how to use this azimuth instrument properly?

[Mairnéalach]

Can someone explain how to use this instrument without burning the eyeballs? The former ring-type azimuth instruments were very good but a new ship uses this type. I have tried repeatedly to get a reflected image of the sun somehow, but it seems the only way to shoot a sight is to visually put the sun in the slot & string, like gun sights. This is way inferior to the ring-type instruments, in my opinion. You didn't have to visually look at the sun at all with those. Any advice would be appreciated.

[seadawg]

if that is sperry (pv23) and you cannot find the instruction manual aboard..suggest you contact them and have them e-mail you one??

[Mairnéalach]

I'm on my 3rd attempt in as many months with the folks at Sperry North America, who have been less than forthcoming with any product literature. I guess they're happy to have my company's money already and don't feel much pressure to be helpful at this point.

Does anyone have any user literature on this accessory they could scan and attach? What a pain in the rear.

[velu]

I'm not sure. The picture isn't too helpful. As I see it, you will need to take the bearing from the side currently to the right and the reflection of the sun will come on the slanted shade to the right.

So you can align it with the twine.

Can you send another picture from another angle while it is kept on the repeater?

Cheers,
Velu

[hhmariner]

I'm on a new construction which has been outfitted with this exact same "azimuth device". We're undergoing sea trials next week and I plan to ask that very question!

For those who haven't been shipmates with this "thing" - it the most counter-intuitive device you'll ever work with. The unstated corrolary to this is that the compass repeater/pelorus on which it is mounted is equally screwed up! Relative bearings are read off the rear of the device (vice the front), bearings as read thru the magnifying glass increase to the left and decrease to the right!

Sperry says it is manufactured in Germany and their earlier models of compass repeaters and "azimuth devices" are no longer available! I can only shake my head in dismay! Definitely several steps backwards!

[Capt. Lee]

There is a shade attachment that I do not see on the one you have pictured. I have used it on many occasions and the sun shade worked fine. It is attached to the small hole you look through.

[yachtsman]

M,
I'm familiar with this contraption--it's yet another depressing "advancement" we must tolerate in our art. On my current ship there is no operators's manual, either. For azimuths what I do is to put both shades in place, peer through the sight vane, and bring up the sun on the reflector vane, centering the image on the string. For stars, obviously no shades but the altitude needs to be quite low (which is proper, anyway)...the device has
no level indicators so I just "eyeball it" with the horizon and hope for the best. I wonder exactly how much Sperry charges for one of them (there are three on our bridge!) I hope this is of some help--

Yachtsman