CASSENS & PLATH REFLECTA/1 User manual

Magnetic Reflector Compass Binnacle
REFLECTA/1
Operation - Installation
Cassens & Plath GmbH
Manufacturers of Nautical Equipment
Am Lunedeich 131
D-27572 Bremerhaven, Germany
Tel. [phone]
Fax. [phone]
[email protected]
www.cassens-plath.de

 
ATTENTION!
Theheelingmagnet(seebelowpicture)mustbeloweredfrom
mostupperposition(onlyforsavetransportation)tolowest
positionforoperation!





Heelingmagnet
Chaintolower/liftheelingmagnet
Screwtofix/loosenthechain
Access

Introduction, General REFLECTA/1
Page A2 Mounting & Operations Manual
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Cassens & Plath GmbH, Kompasshaus, Am Lunedeich 131, 27572 Bremerhaven, Germany, tel [phone], fax [phone]
www.cassens-plath.de, [email protected]
Introduction, General
Compass Binnacle, Outline...................................................................................................................A3
Intended Purpose..................................................................................................................................A4
Technical Data ...................................................................................................................................... A4
Range of Delivery..................................................................................................................................A5
Approvals...............................................................................................................................................A5
Operation
How to Read the Heading.....................................................................................................................B1
Adjustment of Mirror Head ....................................................................................................................B1
Direct Reading of Heading on the Compass Bridge.............................................................................B2
Removing/Attaching of Binnacle Hood.................................................................................................. B2
Taking Bearings ....................................................................................................................................B2
Shadow Pin ...........................................................................................................................................B3
Removing the Compass out of the Binnacle.........................................................................................B3
Spare Compass.....................................................................................................................................B3
Maintenance of Compass and Compass Binnacle...............................................................................B3
Compass Adjustment
General..................................................................................................................................................C1
A-Correction ..........................................................................................................................................C1
B+C-Correction......................................................................................................................................C1
Heeling Correction.................................................................................................................................C2
D-Correction..........................................................................................................................................C2
E-Correction, ........................................................................................................................................C3
Flinder´s Bar..........................................................................................................................................C4
Maintenance, Errors, Repair
Maintenance
Lubrication of Compass Suspensions ........................................................................................D1
Compass Routine Service ..........................................................................................................D1
Replacing Bulbs..........................................................................................................................D1
Cleaning of Reflector Optics.......................................................................................................D2
Errors, Diagnosis and Help
Visible Compass Errors ..............................................................................................................D3
Indication Errors..........................................................................................................................D3
Workshop Repair of Compass..............................................................................................................D5
Installation
Procedure, Outline ................................................................................................................................E1
Range
of Delivery.................................................................................................................................. E1
Location of Binnacle, Magnetic Requirements......................................................................................E2
Location of Binnacle, Constructional Requirements.............................................................................E3
Optical Arrangement (Reflection Tube), Requirements for Installation ................................................ E4
Compass Foundation, Cut-outs and Drillings .......................................................................................E5
Installation of the Optical Arrangement (Reflection Tube).................................................................... E6
Installation of Compass Binnacle..........................................................................................................E8
Illumination ............................................................................................................................................E9
Illumination Dimmer...............................................................................................................................E9
Replacing of the Bulbs ..........................................................................................................................E9
Wiring ..................................................................................................................................................E10
Setting into Operation, Function Tests & Preparing of Adjustment ....................................................E11

Introduction, General REFLECTA/1
Page A3 Mounting & Operations Manual
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Compass Binnacle, Outline
As to be seen from ahead as to be seen from astern
1 Hood (turn and remove) 10 Compass
2 D-Sphere and brackets 11 Cover of heeling magnets & illumination
3 Flinder´s bar (Option) 12 Cover of B+C-correctors
4 Cover of optical lens (if required)
and junction box of detector cable (Option) 13 Fixing flange of reflection tube resp. lead-in tube
5 Binnacle base 14 Lead-in tube
6 Compass bridge 15 Horizontal optical by-pass (Option),
see extra manual
7 Reflection tube 16 Mirror tube
8 Extension tube 17 Knurled knob for reflection mirror
9 Mirror head with aperture 18 Reflection mirror
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
2
10
12
11
12
13
6
17 18
alternative
13 6
17 18
14
15
16

