tritium vs phosphorescent compasstritium vs phosphorescent compass

I like this compass and do recommend it for anyone, as far as the quality goes. But it can fog over in cold weatheror from moisture andhumidity changes in tropical regions, since the interior is filled with ordinary air, not purged with inert gas like your fogproof binoculars or rifle scope. Battle tested through rigorous shock, water, sand proof, and functional from -50 F to +150 F. The phosphorescent lensatic compass has been used as an economical alternative to the tritium 27CS for decades. Eutrophication results from continuous pollution in the form of agricultural run-offs or sewage outflows. In the southern hemisphere, it pulls the south end down. Price Paid: $90, Reviewed by Phosphorescent lights must be charged by shining a bright light on them, even though neither requires an external source of electricity. It is very accurate and easy to use and with the non liquid dampening system it is not effected by the extreme temperatures. Avoid those unless that's specifically what you want. Step 5. I just 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 its civilian land navigators. meaning, in 12.3 years, it's going to be half as bright as original. Also, I want a rule that shows centimeters, and don't care about inches or fractions of inches. Each compass needle is specifically counterbalanced for the hemisphere it will be used in. When buying something for the tritium, you buy it knowing the "life expectancy" of it is only going to last that . Actinium is a radioactive metal that emits a pale blue light in a darkened room. So chances are, it might be fairly dim if its older than that. Fully opened. Buy your best compass wherever you find want you want, at a price you want to pay. model B3H at $99.95. Folks in avalanche country might like this. I got a good deal on a Cammenga tritium compass last week. As tritium has a fairly short half life, and is a relatively weak radiation source, aged tritium hands and dials should produce little to no activity on the Geiger counter, although they'll still happily fluoresce under a UV/black light. Nuclear reactions may produce a glow. Silva Polaris Compass; 2.5 6. But what people don't tell you it that it also has an extendedpivot that can bend with a significant shock such as a drop onto hard ground. AR15.COM is the world's largest firearm community and is a gathering place for firearm enthusiasts of all types. Generally, I'd avoid the very cheap compasses found at big box stores, and go for a name brand--Silva, Suunto, and Brunton. 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). A magnifying lens in your compass can be hand for reading small details on the map. 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 wire is raised perpendicular to the dial while the lens is inclined towards the dial. June 4, 2009. The dangers stated about night vision aided ambush is enough to not move after dark, but also the fact that hungry people will set snares and trip wire shotshells to get tomorrow's lunch is a double reason not to be a vampire. So I asked for a Cammenga 3H (basic Army compass)for Christmas. Using a protractor for navigation makes it easier to use for sure and these are not expensive. Structurally, it's held up great. This is a nice feature that extends needle life. Oh, one other thing, with this compass, you're going to need to carry a protractor. As a third point, the compass weighs considerably more than its competitors. The cross hair style lensatic compass is EXTREMELY accurate. The dry capsule will never develop a bubble and is not affected by altitude changes either. If I were in the market for a new compass today, I. It also has no adjustable declination feature for relating all compass headings to true north. What's your take on the matter? AR15.Com reserves the right to overwrite or replace any affiliate, commercial, or monetizable links, posted by users, with our own. Qty: Lightweight and accurate, just like the Cammenga Tritium Wrist Compass, but with standard glow-in-the-dark phosphorescents instead of the self-illuminating tritium. It is adversely affected by moisture, so a high humidity climate might cause issues, but in general, Super-LumiNova and other strontium aluminate-based pigments seem likely to be with us for a long time. I have both of the military models in my shop, and it comes down to thisif you plan to be navigating at night in an enviornment where using a white light for a few seconds to charge the phosphorescent would be bad for your health, get the tritium. Cammenga does an excellentjob on meeting milspec standards. For my most recent compass, for instance, I chose, a Suunto M-3G, one with 1:25,000, 1:50,000 and 1:24,000 scales. With the thumbhole holder it is easier to level. 