How Accurate is a Cammenga Lensatic Compass?

In my last post I discussed the inaccuracy of an iPhone compass, and I promised to share the results of my Cammenga compass. The task, if you read the previous post, was to align my telescope mount to true North.

The challenge is the top of the mount is angled upward about 34 degrees, so I can’t place the compass on the top of the mount. So, I had to take a different approach.

Continue reading How Accurate is a Cammenga Lensatic Compass?

How Accurate is an iPhone Compass?

It’s been a while since I posted anything here. With the COVID pandemic we have been pretty much stuck at home. Unlike most people, I’ve been having a blast with my hobbies. So much fun, in fact, there is no time for TV or blog posts.

This is about the built-in compass app in my iPhone SE. Not the newest SE version, but the original SE. No, I am not taking my iPhone backpacking.

I needed an accurate compass to set up my German Equatorial Telescope Mount, and the iPhone seemed like a perfect solution.

The result was surprising.

Continue reading How Accurate is an iPhone Compass?

When Should You Replace Your Trailer Tires?

Interesting that the most popular post on this site is Tire Pressure Secrets for Camping Trailers & Tow Vehicles with over 17,000 views since I published it in 2016.

Perhaps it isn’t popular and folks just think I’m an idiot. Given that, tires are important.

I just replaced the tires on our camper, which were a little over 4 years old. It might be helpful to share this information as to when tires should be replaced. Not when the tread is worn, which should be an obvious indicator, but is there a certain time limit for tires? Continue reading When Should You Replace Your Trailer Tires?