"Gary" wrote in message
news:nJNjf.6539$Eq5.885@pd7tw1no...
Capt.Mooron wrote:
"Gary" wrote in message


I have a KVH and find it a bit too finnicky to use. It is a geek type
compass that is not as functional as it sounds. A simple handheld works
better if not quite as precisely.


I guess it all depends..... I used mine for nautical and land based
navigation for work extensively for the first month I had it.. The
buttons became second nature quickly. If you only use it occasionally...
well yeah you'd be better off with a manual only. You have to admit that
9 bearing with time of shot memory as well as range is pretty useful when
navigating. My unit has never failed. I would really be ****ed if KVH did
not back up their product though.

CM
I thought that the 9 bearings/times in memory would be useful but I still
prefer to note the times and bearings so I don't have to put everything
down and look into the KVH and push buttons. My goal is to shoot the fix
and have it plotted with a DR in 3 minutes. The KVH slows the process a
lot. I also find it slow to use. It is relegated to quick shots of
approaching vessels, when I am away from the helm, so I can check bearing
movement and rate.

I can see that... still, being able to take even 2 or three bearings and
going below to plot at the nav station is certainly useful. The range finder
is great for coastal landmark verification to compliment another DR plot. I
have also used the range finder when racing to confirm distance to other
vessels from mast height. I'm not touting it as a replacement for a standard
hand bearing compass... but it's an excellent hand held fluxgate compass,
fits in most jacket pockets. I use mine a fair bit.

CM