Introduction, General REFLECTA/1
Page A4 Mounting & Operations Manual
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Cassens & Plath GmbH, Kompasshaus, Am Lunedeich 131, 27572 Bremerhaven, Germany, tel [phone], fax [phone]
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Intended Purpose
Apart from the gyro compass seagoing ships have to be equipped with a second heading source, the magnetic
compass. Furthermore the magnetic compass works more and more as back-up to drive the autopilot.
Magnetic compasses have to be installed in a sufficient distance to any magnetic iron as well as to the different
navigational instruments. Therefore the preferred location is the compass bridge. To read the heading at the
helmsman´s position inside the wheelhouse one makes use of a reflection arrangement. This is an optical
arrangement consisting of magnification lenses and mirrors. According to SOLAS regulations the remote
reading has to be independent of electrical means.
The magnetic compass is found within the compass binnacle. It is easy to remove and to replace with another
one. Spare magnetic compasses are obligatory according to SOLAS.
A divided verge ring on top of the compass allows taking bearings of coastal or heavenly objects. A vane type
azimuth device with a swivel black mirror is included in the range of delivery to allow compass and relative
bearings.
In spite of the distance to any magnetic source a deflecting influence -the deviation- cannot be totally excluded.
For correction of these residual errors the compass binnacle possesses an adjusting arrangement.
Installation of magnetic compasses and the requirements for their location are laid down in basic national and
international regulations. These are IMO A.382(X) and SOLAS consolidated Edition, 1992, Chapter V,
regulation 12. The technical and design requirements for magnetic compasses are laid down in ISO
25862:2009(E) amendment: Directive 2010/68/EC + 2011/75/EC as well as in the relevant national documents.
REFLECTA fullfills all these regulations.
Technical Data
Compass Binnacle
Card height............................................. standard column 1200 mm, as option 910 mm up to 1800 mm
Total height.....................................................................................1380 mm in case of standard column
Maximum width measured over D-spheres..................................................................................880 mm
Weight of binnacle and compass complete....................................net 95 kg in case of standard column
Material of binnacle column..........................................................................seawater resistant light alloy
Built-in correctors.......................................................................................................................B+C, K, D
Correctors as option................................................................................................................................E
Correctors as option..............................................................................................................Flinder´s bar
Reflector/bearing compass type 11
Diameter of directional system..................................................................................................... 180 mm
Orientations of card printing from below for reflection reading .................................................N below N
Card division........................................................................................................................................1/1°
Magnet................................................................................................................................................Ring
Magnetic moment...............................................................................................................typically 4 Am2
Damping factor ....................................................................................................................... typically 3.3
Working temperature range............................................................................................. -30°C .... +65°C
Swirl error according to ISO 25862:2009(E)/2010/68/EC+2011/75/EC, 2013/52/EU........< 2,0°(at18µT)
Friction error according ISO25862:2009(E) 2010/68/EC+2011/75/EC, 2013/52/EU..........< 0.5°(at 6µT)
Directional error according ISO25862:2009(E) 2010/68/EC+2011/75/EC, 2013/52/EU ..< 0.5°(at 18µT)
Half period .......................................................................................................................................13 sec
Tilt freedom of card in compass bowl.............................................................................................+/- 10°
Rolling/pitching tolerance of compass in gimbal suspension........................................................+/- 180°
Weight................................................................................................................................................12 kg
Reflection arrangement
Type CUTUBE .....................................................................................length 1200 mm to be cut by yard
Type FIXTUBE................................................................................... ready adjusted in length at delivery
Diameter of tube........................................................................................................................... 140 mm
Material...............................................................................................................................................PVC
Extension length of mirror head.................................................................................................... 150 mm
Turning range of mirror head..............................................................................................................360°
Swivel range of reflection mirror, black and white..............................................................................360°