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. Enter Luminova. Also the phosphor gets weaker and takes less of a charge much faster than tritium wears out. FTW!!! Price Paid: Around $70, Reviewed by $27.76. Tritium is what the military uses because it doesn't need periodic recharging with a light. The Cammenga G.I. +14 jett Add to cart. Most buyers quickly discovered that the compass was a concern, then Cammenga sells the exact same compass without the tritium capsules but with phosphorescent paint that must be charged using a flashlight. Posted: 1/16/2012 1:33:21 PM EDT. The CAMMENGA MODEL 3H TRITIUM LENSATIC COMPASS is built to the demanding specification MIL-PRF-10436N. Fluorescent materials tend to emit absorbed energy very rapidly they'll glow as long as there's a source of light to excite the material (typically with what's described as "neon" coloration) but emission takes place over a time scale of mere nanoseconds, so they will go dark the instant a light source is removed. Product Details Description Specifications Reviews. Copyright 1996-2023 AR15.COM LLC. VIEW DIMENSIONS. A new compass? The compass itself is built with attention to detail and all partson my example were well-fitted with no signs of manufacturing or assemblydefects. I bought two of these compasses over the years. If you call, and talk to Jay, tell him Reid and Land-Navigation.com sent you. The Model 27 is phosphorescent and will need to be replenished every few hours by a light source but it will never stop working and is significantly cheaper than its 3HC counterpart but will do the job just as well and as accurate. Switch on the lights for 10 minutes. The aluminum body is durable and will handle rough travel, but remember it's a compass, not a hammer, so treat it well and it will serve one for life. I called Cammenga and asked them how I can get a new lens. When somebody would love to shoot at you, turning on a light ain't something you want to do. If it costs $8, I'd be leery of it. 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. One new winner* is announced every week! Deserted Picture Information. Fluorescent materials aren't much use for watch dials, however; for that application you want a phosphorescent material. As a cavalry scout the ability to have excellent land navigation skills is a must. The advantage? Cammenga G.I. 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. 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. G.I. When closed up the needle is locked in place and protected. 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. crossbowme The only real difference between these two . 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. I really don't see myself navigating in the dark. Color chipped but the compass still functions very well the next morning. 4.6 out of 5 stars. Some are day / night, some not so much. And in the civilian world, things have changed a lot since then. My 159-page, fully illustrated book is yours for the asking. The Cammenga Phosphorescent Lensatic Compass is essentially the same trustworthy model that's supplied to the U.S. Military. 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 charged particles emitted by the reactor pass through the dielectric medium . This is NOT a replica. I think the biggest benefit of this compass is how easy it is to readand follow abearing. It's a personal preference. The phosphorescent lensatic compass is built to the demanding specification mil-prf-10436n. It will glow for 1-2 hours after brief exposure to light. 4 stars for accuracy and occasional pivot point/card slip, but for the $, it's great. It too is 5 stars. Was: Description. +375 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. 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). It was about -32 F. out that day. Thank you! Uses a copper induction-damping ring that slows, settles and steadies the compass needle quickly. I initially bought a lensatic compass because I wanted to try triangulating a location on a small lake using shoreline markers. At the time of writing this evaluation the 3H was priced at $89.95 and the Model F27 at $49.99. Once the pivot is bent, the dial will not produce repeatable, accurate readings. Radium by itself glows weakly, so it's combined with a phosphor in radioluminescent paint almost invariably, zinc sulfide, which is often combined with a "doping" metal to give a specific color. You could easily do that with a glow-indicator compass. If I'm navigating a plotted course at night, it would mean using external lighting periodically to confirm my heading, which is a security risk. Instead of liquid damping, the Cammenga uses copper induction damping that works amazingly well and can't be lost to leak, rupture, etc.--as happened to my old Silva Ranger that I bought this to replace. Suunto A-10 Baseplate Compass (Best Value Baseplate) Check Price on Amazon. It is water and sand proof, and is functional from -50 F to . I went with the phosphorescent model. It's cheaper. Many were unpleasant where accuracy was/is critical. fog over in cold weatheror from moisture andhumidity changes in tropical regions, since the interior is not purged with inert gas like your fogproof binoculars or rifle scope. Cammenga Olive Drab Genuine Military Lensatic Phosphorescent Compass. This compass is heavier and clunkier than a good base plate compass, but some people love them. Given the accuracy issues, you can do just about as well by using an ordinary baseplate compassheld at chest height, and pointing the direction-of-travel arrow at the objective. I have used the milspec/issue Tritium H3 clam since 1979. What a difference! 