Silva Explorer 203 Compass Instructions

The Silva 203 compass is part of the company's line of hand-held back-country compasses. The 203 is a single-panel compass with bezel and scale rulers. A compass is an essential piece of equipment when heading into wilderness areas. When used in conjunction with maps of the area you travel, it becomes an accurate and reliable piece of gear that keeps you from getting lost. For safety, take a course or seminar and practice your compass skills before heading out for parts unknown.

Things You'll Need

  • Topo map
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Instructions

    • 1

      Check that all functions are working on the compass by holding it level and in front of you. Turn it 360 degrees and watch the needle on the compass. Make sure that as you turn, the needle remains fixed toward magnetic north. Turn the bezel -- the outer edge of the compass dial -- to ensure that it turns smoothly. Always turn the bezel clockwise.

    • 2

      Inspect the Silva 203. Look at the red arrow lined up with the center of the compass dial. The arrow points to the front of the compass and to the base plate scale. This line is the "Direction of Travel." Follow the compass dial's arrow to the Direction of Travel line. Where the compass dial arrow meets the Direction of Travel line is the "Index Line"; this is the point at which to take compass bearings (headings).

      Turn slowly and watch the compass dial needle adjust to the red arrow facing the base plate. Stop and read the number on the compass dial. This is the Course Heading, in degrees. For example, if the number reads 170, you are traveling at 170 degrees, or in a southeast direction.

    • 3

      Place the Silva 203 on a topographical map of your area. Use the side scale rations to determine distances. For example, if you wish to travel between two points in a straight line, place the Silva on the map and then run the "miles" distance scale on the right hand side up to the two points. Measure the distance between the two points via the numeric scale on the right side.

    • 4

      Set the Silva onto the topo map and draw a line between the two points of travel on the map, using a soft pencil. Extend the line to the map border. Align the compass to the point where the line meets the border. Keep North facing the top of the map. Follow the line's extension on the compass. The point where the line meets the end of the compass dial is the True Heading, or Compass Bearing. Use this to set the compass for your Direction of Travel.

      Turn the compass bezel until the compass bearing is at the Direction of Travel line. For example, if you draw your line, align the compass and follow the line to a reading of 303 degrees, turn the dial bezel until 303 degrees is at the Index Line. Follow this as the Direction of Travel.

    • 5

      Use the interior magnifying bubble on the Silva 203 to read icons and small details on the topo map for navigation.