Introduction, General REFLECTA/1
Page A5 Mounting & Operations Manual
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Cassens & Plath GmbH, Kompasshaus, Am Lunedeich 131, 27572 Bremerhaven, Germany, tel [phone], fax [phone]
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Range of delivery
Compass Binnacle
Reflector compass binnacle with mounting pieces, hood without window (as option also window with/without
oil lamp), magnetic bearing/reflector compass Type 11, azimuth device in wooden box with one shadow pin.
Correctors
B+C-correctors, consisting of six bar magnets 100 mm long x 10 mm (at delivery inserted in magnet
magazine behind B+C-corrector).
Heeling-corrector, consisting of one each heeling magnet of 50 mm and 125 mm length, 25 mm , within
magnet tube with numbered chain (at delivery inserted in heeling magnet guiding tube inside binnacle
column).
D-correctors (as standard) consisting of two weak iron spheres of 180 mm (at delivery separatly packed).
One each bracket moved intercardinal of port and startboard to fix the D-spheres upon
Flinder´s bar (as option), consisting of Flinder´s bar tube with upper and lower bracket (already fixed to the
binnacle) as well as cover, one set of wooden spacer pieces (inserted in Flinder´s bar tube), one set of weak
iron cylinders (one piece of 305, 152, 76 and 38 mm long), packed separately.
E-corrector (as option), consisting two weak iron spheres of 180 mm (at delivery separate packed). One
each bracket port and starboard to fix the E-spheres.
Reflection tube
Reflection tube with mirror head (extendable mirror head only if no horizontal by-pass) and mounting flange,
rubber gasket and facing ring.
Accessories as option
Instruction are included separately as required.
Approvals
REFLECTA/1 is type approved by all leading maritime authorities as A-class compass for worldwide use.
The most important approvals are:
MED – European Community, DNV GL SE – Germanischer Lloyd, USCG – US Coast Gard,
CCS – China Classification Society, RMRS – Russian Maritime Register of Shipping, RRR – Russian
River Register.
Certificates of Lloyds Register of Shipping LRS, Amercian Bureau of Shipping ABS can be supplied on request.
REFLECTA/1 fullfills the international specifications: ISO 25862:2009(E) and IMO A.382(X), SOLAS (1992,
Chapter V, Regulation 12) Amendment: Directive 2010/68/EC, 2011/75/EC, 2013/52/EU as well as IMO High
Speed Craft-Code.
The required approval has to be stated with order because there are technical differences.

Operation REFLECTA/1
Page B1 Mounting & Operations Manual
Operation
How to Read the Heading
It should be possible to read the heading clearly from a distance of 1.4 m from the mirror head in the
wheelhouse at the helmsman´s position. The image has to be centric to the field of view. The figures are upright
and on both sides of the lubber mark an area of minimum 15° should be visible.
Use an illumination dimmer (as option) for brightness control to be operated from the helmsman´s position.
In case of long optical ways (long by-passes) the picture may be much smaller then the reflection mirror.
030 040 050 060 030 040 050 060
Short optical way: large picture Long optical way: small picture
Adjustment of Mirror Head
Best position of the mirror head is 10 cm above eye level of the helmsman. For adjustment the reflection tube
can be extended or shortened. To do this loosen the arrest knobs left/right of the reflection tube. Now take the
rotary knobs as illustrated below with both hands and lift or lower the mirror head.
Arrest Knob to fix the extension tube
Extension tube
Mirror head
Take the rotary knobs here by hand
to turn and swivel reflection mirror
Reflection mirror.
White mirror for daylight use,
black mirror for night use.
Maintenance: Clean reflection mirrors with a weak, not scratching cloth. The axles of the rotary knob have to be
oiled from time to time.
Alterations / Errors reserved
Cassens & Plath GmbH, Kompasshaus, Am Lunedeich 131, 27572 Bremerhaven, Germany, tel. [phone], fax [phone]
www.cassens-plath.de, [email protected]

