Question about the P8 Compass

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BigT-65
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Question about the P8 Compass

Post by BigT-65 »

Does the P8 Compass hold a heading similar to an autopilot?
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Killratio
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Re: Question about the P8 Compass

Post by Killratio »

A P8 compass won't even INDICATE a heading consistently, let alone hold one. It has zero "auto pilot" function and in a navigational sense is of only slightly more use than Stevie Wonder's light fittings.

When used in conjunction with a DG it will get you to within approximately 5 degrees of heading if you are a skilled and disciplined navigator.

It is a sea compass designed to aid navigation over days at 10-15 knots. It does however provide approximately 2lbs/1kg of ballast slightly aft of CoG. :wink:
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DHenriques_
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Re: Question about the P8 Compass

Post by DHenriques_ »

Killratio wrote: 27 Jun 2021, 19:22 A P8 compass won't even INDICATE a heading consistently, let alone hold one. It has zero "auto pilot" function and in a navigational sense is of only slightly more use than Stevie Wonder's light fittings.

When used in conjunction with a DG it will get you to within approximately 5 degrees of heading if you are a skilled and disciplined navigator.

It is a sea compass designed to aid navigation over days at 10-15 knots. It does however provide approximately 2lbs/1kg of ballast slightly aft of CoG. :wink:
I was wondering when you might feel motivated to give an opinion on the "fantastic performance" of the ole' P8. LOL. :-))))))))))))))
D

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Killratio
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Re: Question about the P8 Compass

Post by Killratio »

DHenriquesA2A wrote: 27 Jun 2021, 19:27
I was wondering when you might feel motivated to give an opinion on the "fantastic performance" of the ole' P8. LOL. :-))))))))))))))
D

:D :D :D
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BigT-65
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Re: Question about the P8 Compass

Post by BigT-65 »

Well Rats, I was hoping for an easier way to keep the Spitfire on course. For me it seems to be a full time job. I did load up the Shiftz-Stats addon which helps a lot since I can see my heading without taking my eyes off the road. Not very realistic though. Thanks for answering my post.
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Killratio
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Re: Question about the P8 Compass

Post by Killratio »

No problems!

And spare a thought for the guys of the PRU who often navigated for 4 - 6 hours at a time this way
and who ran the very real risk (several disappeared without trace) of missing the Northern tip of Scotland
on return and flying out into the North Atlantic.
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