John, You are changing the geometry between the compass pivot and the local magnetic dip angle by raising the tail. All the magnetic compass calibration procedures say to make adjustments with the aircraft at normal flight attitude. I contacted Airpath about making internal changes to their compasses. They said there were no internal settings or adjustments and recommended that the compass not be opened. The only exterior adjustments are the N-S and E-W magnets for installation compensation. The "south field" compasses have no internal settings or adjustments. These compasses are setup to give the same Northerly turning error response in the Southern hemisphere as the "north field" compasses do in the Northern hemisphere by using a compass card with opposite polarity magnetization and appropriate numbering. My summary: If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Sid Wood Tri-gear KR-2 N6242 Mechanicsville, MD USA sidney.w...@titan.com Hi Sid and Virg Yep, I understand the theory behind the behaviour but what I describe is occurring when the aircraft is stationary on the ground, that is, no acceleration or turn rate errors....just lifting up the tail. I'm just wondering how simple are the mechanical adjustments actually made to alter a Northern to a Southern in the Airpath type compass. I'm hoping, if I dissassemble it and it is Northern, that all I need to is to relocate the card on an opposite offset pivot point or relocate some balance weights to the opposite end to minimise the effect downunder. This is really my question. I suppose it's not really all that important given it seems to be accurate in straight and level and subject to the normal acceleration/turn errors that we are all taught....probably just as easy to return to ASS and swap for $15-00 but I'm curious as usual and if I can confirm it and change it here for nix then I will to save freight. It's hard to believe that devastation pictured. All those beautiful flying machines and of course the lives lost and possessions destroyed. My best wishes to all those affected. John The Martindale Family 29 Jane Circuit TOORMINA NSW 2452 AUSTRALIA phone: 61 2 66584767 email: johnj...@chc.net.au ----- Original Message ----- From: "Wood, Sidney M." <smw...@titan.com> To: "KRnet" <kr...@mylist.net> Sent: Monday, August 16, 2004 11:59 PM Subject: RE: KR> Compass dip > John, > You have rediscovered what most pilots refer to ....(snip)