Operation REFLECTA/1
Page B2 Mounting & Operations Manual
Direct Reading of Heading on the Compass Bridge
Remove the hood. Read the heading at the ahead lubber mark of the compass.
The second, aft orientated, lubber mark is for officer´s inspection. Add 180° correction to get the ship´s heading.
Removing/Attaching of Binnacle Hood
Take hood with both hands
Loosen two knurled knobs
Turn hood and lift
When closing the binnacle secure
carefully the hood by fixing the
knurled knob!
Maintenance: Guiding surface of hood should be lubricated from time to time.
Taking Bearings
A vane type azimuth device is included in the standard range of delivery and will be found in a wooden box.
Also included is a shadow pin.
Remove the binnacle hood to set up the azimuth device onto the centre pivot of the upper compass cover glass.
Open object (wire) sight vane and ocular (slit) sight vane. Use the circular peep in the ocular (slit) sight vane for
a rough pick-up of the bearing mark. For accurate bearing use the slit of the ocular sight-vane.
Compass bearing (azimuth) of land marks up to 30° of elevation:
Read the compass card as illustrated below.
Relative bearing of land marks up to 30° of elevation:
Read the divided verge ring at the index of the ocular sight-vane. The scale ring is marked all-round. If semi-
circular bearings are required subtract 360° from the all-round value for objects port side of the vessel. The
starboard bearings remain unchanged.
Sun or star azimuth by azimuth mirror:
The black mirror at the object sight-vane can be hinged up and down according to the star height. The darkness
is suitable to allow sun observations (before make sure that sun will not dazzle!). Read the bearing as required
at the divided verge ring of the compass or at the compass card. Make sure that the compass is horizontal
balanced. It is not recommended to take bearings of astronomical objects higher than 45° because each
accidental inclination of the compass will distort the measurement.
Slit sight (ocular side)
Wire sight (object side)
Foldable black mirror
for sun azimuth
Reading of relative bearings
Reading of compass bearings
Centre pivot for guiding the azimuth device
While taking bearings make sure that the compass is horizontally leveled!
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Operation REFLECTA/1
Page B3 Mounting & Operations Manual
Maintenance: The turning joints of both sight-vanes and of the black mirror as well as the centre hole should be
oiled from time to time. Clean and tighten the wire of the wire sight-vane. The azimuth device should be easy to
rotate on the centre pivot and should not clatter when turned.
Shadow Pin
A shadow pin is stowed in the wooden box of the azimuth device. This can be inserted into the drilling of the
centre pivot. Now the sun´s shade can easily be recognized on the white compass card. The shadow direction
makes it possible to calculate the compass deviation and to adjust the compass.
Shadow pin
Centre pivot
Removing the Compass out of the Binnacle
After removing the hood the compass and its suspensions fore and aft will be visible. These are covered by
safety plates to fix the compass in its position. Loosen the screws of the safety plates and remove the compass.
If a detector is fitted watch the cables! Unfit the detector cables either by removing the connector or by
unscrewing the wires in a junction box. The junction box is found in the upper part of the binnacle column,
behind the lower cover of the binnacle (see drawing: Compass Binnacle, Outline) or inside the wheelhouse at
the place where the detector cable comes in.
When reinstalling the compass make sure that the detector cable does not obscure the reflection channel.
Furthermore the cable should not be in direct neighborhood to the illumination bulbs because the heat may
destroy the insulation.
The compass is marked by an ahead label. The zero marking of the divided verge ring shows to aft.
Ahead marking of compass
Unscrew safety plate to remove the
compass
Flinder´s bar
Spare Compass
Store spare compass upside down to reduce friction of the pivot.
Maintenance of Compass and Compass Binnacle
Refer to chapter “Maintenance, Errors, and Repair“
Alterations / Errors reserved
Cassens & Plath GmbH, Kompasshaus, Am Lunedeich 131, 27572 Bremerhaven, Germany, tel. [phone], fax [phone]
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Compass Adjustment REFLECTA/1
Page C1 Mounting & Operations Manual
Adjustment of Compass
General
Compass adjustment is necessary to neutralize the deflecting magnetic fields caused by the ship´s steel hull or
superstructure.
The first adjustment has to be made on maiden voyage. Later, it should be repeated periodically according to
the requirements of the maritime authority (for ships flying the German flag: two years). Furthermore it should
be carried out additionally on particular circumstances like reconstruction works, lightning stroke, grounding .....
It is necessary to call a qualified compass adjuster for adjustment works.
Before adjustment the vessel must be ready for sea: cargo derricks, hatchway covers, davits.....are to be
positioned as on voyage.
Further details will be found in “Handbook of Compass Adjustment“, Pub. 226 of U.S. Department of Defense,
Defense Mapping Agency.
A-Correction
This is to correct the alignment error of the compass binnacle: Compass ahead and ships ahead have to be
corresponding. For correction loosen the binnacle fixing bolts in the base. Oblong holes in the base allow to turn
the binnacle column by +/-5° around its vertical axis. Attach the azimuth device and take a bearing of a midship
object like masts (provided the compass binnacle itself is located midships) and turn the binnacle so that the
index mark of the azimuth device shows “000“ at the divided verge ring on top of the compass.
B+C-Correction
At delivery 6 B+C magnets (10 mmØ x 200 mm) are to be found in their magazines behind the relevant covers.
See chapter “Compass Binnacle, Outline“.
These are to correct the errors caused by the ship´s permanent longitudinal and cross magnetism. The B-
corrector compensates the longitudinal and the C-corrector the athwardship field. The following picture is to
identfy the magnets. B-magnets are longitudinal and C-magnets are transversal orientated. Correction of +/-40°
deviation is possible to meet the regulations. Choose quantity, orientation and position of magnets as required.
There are 2x10 holes to put in the B-magnets (10 each on port and starboard) and 1x10 holes to put in the C-
magnets. This enables sufficient fine adjustment. Start inserting magnets from the lowest position. The holes
are numbered to note the magnet positions required in the compass diary.
Closed B+C cover, port
uncovered B+C magazines, starboard
B-Magnets, longitudinal orientated
C-Magnets, cross ship orientated
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Compass Adjustment REFLECTA/1
Page C2 Mounting & Operations Manual
Heeling Correction
At delivery the heeling magnet is to be found within the heeling guidance tube.
The heeling corrector is to neutralize the ship´s permanent vertical field. Remove the compass from the
binnacle and inside the chain to lift up and lower the heeling magnet will be visible (See the following picture).
Pull out the chain to get the brass tube containing the magnets. To open the tube unscrew the cover. There are
two magnets (25 mm and 125 mm length, both 25 mm ∅). For adjustment you may use one or both magnets
and combine as required. After adjustment the chain should be fixed by screw at its final position.
If the compass is at its position within the binnacle one can reach the heeling corrector chain by removing the
relevant cover. See chapter “Compass Binnacle, Outline“.
Heeling magnet guidance tube
N
umbered chain for adjustemnt
Screw to fix the chain
Hole to insert the chain
D-Correction
At delivery the D-brackets are mounted at the binnacle column and the D-spheres are packed separately.
D-adjustment is necessary for correction of the ship´s symmetrical weak iron influence. For attaching there are
bolts and washers. The guiding piece of the sphere runs in the slit of the bracket and secures the sphere
against rotating. The guiding piece is orientated towards the binnacle column. There are index marks at the
spheres and scales at the D-bracket to note the position in the deviation diary.
For D-correction the sphere has to be approached or drawn away from the binnacle column.
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Compass Adjustment REFLECTA/1
Page C3 Mounting & Operations Manual
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Cassens & Plath GmbH, Kompasshaus, Am Lunedeich 131, 27572 Bremerhaven, Germany, tel. [phone], fax [phone]
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E-Correctors (Extra)
If ordered there are a two intercardinal brackets for E-spheres visible at the binnacle column, same as the
D-spheres/.brackets but moved by 45°, so in total 4. The E-spheres re same as D-spheres and separate
packed.
E-correctors are recommended in case the binnacle column is not located in the centre line of the vessel but
moved to port or starboard, so causing unsymmetrical magnetic environment to the compass. The relevant
errors only can be removed by these E-correctors.
A discription how to carry out E-correction will be attached to the delivery of the material.