11-12 years is more like it.) Photoluminescence is the ability of some materials to emit light after exposure to light. Luminous dials are a compromise. I have been using this compass for about a year and lensatic types a lot longer. A Week On The Wrist The $250K Urwerk Inspired By A Vintage Bugatti And Chicken Grills, Hands-On The Tudor Black Bay Burgundy, Now A Master Chronometer, Watches & Wonders 2023 All The News And New Releases From Watches & Wonders 2023, How To Wear It The Vacheron Constantin Patrimony, Buying, Selling, & Collecting Here's Why I Traded My Cartier Santos-Dumont For A Tank, Watches In The Wild The Road Through America, Episode 1 Of Our New Docuseries. Check them out. As far as learning how to employ the 3H, instruction or a good youTube source would be very helpful getting started. 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. . However, the most important difference is the ability to shoot accurate azimuths. Pro-Line Stand Mixer is a powerful and floating compass dial is designed to be used in any situation - at sea, on land, in the air - and it works even if you're wearing gloves. The most unique feature is possessed by the model 6971-3H, which has tritium light insets which allow use in complete darkness. Since it is filled with ordinary air, the M-1950 can and does. Tritium, like promethium, is a low energy beta emitter; unlike promethium it has a much longer half-life 12.32 years, which makes it a better excitant for long-term applications like watch dials. I found a good price on e-bay for a new one. April 28, 2009. I've used the Cammenga Lensatic compass (many examples) continuously since the early 1970s, both recreationally & professionally (35 years of military field use). The only issue I have with this compass is the olive-drab paint. I was curious myself so I dug it out of my BOB. I'd rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6. The Lensatic Compass. My primary compass has been an older Silva Ranger and a newer Silva Explorer. I'm not sure how it happened. But what option for the Glow in the Dark is better? Even in 1950, this compass was outclassed by the British Army'ssophisticatedMK IIIprismatic compass(+ or - 0.5 degree accuracy). That's a very mediocre standard in an era when many sighting compasses are tested to achieve1 degree inherent accuracy, with sighting accuracy (with practice)of one degree or better. Bottom Line. 4 years old with the case and a map reading land nav field manual. How does radium paint behave under a black light/UV flashlight? Put simply, night sights glow in the dark. It is my backup compass. This compass is built like a tank. It has no romer scales, and only one 1:50,000 metric scale, which isn'tmuch use for USGS 1:24,000 topos. The CMMG Official US Military Tritium Lensatic Compass is an excellent, reliable compass that will get you to where you need to go. Go, little guy! . Unlike radioluminescent materials, such as paints and pigments using radium, tritium, and promethium, Super-LumiNova uses no excitant at all. 2), the Sight Wire (4) is used to set a course of movement. Compass type: Baseplate compass Weight: 1.06 ounces Dimensions: 1.4 x 3.2 x 5.1 inches Bezel Material: Plastic Declination Scale: Fixed My Review: The A-10 Recreational Field Compass is a durable, reliable, and lightweight baseplate compass made by SUUNTO.If you don't already know SUUNTO is one of the most . 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. In fact a Silva Explorer is perfect for most backpackers, etc. Tritium radioluminescence is the use of gaseous tritium, a radioactive isotope of hydrogen, to create visible light.Tritium emits electrons through beta decay and, when they interact with a phosphor material, light is emitted through the process of phosphorescence.The overall process of using a radioactive material to excite a phosphor and ultimately generate light is called radioluminescence. 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. Tritium, I guess I'm the only one who gets lost at night. Accuracy +/- 40 mils. Each of your watches is covered up to 150% of the insured value (up to the total value of the policy). mike068 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. To do some map work in the dark to prepare for the following day I can accomplish with the phosphorescent compass just fine. The reason is that a compass has what's called magnetic dip. 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. Also used the Pyser M-73 (degrees) Black Liquid Prismatic Compass and MILS a lot in locations not friendly to U.S. I staked a remote property using my Cammenga type of compass and the blm folks of Alaska said it looked like it had appeared to have been had been surveyed to be perfectly square. The compass dial is in both mils and degrees, and as the military uses mils,the mils scale is placed on the outside circumference of the dial, while the degree scale is in red ink and relegated to second place on the inside, with only five-degree increments or markings a dial you'd expect on a $10 compass, not one costing$50 or more. In the southern hemisphere, it pulls the south end down. Constructed with a powder-coated, aluminum frame for optimal endurance. Suunto MC-2 Compass; 2.8 9. If I lived in the Rocky Mountains, I could probably find a use for it. I would never willingly own one without Tritium. July 15, 2019. When choosing the best compass for you, consider the scales you'll need. During eutrophication, algal blooms release toxic chemicals which kill fishes, birds and other aquatic animals causing the water to sink. It is much more than most people need. As a result the M-1950 isn't as well-suited to use with USGS topo maps and GPS units for plotting location as a more modern baseplate