UKC

I have a Silva compass with an air bubble that has grown significantly. Some questions...

1. Is there any way to remove the air bubble?
2. Will the compass still work?
3. I suspect that it's still orienting correctly but that it takes longer to settle - is this correct?

Just exploring all options before biting the bullet and buying a new compass - the worst part of which is choosing which one to buy (as with many things nowadays there's too much unnecessary choice).

Thanks for any advice.

In reply to Michael Hood:

Contact silva, they will ask for a code that's written on it. Free replacement if it's in warranty.

In reply to Mike-W-99:
Nowhere near warranty unless it's more than 10 years

Just found https://www.ukclimbing.com/forums/t.php?t=597797 which says that Silva warranty is 5 years so no point sending it back to them.

Any heath robinson repairs out there?

In reply to Michael Hood:

I don't think it's 'repairable' but, to answer your initial question: it doesn't stop the compass working - you just have to slightly careful in use, and make sure that the bubble is not fouling the needle enough to influence where it's pointing.

Otherwise: just buy a new one. 20 quid (or so) over ten years is pretty good value,

In reply to Michael Hood:


Could you not make a small micro drill hole then refill with a little oil removing the air in the process and reseal with epoxy of similar.
Given its a bit fiddly but I'd be tempted to give it ago if my only other option is chucking it out.

TWS

In reply to Michael Hood:

It will continue to work until the bubble gets so big that it doesn't

In reply to Michael Hood:
Nothing to add to other answers, but if it is of any use I have an old Silva compass to give away (probably an explorer pro though not certain) in good condition - no bubble anyway . I can send photos if you pm me.

In reply to Chive Talkin\':


I've just discovered that there already is a little hole - much smaller than could be drilled - and this is what's causing the air bubble to grow (now) before my eyes

I think chucking out will be the answer.

In reply to Michael Hood:

If you buy a micrometer you can use the bubble size as an altimeter

In reply to Andy Say: I've successfully reduced the bubble size but replacing it with water isn't optimal although you get a nice cloudy emulsion if you give it a shake

Maybe it'll work for Sunday's orienteering (which is before a replacement would arrive), but then I don't use it much for that anyway.

In reply to Michael Hood:

As said above, so long as the bubble is small and you wobble he base plate to ensure it doesn't stop the needle from floating freely it really isn't a problem.

If in doubt though probably worth spending the pennies on a replacement and keeping the old one as a spare.

In reply to Michael Hood:

But where the hell does the bubble come from in the first place? Dissolved air?

In reply to blurty: Tiny hole, presumably got damaged when it got very muddy slipping over during orienteering. Could see the little stream of bubbles when I got the bezel round the right way and squeezed/relaxed. So the bubble was basically just replacing the oil that must have leaked out of the tiny hole.

In reply to Jenny C: Have just ordered the cheapest "ok" one I could find (Silva 123Go for £12.51 inc P&P) and will see how this goes. If not good enough then I'll have to think about getting a better one (quicker settling, steadier when running).

The current one is no longer even suitable as a spare - bin fodder once the new one arrives.

In reply to Michael Hood:

Trying to replace the oil doesn't work. We use these compasses for diving survey where a bubble totally stops them working when it compresses at depth and prevents the needle moving.

We sacrificed one compass and used the spare oil to inject into another three with a needle and syringe. It doesn't mix properly. Not sure if it has changed formula over time or some other problem with contamination/water.

Chuck it and get a new one. Buy from an actual shop, new ones sometimes have bubbles in from day 1.

In reply to Jenny C:


I have a WWII Luftwaffe compass that has a bubble, and also has a central circle that seems to be to level it up, the bubble sits in the circle exactly when the compass is perfectly level.

In reply to Jim C:


Nice design feature.

Of my selection of compasses, one has a bubble that I try to keep central for that reason, always thought someone else would have had the idea first.

TBH I usually carry the one with no oil in, it still points the correct way and I console myself that its lighter for the few times I use it.

Usually needed only in Scottish winter to get back from Carn Etch or Shelterstone Crag.
The one time I used a compass at Lochnagar, I ended up in the wrong corrie, this was before a mistake on the OS map was common knowledge.