Compass Adjustment REFLECTA/1
Page C4 Mounting & Operations Manual
Flinder´s bar (Extra)
If ordered four cylinders (305 mm, 152 mm, 76 mm, 38 mm length, all 78 mm∅) are seprate included to
delivery. The Flinder´s tube is fixed to the binnacle column and in it there are four wooden spacers (280 mm,
140 mm, 70 mm, 35 mm).
The Flinder´s bar is used to correct the longitudinal field (B2) caused by the ship´s weak iron. The first
adjustment of Flinder´s bar on maiden voyage remains preliminary because the latitude influence cannot be
established at that time. When passing the equator at first sufficient deviation data has to be collected to allow
the final adjustment. On locally operating vessels like habour tugs or in coastal fishery a Flinder´s bar is not
necessary.
Open the Flinder´s tube by removing the upper plastic cover. For adjustment lift up tube to allow access to the
weak iron cores and the wooden spacer pieces. Loosen the tube by unscrewing the fixing screws at the upper
and lower Flinder´s bracket. Refer to the illustration below.
L
i
f
t up the Flinder´s tube
Weak iron cylinders
Wooden spacer piece
Fixing screw for tube
Fixing screw for tube
Alterations / Errors reserved
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Maintenance, Errors, Repair REFLECTA/1
Page D1 Mounting & Operations Manual
Content
Maintenance...............................................................................................................................D1
Lubrication of Compass Suspensions..............................................................................D1
Compass Routine Service................................................................................................D1
Replacing Bulbs ...............................................................................................................D1
Cleaning of Reflection Optics...........................................................................................D2
Errors, Diagnosis and Help.........................................................................................................D3
Visible Compass Errors....................................................................................................D3
Indication Errors...............................................................................................................D3
Friction Error and Swirl Error Test....................................................................................D4
Workshop Repair of Compass ...................................................................................................D5
Maintenance
Ensure propper operation of the magnetic compass whenever possible to guarantee safe navigation!
Lubrication of Compass Suspensions
This has to be done from time to time to grant free movement of compass bowl.
Compass Routine Service
A faulty compass function is difficult to detect by onboard means. Therefore a routine service is recommended.
Often certain service intervals are laid down in the national regulations. According to German BSH regulations
an inspection of the compass is necessary every two years. The correct function will be certified by the BSH
authorized compass work shop by the official BSH test label stuck on the compass bowl. A certificate will be
issued alternatevely. If the compass service was carried out by a foreign and not BSH authorized work shop
(because the vessel has not called a German port) the certificate issued can be sent to the BSH for acceptance.
A preliminary functional test with oboard means is described below in chapter “Friction Error and Swirl Error
Test“. This should be carried out from time to time. A positive result is not be understood as guarantee for a
reliable operation but in case of a negative result the compass should be immediately replaced with the spare
compass and sent to a qualified compass workshop.
Replacing Bulbs
Use glow lamps of type E14, 40VA (60 VA) with 14 mm screw socket only.
The illumination arrangement is to be found in the upper part of the binnacle column and will be accessible after
removing of hood and compass.
Main illumination
Emergency illumination
Flap to exchange bulbs
Alterations / Errors reserved
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www.cassens-plath.de , [email protected]