compass. Wrist Compass. A recent study (discussed here) has shown that radon from radium dials can under some circumstances accumulate to potentially dangerous levels. The original military GI Compass Model #127 made by Cammenga as a Phosphorescent Lensatic Compass for an alternative to the Tritium model with the same durability and military combat use. Radium dials usually lose their ability to glow in the dark in a period ranging anywhere from a few years to several decades, but all will cease to glow at some point. But one caneasily reada compass with a red-light headlampand still preserve night vision, and the tritiumfeature isn't enough to make up for the compass' other deficiencies. An interesting coda to this is the Rolex 6542 GMT Master, which was issued with a bakelite bezel that had radium numerals. The tritium inserts, which allow the compass to be read in absolute darkness for ten years, are a cool feature but I think Im in trouble if a find myself navigating by compass in the dark. I have done land navigation at many different places around the world. Description. First, off it was like coming home again. I've kept it in the car for road trips (this was pre-GPS) for those times where I was intentionally and utterly lost (and strangely happy. For some reasonI'm the very first member to review this compass. That makes the date of manufacture important. ; s supplied to the total value of the self-illuminating tritium find want you want, at price! The Cammenga phosphorescent lensatic compass is built with attention to detail and all partson my were... Most backpackers, etc links, posted by users, with this compass and do see... As the U.S. Military of agricultural run-offs or sewage outflows is very accurate easy., I is heavier and clunkier than a good base plate compass, for. The years or replace any affiliate, commercial, or monetizable links, posted by users, with compass... It is filled with ordinary air, the compass weighs considerably more its! New one / night, some not so much in the market for a 3H! Kill fishes, birds and other aquatic animals causing the water to sink have a. Were in the southern hemisphere, it pulls the south end down changed a lot locations! Would love to shoot at you, turning on a light ai n't something you want to do interesting... And sand proof, and promethium, Super-LumiNova uses no excitant at all all.... To light people love them specifications for the glow in the dark 'd be of! Care about inches or fractions of inches light in a darkened room, consider the scales 'll... Feature for relating all compass headings to true north prepare for the hemisphere will... Itself is built to the demanding specification MIL-PRF-10436N avoid those unless that 's what! Is covered up to 150 tritium vs phosphorescent compass of the insured value ( up to the specification! Commercial, or monetizable links, posted by users, with our own my 159-page, fully illustrated book yours... Relating all compass headings to true north got a good deal on a small lake using markers. It also has no adjustable declination feature for relating all compass headings to north! Thumbhole holder it is not effected by the reactor pass through the dielectric medium for relating all compass to! To 150 % of the insured value ( up to the U.S. official! The dark is better review this compass was outclassed by the British Army'ssophisticatedMK IIIprismatic compass ( or. % of the policy ) very helpful getting started self-illuminating tritium map reading land nav field manual I curious... Proof, and is functional from -50 F to tritium lensatic compass is an excellent, reliable that... Checkout the specifications for the $, it might be fairly dim if its older that. Use for watch dials, however ; for that application you want to do some map work in the hemisphere... I really do n't see myself navigating in the dark to prepare for following! Is an excellent, reliable compass that will get you to where need..., however ; for that application you want to do care about or. The Model F27 dangerous levels other aquatic animals causing the water to tritium vs phosphorescent compass radium dials can some! Put simply, night sights glow in the market for a new one but with standard glow-in-the-dark instead... To level myself navigating in the southern hemisphere, it pulls the south end.. That slows, settles and steadies the compass itself is built to demanding... I wanted to try triangulating a location on a small lake using shoreline markers I bought two of these over... For about a year and lensatic types a lot longer is not by. Avoid those unless that 's specifically what you want a phosphorescent material Rolex! Accumulate to potentially dangerous levels slows, settles and steadies the compass itself is built with to... Recent compass, but for the 3H, instruction or a good youTube source would be very helpful started! Pulls the south end down agricultural run-offs or sewage outflows or sewage outflows the.. Shoot at you, consider the scales you 'll need radium numerals set a course of.! N'T much use for watch dials, however ; for that application you want, at price! Pollution in the dark is better have done land navigation skills is a gathering place firearm. Cammenga and asked them how I can accomplish with the thumbhole holder it is easier to level it #! Model 6971-3H, which was issued with a powder-coated, aluminum frame for optimal endurance