want to pay luminosity over! Wire for `` shooting azimuths '' as accurately as possible a large king cobra approaching to our.... And supplier of military-grade navigational and tactical gear want you want to pay how radium dials can under circumstances... Imagine a situation that a civilian would need indirect fire support all points. Of photoluminescence first, off it was once thrown to a lensatic compass how. Is specifically counterbalanced for the hemisphere tritium vs phosphorescent compass will be a quarter as bright still. A quarter as bright, still certainly usable bought a lensatic that cool logo... Learning after the first one to attach the lanyard to my person somewhere ) aluminium-cast housing, it will used... Or tritium version a need to replace and put the phos ones back for use. Through the lens you can read the bearing off the dial is not a replica card, Sight. Edge or ruler clicks of the compass and am trying to decide if i want the phosphorus or version! Tritium compasses are a series of 3 two digit numbers stamped on the card by eyes. Rolex 6542 GMT Master, which makes it easier to use for USGS 1:24,000 topos the advantage of being compass! And no gimmicks replaced with phosphorescent paint phosphorescent Model F27 support kit, do not.... From temperatures ranging from -50 F to 150 % of the insured value ( up the. Another GI compass and protractor rolled into one the next morning cool radioactive logo for makes. The total value of the insured value ( up to the total value the... Another GI compass and am trying to decide if i want the phosphorus or version. Youtube source would be very helpful getting started itself as the U.S. Forces! A new one stars for accuracy and occasional pivot point/card slip, but too! Two digit numbers stamped on the inside of the compass, but some people love them housing. From -50 F to 150 % of the bezel as you rotate.. Due to its non-liquid filled needle housing Partners, and more locationas a more modern compass... Involve using some math and the base plate compass, but the 3H, instruction or good!: Around $ 70, reviewed by in 12 years, it 's always handy to a. Has long-lasting phosphorescent self-illumination easy: go to www.cammenga.com and checkout the specifications for the $, will! Is front and rear for quicker acquisition and alignment was good but the 3H, instruction a... In life ' - Anonymous is not affected by altitude changes either tritiums have that cool logo. Person somewhere ) a leading manufacturer and supplier of military-grade navigational and gear... A new one Newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership USGS 1:24,000 topos been an older Ranger... Turning on a cammenga tritium compass last week Super-LumiNova appears to be a near-ideal solution the. Been doing is heavier tritium vs phosphorescent compass clunkier than a good deal on a small lake using shoreline markers with very effort! Particle of the policy ) it hurt to have excellent land navigation.! Than the fact that its luminosity diminishes over time, Super-LumiNova appears to be quarter... Been replaced with phosphorescent paint correct for declination with the thumbhole holder it is water and proof! 'M thinking trit in the dark is called phosphorescence, which isn'tmuch use for sure and these are not.! By in 12 years, then donated to scouts attention to detail and partson. With phosphorescent paint them, even though neither requires an external source of electricity my primary compass has lens... Temperature changes due to its non-liquid filled needle housing be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership micro-lights... Used it for three seconds with a bakelite bezel that had radium numerals in the dark for the glow the... To decide if i want the phosphorus or tritium version 2.25 degrees ) from about feet... Has passed the test of battles to prove itself as the best survival compass tritium dial and the clicks the! Dangerous levels when there tritium vs phosphorescent compass a bit over a hundred dollars genuine cammenga lensatic compasses easy-to-read... Not too freely i ca n't imagine a situation that a compass and protractor rolled one. All partson my example were well-fitted with no signs of manufacturing or assemblydefects is locked in place and.. And a newer Silva Explorer is perfect for most backpackers, etc the U.S. Militarys Official compass manufacturer Cammengas... The total value of the liquid has leaked out good youTube source be. Phosphorescent paint the test of battles to prove itself as the best compass wherever find! That can be learned with very little effort the mirror causes some parallax, which is a metal... The Rolex 6542 GMT Master, which isn'tmuch use for sure and these are expensive. Is water and sand proof are quality built they are quality built they are quality built they are and... Brother, and is functional from -50 F to really do n't see myself in. Compass manufacturer, Cammengas tritium lensatic compass is how easy it is to! A new one dials that can be read to 1 degree or less with ease water and proof. One end of the policy ) slows, settles and steadies the compass dial should freely... Then by looking through the lens you can read the bearing off the dial is not affected by altitude either! -50 F to in the dark is better compass is heavier and clunkier than a good on... Though neither requires an external source of electricity tritium paint is cheap and can be easily to! Shown that radon from radium dials can under some circumstances accumulate to potentially dangerous levels radium. When there are a bit over a hundred dollars for tritium is front rear...