Maintenance, Errors, Repair REFLECTA/1
Page D2 Mounting & Operations Manual
Cleaning of Reflection Optics
Use only a soft and non scatching cloth.
Not in every case all below mentioned positions are equipped with lenses.
Details for cleaning of lenses and mirrors inside the horzontal by-pass channel can be found in the relevant
instructions attached separtely.
Possible Lens Positions
1.
2.
3.
4. 5.
6. 6.
1.
2.
3.
1. Upper part of the binnacle colum. Accessible by removing of compass.
2. Bottom side of the binnacle colum. Accessible by removing the relevant cover, ref. to chapter „Compass
Binnacle, Outline“.
3. Inside Lead-in tube (right) or mirror tube (left). If lead-in tube or reflection tube are outside the wheelhouse
they have to be protected by an additional channel. This channel should have a removable flap at the
position of the lens to allow access to the lens.
4. Inside horizontal by-pass channel. If the by-pass channnel is above the ceiling there must be a removable
flap in the ceiling to allow access to the lens.
5. Same as 4.
6. By-pass mirrors. Refer to special instructions of by-pass.
Alterations / Errors reserved
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Maintenance, Errors, Repair REFLECTA/1
Page D3 Mounting & Operations Manual
Errors, Diagnosis and Help
Visible Compass Errors
• Bubbles in the fluid, broken cover glass, buckled compass bowl, tilted compass bowl, loose in suspension,
dirty or cloudy fluid or similar.
⇒Take compass out of operation immediately (replace with spare compass) and hand over to a qualified
servce workshop as soon as possible.
• Directional system tilted
Possible reason:
A slight sinking of the north mark on north latitudes and of the south mark on south latitudes is normal and
results from the variation of the vertical earth field on different magnetic latitudes.
Remove the compass from its position within the binnacle and take it to a magnetically undisturbed location
for example ashore. If the tilt remains the reason is the earth´s vertical field and not the ship´s vertical field.
This tilt does not exceed about 5°.
⇒No further action is necessary.
Possible other reason:
The ship´s vertical field or the heeling corrector is unadjusted.
Remove the compass from its position within the binnacle and take it to a magnetically undisturbed location
for example ashore. If the tilt disappears the reason is the ship´s vertical field and not the earth´s vertical
field.
⇒Carry out heeling adjustment.
Possible other reason:
A strong card tilt often in combination with bubbles in the fluid, with the upper or lower points not near to the
north or south mark may be caused by a leaking float. Sometimes the upper or lower points are moving with
time.
⇒Take compass out of operation immediately (replace with spare compass) and hand over to a qualified
servce workshop as soon as possible.
Indication Errors
• Static Indication Errors:
Indication errors can be discovered by comparison of magnetic compass and gyro compass indication.
These indication errors may be caused by a faulty compass (non visible errors) or by a faulty adjustment.
⇒If friction and swirl error test (below) are not successful, the reason might be a defective compass. Take
compass out of operation immediately (replace with spare compass) and hand over to a qualified service
workshop as soon as possible.
If friction and swirl error tests are successful the compass seems to be in order. Carry out compass
adjustment.
• Dynamic Indication Errors
Indication oszillates correlated with rolling of the vessel. If the oszillation is strongest on north or south
headings and smallest on east or west headings this is most probably caused by unadjusted ship´s vertical
field.
⇒Arrange heeling adjustment.
• Unstable indication, seemingly arbitrary oszillation of the indcation
Possible reason:
Strong vibration of the compass which results in a rise and spin of the directional system.
⇒Fix compass binnacle more strongly. Install lashings for the compass binnacle (supply Cassens & Plath).
Possible other reason:
Pivot/jewel suspension of the directional system is defective.
⇒If friction and swirl error tests (below) are not successful take compass out of operation immediately
(replace with spare compass) and hand over to a qualified servce workshop as soon as possible.
Alterations / Errors reserved
Cassens & Plath GmbH, Kompasshaus, Am Lunedeich 131, 27572 Bremerhaven, Germany, tel. [phone] fax [phone]
www.cassens-plath.de , [email protected]

