The Analog GPS
The Analog GPS: “Take your batteries and slavish dependence on other high-tech flummery and heave it overboard. With this device, you can pinpoint your location anywhere on earth and not be reliant on dodgy bits of information being projected through the ether by divers black arts. Precision constructed of brass and the finest optics available and featuring premium isinglass sun filters … Mounts for 7/8” and 1” bars are included, as is a fitted, velvet lined rosewood storage case. Not included are required declination charts (call for details) or the extremely accurate watch you are going to need to use this thing. Meets R.N. standard 3329-5 of 1787.” Yours for a mere $3,117. Via The Earth Is Square.
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Drew Makepeace:
Also not included is the horizon, often hard to find if you are not at sea. ;)
January 23, 2007 at 6:43 PM
John M.:
You can use a pan of water. Just position yourself so you can see both the celestial body and its reflection, take the angle between the two, and divide by two.
January 24, 2007 at 1:37 PM
Richard L:
Man, did you see the comments at the vendor’s site? They were pretty critical of the unit and the cost. I can’t speak to that, but it did seem pretty tacky to me to call it an “analog GPS.” Nowhere on that page did it enlighten the less historically literate that it’s actually called a sextant.
January 26, 2007 at 1:55 PM