Magnetic torches

[Flutterby]

I was out with a group of youngsters on a night navigation exercise over the weekend and was surprised by how lost they got. They had maps and compasses but went all over the place. I was just wondering, do compasses get confused by having torches held near them?
:confused:

[Oli-picka]

I doubt it, what is there to interfere? Id blame the monkey that is blind ignorance and the fact that i suck at orienteering so ill just shut up now.....

[Digby]

Some torches can disrupt the workings of a compass if held too close, but it is fairly easy to work out if a particuar torch causes a problem. Simply move the torch back from the compass and see if 'North' changes. Re-orient the compass by turning it through 90 degrees and try again. (This ensures that you have not chosen to move the torch towards the North point by chance).

Being able to blame the torch/compass problem, however is a good face saver, both for the leader and followers. I heard a story of an army platoon out on a training exercise, lead by a very proud - but insecure and incompetent - NCO. After a long day of wandering around through swamps and thickets, heavy rain and darkness set in. The platoon knew that they were lost and that they should by this time be back at the base enjoying a hot meal and a shower. They also knew the consequences of accusing the NCO of getting them lost.

Eventually a corporal walked up to the NCO and said 'Would you mind if I check your compass sir, I think it could be broken'!

[Jake D]

That's a good line. I must remember it!

[Geddi]

Is the same reason you shouldnt do map reading on a car bonnet, as your compass gets all mucked up by the engine.

[Emanresu]

It's perfectly OK if you first point the car due West and use the bonnet from the passengers' side.

[Digby]

Unless using a left-hand drive vehicle...

[Emanresu]

Let's keep things simple...