Log In | Register
Skip to main content
Topic: Dash Gizmo Upgrade (Read 348 times) previous topic - next topic
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
Dash Gizmo Upgrade
Something I wish the Ford cab had was a direction (N-S-E-W) indicator.  Any suggestions?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264


Re: Dash Gizmo Upgrade
Reply #2
"Something I wish the Ford cab had was a direction (N-S-E-W) indicator."

I believe my GPS provides that info (not sure), but if you are thinking about a magnetic compass I will say that I have tried several and have had terrible luck with all of them due to the sheet metal cage surrounding them.  >:(
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!

Re: Dash Gizmo Upgrade
Reply #3
Well, I do need to get a navigation system also so maybe that's the answer.  Thanks!
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264

Re: Dash Gizmo Upgrade
Reply #4
Thanks bsBets; I guess magnetic compasses are alive and well judging by that selection.  Gps's really make poor compass' because they don't point north. If you are moving, they can tell what the previous readings were, and say what direction you are moving. This article http://gauss.gge.unb.ca/papers.pdf/gpsworld.september03.pdf   states that modern GPS receivers and cell phones have internal circuits to detect earths magnetic field, and can act as compasses.   RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB

Re: Dash Gizmo Upgrade
Reply #5
My garmin as Direction of Travel as an alternate option to my usual Distance to Destination, if I recall correctly.
The map is oriented to North, rather than direction of travel.
My rig, my choice
Joel & Terry Wiley
dog Zeke
2013  31 IB   Orwan   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE

Re: Dash Gizmo Upgrade
Reply #6
You might want to consider installing a whiskey compass in your LD.  Most avionics repair shops at local airports will have dozens of used ones laying around because the pilots wanted a newer vertical card compass. 

Re: Dash Gizmo Upgrade
Reply #7
You might want to consider installing a whiskey compass in your LD.  Most avionics repair shops at local airports will have dozens of used ones laying around because the pilots wanted a newer vertical card compass. 

Whisky compass?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264

Re: Dash Gizmo Upgrade
Reply #8
"...consider installing a whiskey compass..."
---
My grandpa had one of these; led right to the local watering hole....  ;)
2003 TK has a new home


Re: Dash Gizmo Upgrade
Reply #10
Both of my Garmin GPS units have two options for the map display.  One is direction of travel.  The other is North Up.  I use the North Up option.  It presents the map with North always at the top of the screen.  If I am traveling west, the arrow representing my vehicle will be pointing to the left.  I can tell, at a glance, where north is relative to my movements.  If I do not have a route programmed, my GPS will show a readout of an approximate direction of travel, e.g., N, NE, E, SE, etc.

I am not a smart phone user, but I have seen compasses on other s' smart phones.  The problem with them was, they need to be flat to be accurate, so if they are clamped in a holder with a near-vertical orientation, they may not show you where North is.

Ken F in NM
'08 MB

Re: Dash Gizmo Upgrade
Reply #11
Greg

Take a look at your cell phone, most or all have either a built-in compass app or one that is available from an app store.

A whisky compass looks slick but I doubt you will be interested in drilling a big hole in your LD's dash.
A conventional compass will need to be adjusted to compensate for the large amounts of ferrous materials surrounding the compass.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze

 
Re: Dash Gizmo Upgrade
Reply #12
There are a number of rear view mirrors with the functionality you’re looking for.

Search “ rear view mirror compass temp “ on Amazon
Dave

2017 TK