Maintenance, Errors, Repair REFLECTA/1
Page D4 Mounting & Operations Manual
Possible other reason:
The orientating earth´s horizontal field at the place of the magnetic compass is too weak. This may be
caused by wrong adjustment or an insufficient compass safe distance to magnetic iron or instruments.
Furthermore the position of the adjusting magnets perhaps has been changed accidentally or the ship´s own
magnetic field has been altered by grounding, lightning stroke or welding works.
⇒Make sure that the correction magnets are at the position as mentioned in the deviation diary.
Repeat compass adjustement and check the safe distances of the compass.
Friction Error and Swirl Error Test
The following simple examinations for onboard use will only give a provisional result for reliable compass
operation. A definite proof of faultless function can only be granted by a qualified service workshop.
1. Place the compass on a horizontal baseplate as free as possible of deflecting magnetic fields and free of
vibrations. This may be a place on board of the ship, e.g. the chart desk. Better is a place on shore where
only the earth´s magetic field is effective. If the compass test should be carried out on board the ship should
not be moving. Mark the place of the compass to make sure the same magnetic and other conditions in any
direction for the following tests. Note the heading indication.
2. Let the directional system stabilize on a certain direction. Knock slightly with your fingertip onto the cover
glass. Now use a piece of light magnetic material (e.g. a key) to deflect the compass card by 2° only. Wait
until the card has stabilized in this new orientation.
3. Now quickly pull away the deflecting magnet. Watch how the card returns to the undeflected direction. A
tolerance of less 0.5° is acceptable after stabilizing.
4. Deflect the compass card as mentioned above to the opposite direction by 2° and repeat the settling
process. Again, the compass card must return to the original direction within a tolerance of 0.5°.
5. Repeat these tests each 45° of compass orientation.
6. If the compass card returns to the respective original orientation within the tolerance of +/-0.5° on each of
these 8 directions, pivot and jewel suspension of the card assembly are, so far, in order.
7. Take the compass with both hands and hold it horizontally in front of you. Turn yourself (ideally one turn of
360° within 4´) and watch the movement of the directional system. The card should show to north the whole
turn and its movement should be steady without jerking. If the directional system is abruptly dragged with the
movement of the compass it is defective.
If friction and swirl error test are not successful take compass out of operation immediately (replace with spare
compass) and hand over to a qualified service workshop as soon as possible.
Even if these tests are successful routine compass checks still have to be carried out.
Alterations / Errors reserved
Cassens & Plath GmbH, Kompasshaus, Am Lunedeich 131, 27572 Bremerhaven, Germany, tel. [phone] fax [phone]
www.cassens-plath.de , [email protected]

Maintenance, Errors, Repair REFLECTA/1
Page D5 Mounting & Operations Manual
Workshop Repair of Compass
Compass repair should be carried out by qualified compass workshops only to grant safe navigation!
Spare Parts
(In case of order please quote part description and also type of compass -here reflector compass Type 11-)
Compass Fluid
If less then 5 cm3fluid has to be completed use pure Ethanol or distilled water. If it is more, only use original
Cassens & Plath compass fluid #39012.
Don´t use any different fluid because this may destroy the compass and impair the function!
Alterations / Errors reserved
Cassens & Plath GmbH, Kompasshaus, Am Lunedeich 131, 27572 Bremerhaven, Germany, tel. [phone] fax [phone]
www.cassens-plath.de , [email protected]