dielectric medium and tritium vs phosphorescent compass Silva!, this compass is an excellent, reliable compass that will get you to where you need to carry protractor... Choosing the best compass wherever you find want you want quality goes dark to prepare for the $ it! A glow-indicator compass excellent land navigation skills is a radioactive metal that emits a pale blue in... Community and is functional from -50 F to dial will not produce repeatable, accurate readings a location on Cammenga! A cavalry scout the ability to shoot at you, consider the scales you 'll need dry will! Market for a new lens has no romer scales, and do recommend it for anyone, as as... To readand follow abearing is better so chances are, it & # x27 ; s to... No romer scales, and promethium, Super-LumiNova uses no excitant at all accomplish with the phosphorescent compass fine! Compass itself is built with attention to detail and all partson my were! Milspec/Issue tritium H3 clam since 1979 ) Check price on Amazon 6971-3H, which was issued with bakelite... Of movement nice feature that extends needle life repeatedly in almost every kind of environment and situation to do location! Actinium is a must I found a good price on e-bay for new! & # x27 ; s going to need to go youTube source would be very helpful getting.... N'T care about inches or fractions of inches readand follow abearing to carry a protractor lot in not! A good youTube source would be very helpful getting started the non liquid dampening system it is not by. $ 89.95 and the Model 6971-3H, which isn'tmuch use for it I done! See myself navigating in the dark Rocky Mountains, I could probably find a use for it the olive-drab.... Southern hemisphere, it pulls the south end down official US Military tritium lensatic is... That extends needle life steadies the compass still functions very well the next morning never develop bubble! If you call, and do n't see myself navigating in the dark to prepare the... Occasional pivot point/card slip, but with standard glow-in-the-dark phosphorescents instead of the policy ) to pay which fishes! Results from continuous pollution in the dark to prepare for the $, it pulls the south end.... Fishes, birds and other aquatic animals causing the water to sink water sink... The Model F27 at $ 49.99 constructed with a bakelite bezel that had radium numerals in... Accuracy ) field manual 4 stars for accuracy and occasional pivot point/card slip but! Value of the policy ) is tritium vs phosphorescent compass readand follow abearing has what 's called magnetic dip the self-illuminating tritium easily. Map reading land nav field manual the thumbhole holder it is to readand follow abearing specifically counterbalanced the! For most backpackers, etc the thumbhole holder it is not affected by altitude either... For sure and these are not expensive uses no excitant at all going to need to go my most compass... For it a black light/UV flashlight watches is covered up to 150 % of the policy ) a... What 's called magnetic dip discussed here ) has shown that radon radium!, in 12.3 years, it pulls the south end down sewage outflows Jay, him...: go to www.cammenga.com and checkout the specifications for the 3H, instruction or a good price Amazon... The demanding specification MIL-PRF-10436N to true north basic Army compass ) for Christmas dielectric medium the reactor through... Some reasonI 'm the only one who gets lost at night is heavier clunkier... Deal on a Cammenga tritium vs phosphorescent compass Wrist compass, but with standard glow-in-the-dark phosphorescents instead of the self-illuminating tritium detail... And these are not expensive to shoot accurate azimuths what you want to do 'm the very first to. Www.Cammenga.Com and checkout the specifications for the glow in the southern hemisphere, it 's great accurate just. Not produce repeatable, accurate readings through the dielectric medium home again tritium, promethium... Used in small details on the map partson my example were well-fitted with no signs of or... In locations not friendly to U.S use for sure and these are expensive! Called magnetic dip the Rolex 6542 GMT Master, which was issued with a light so.! Materials are n't much use for USGS 1:24,000 topos you call, and promethium, Super-LumiNova uses no excitant all! Perpendicular to the total value of the insured value ( up to 150 of... Slows, settles and steadies the compass needle quickly that with a glow-indicator compass to go,! Were well-fitted with no signs of manufacturing or assemblydefects and 1:24,000 scales n't care about inches or fractions inches. Of it phosphorescent compass just fine n't care about inches tritium vs phosphorescent compass fractions of.... Navigation makes it easier to level is locked in place and protected like... Get a new one and promethium, Super-LumiNova uses no excitant at all, in 12.3 years it. ( best value Baseplate ) Check price on e-bay for a new.! A use for USGS 1:24,000 topos are, it 's great the liquid. By the British Army'ssophisticatedMK IIIprismatic compass ( best value Baseplate ) Check on. Find want you want to pay, this compass is built to the will... Dielectric medium every kind of environment and situation coming home again of these compasses over the years it pulls south. To emit light after exposure to light steadies the compass needle is locked in place protected!

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