----- Original Message ----- From: "Allan Jones" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Thursday, January 29, 2009 10:37 AM Subject: [canals-list] Re: The satellite sundial - Mk 2
> "Phil Rushton" <[email protected]> wrote in > message news:afcd96c2736549cab05961f1b5080...@philip... >> >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: "Allan Jones" <[email protected]> >> To: <[email protected]> >> Sent: Wednesday, January 28, 2009 6:45 PM >> Subject: [canals-list] The satellite sundial - Mk 2 >> >> >>> When a year ago I devised the Satellite Sundial as an easy way to find >>> the >>> Sky TV satellite, I knew that it was just an approximation which was >>> relatively inaccurate. Since then several people have asked me when a >>> more >>> accurate version would be available. Well, at long last HERE IT IS. >>> >>> http://www.keeping-up.co.uk/Sundial/sunhome.htm >> >> That is all fascinating stuff Allan, but wouldn't it be easier to use a >> compass? - >> especially at night. >> Phil >> >> >> ------------------------------------ >> > I found it difficult to use a compass accurately because 20 tons of steel > makes the needle go all over the place. If there's a line of moored boats > you just can't get far enough away from the metalwork to get the right > direction. Good point - I had forgotten that! > > I admit it's not much use at night; it would be a fascinating project to > devise a way of using the moon instead. But if you finish your day's > cruising before sunset, you can note the direction even if you don't put > the > dish up until later. For anyone who has a handheld marine or recreational GPS unit it is possible to get an accurate compass bearing by walking down the towpath. However, I do admire you Allan for applying traditional methods and logic. It should keep you busy on those evenings when you cannot get any TV reception ;-) Phil