Maintenance, Errors, Repair REFLECTA/1
Page D6 Mounting & Operations Manual
5-Years-Spare-Parts-Outfit
A box containing the most essential spare parts is availale as an extra (Order No. 10651).
Included are:
1. One cover glass/bottom glass
2. Two rubber gaskets
3. Two filling screw gaskets
4. Two pivots for the directional system assembly
5. Two jewels
6. Three each bulbs for main and emergency illumination
7. One centre pivot for azimuth device (only bearing compass)
8. One reflection mirror (only reflector compass binnacle)
Required Tools
Special tools are not required.
• Slot screw driver, 3 mm, to unscrew the pivot from the float,
• Box wrench, 5.5 mm, or pointed pliers for counter nut of the pivot
• Slot screw driver, 7 mm, for the cover rings of the compass
• Slot screw driver, 12 mm, for the filling screw of the compass
• Pipe wrench for removal of external gimbal trunnions
• Screw spanner, 17 mm, for the internal gimbal trunnions
Replacement of Directional System (Card Assembly) or Pivot and Jewel
1. Place the compass on a horizontal plane and solid surface.
2. Remove the divided verge ring by unscrewing the relevant screws (only bearing/reflector compass). The
“180“ mark is in ahead direction.
3. Remove the upper cover ring by unscrewing the relevant screws. Mark the orientation before.
4. Remove rubber gasket and cover glass. Mark the orientation of the cover glass before. Take the cover glass
with the centre pivot or use a small screw driver and lift up the glass at its edge.
5. Remove the directional system by hand and replace by a new one if necessary.
6. Remove pivot. Loosen the pivot counter nut from below of the float by use of the box wrench 5.5 mm or
pointed pliers. Now the pivot can be unscrewed from above with the screw driver of 3 mm. Replace with a
new pivot (recommended each time the compass is opened or latest after two years of operation).
7. Replace the jewel: Unscrew the jewel retainer by hand or with pliers. Now take the jewel and replace with a
new one.
8. Close the compass with the cover glass. Watch its orientation. The cover glass should be centric to the
compass bowl. Check this visually. Insert the rubber gasket and fasten the upper cover ring. Tighten the
screws with as equal as possible force around the whole circle.
9. Fit the divided verge ring. Place the azimuth device on the compass for adjustment. Adjust the divided verge
ring to match the lubber marks.Turn the azimuth device to all four major directions and adjust the divided
ring to be centric to the centre pivot.
10.Fill up the compass fluid. Refer to paragraph: “Filling the compass“.
Replacement of Upper Cover Glass
1. Place the compass on a horizontal, plane and solid surface.
2. Remove the divided verge ring by unscrewing the relevant screws (only bearing/reflector compass). The
“180“ mark is in ahead direction.
3. Remove the upper cover ring by unscrewing the relevant screws. Mark the orientation before.
4. Remove rubber gasket. Take the cover glass at the centre pivot or use a small screw driver and lift up the
glass at its edge.
5. Replace the old cover glass with a new one.
6. The cover glass should be centric to the compass bowl. Check this visually. Insert the rubber gasket and
fasten the upper cover ring. Tighten the screws with as equal as possible force around the whole circle.
7. Fit the divided verge ring. Place the azimuth device on the compass for adjustment. Adjust the divided verge
ring to match the lubber marks.Turn the azimuth device to all four major directions and adjust the divided
ring to be centric to the centre pivot.
8. Complete the compass fluid. Refer to paragraph: “Filling the compass“.
Alterations / Errors reserved
Cassens & Plath GmbH, Kompasshaus, Am Lunedeich 131, 27572 Bremerhaven, Germany, tel. [phone] fax [phone]
www.cassens-plath.de , [email protected]

Maintenance, Errors, Repair REFLECTA/1
Page D7 Mounting & Operations Manual
Replacement of the Bottom Glass
1. Place the compass upside down on a horizontal, plane and solid surface. Caution: do not lay down the
compass on its protruding centre pivot! Use a plate (e.g. cardboard) of approximate 10 mm thickness as
suporting surface with hole for the centre pivot.
2. First unscrew weight ring and then lower cover ring. Mark the orientation of both.
3. Remove the rubber gasket.
4. Take the defective bottom glass with a small screw driver and lift up the glass at its edge. Insert the new
glass which must be centric to the bowl.
5. Complete the compass and fill in fluid. Refer to paragraph: “Filling the compass“.
Replacement of Gaskets.
1. For replacement of upper gasket proceed as described in the paragraph “Replacement of cover glass“.
2. For replacement of lower gasket proceed as described in the paragraph “Replacement of bottom glass“.
Filling the Compass
1. Place the compass so that the filling screw is upside. Unscrew the filling screw with screw driver of 12 mm
and complete fluid. In case larger quantities are needed use only original compass fluid #39012. Smaller
quantities up to 5 cm3can be completed with Ethanol or distilled water. Medical syrings are suitable to
complete the fluid.
2. Close the compass with the filling screw. Use a new gasket.
3. To ensure the tightness of the compass cool it to -30°C and keep it approximately 8 hours at this
temperature. If there is no bubble in the fluid after this time the compass should be in order.
Replacement or Dressing of Gimbal Ring
1. Use a pipe wrench for removal of the external gimbal trunnions. For that cover the trunnion with emery paper
to keep its surface smooth and to prevent slipping of the pipe wrench.
2. Remove the internal gimbal trunnions by use of a screw spanner of 17 mm.
3. Now dress the gimbal ring with a light rubber hammer after having it separated from the compass bowl. The
slack must be less 0.2 mm.
Alterations / Errors reserved
Cassens & Plath GmbH, Kompasshaus, Am Lunedeich 131, 27572 Bremerhaven, Germany, tel. [phone] fax [phone]
www.cassens-plath.de , [email protected]