Suunto KB Series User manual

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Suunto Kb-series
USER'S GUIDE
EN

3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
USAGE ...............................................................................................................4
DETERMINING A LOCATION ...........................................................................4
DECLINATION ...................................................................................................5
ADJUSTABLE DECLINATION CORRECTION (KB-14D):
PICK A SUITABLE TARGET ..............................................................................6
DEVIATION (DIVERGENCE) .............................................................................9
INCLINATION - BALANCING .............................................................................9
ADJUSTING THE OPTICS ................................................................................9
CLEANING .......................................................................................................10
WARRANTY .....................................................................................................10

4
USAGE
Keep both eyes open and aim with the compass so that the sighting line meets the
target when viewing through the lens. In R-models the main scale indicates the
reading to the target you are aiming at and the reversed scale indicates the reading
from your target to the aimed location. This feature is of great help, especially at sea,
when determining exact locations. Use your left or right eye for reading the compass
depending on your personal preferences. When both eyes are open, an optical
illusion makes the sighting line extend above the body of the compass over the target.
This increases reading accuracy and speed.
Heterophoria (an eye disorder some persons suffer from) may deteriorate the reading
accuracy at times. This can be controlled in the following fashion: Keep both eyes
open and take a reading. Then close one of your eyes. If there is no significant
change in the reading, there is no directional discrepancy in the vision axes of your
eyes and both eyes may be kept open during orienteering. If a charge is noted, keep
only one eye open and aim half way over the compass body. The sighting line now
rises above the instrument body and is visible against the target.
DETERMINING A LOCATION
You can determine your own location on the map in case there are two targets in
sight, which have known locations. For instance, look at the enclosed map. The
bearings 325° and 345° to the land marks have been determined using the main
scale. By drawing directional lines on the map, you will be able to see your own
location where the two lines intersect (A). When determining an exact location, the
bearings need to be corrected according to the local declination (variation).

5
The cotangent table at the back of the
compass may be used for distance
calculations and especially for determining
locations when two landmarks appear in a
very narrow angle. This situation is depicted
on the same map. In this example the angle
between the lighthouse and the sea mark is
20°. Assisting line BD is drawn from the
lighthouse advancing along the directional line
of the sea mark. The assisting line is in a 90°
angle towards the directional line of the
lighthouse. The segment BD of the line is
measured on the sea card (in this example the
length is 7/8 nautical miles). The distance
between the boat and the lighthouse is then
cot 20° x 7/8 = 2.4 nautical miles on the
directional line AB.
DECLINATION
Declination refers to the measured difference between the magnetic North indicated
by the compass and the North of the map. The local declination is given on the map
margin either as easterly plus declination (E) or as westerly minus declination (W).
The local declination needs to be added to or subtracted from the compass bearing
before the direction is determined using the compass may be read on the map. When
the reading is taken from the map and this bearing is needed on the compass, the
procedure is reversed. Sailors refer to declination as "variation".
A
B
D
325° 90° 345°
20°
C

6
ADJUSTABLE DECLINATION
CORRECTION (KB-14D): PICK A SUITABLE
TARGET
Keep both eyes open and aim with the
compass so that the fixed sighting line (the
one without E/W indication) meets the target
(when viewing through the lens). Please note
that the fixed sighting line always indicates the
bearing without hour declination correction.
We recommend a non-magnetic support to be
used during the adjustment procedure if
declination correction needs to be accurate.
Add the local declination to your bearing
(easterly declination (+) or westerly
declination (-). If, for instance, the declination
is 20° east, then the corrected reading is 270°
+ 20° = 290°.
Adjust the maneuverable sighting line (the one
with E/W indication) with the adjusting key
attached to the compass lanyard so that,
when aiming through the maneuverable
sighting line at the same target, you get a
corrected reading. In this case the adjustable
sighting line is set from its centre position
towards E (= easterly declination) or W (=
westerly declination).

7
1)
W
E
N
S
270
270
(East) W
E(West)
a)
280
290
110 100
b)
280
290
110 100
EW
EW
= 1)
3)
= 2)
W
E
N
S
270
270
-10°
280
290
110 100
EW
EW
-10°

8
ATTENTION! When using the maneuverable
sighting line, always take the reading at the
same place of the scale line, for instance, at
the end of the scale line. Please note that the
difference on the scale between the fixed and
maneuverable sighting lines is about half of
the adjusted declination correction. This is due
to the optical structure of the compass.
The adjusting accuracy of declination
correction is ±0.2°. The adjusting range of
declination correction totals 26° (±13°).
EW
EW

9
DEVIATION (DIVERGENCE)
Iron and metal objects near the compass, e.g. some watches or glasses with metal
frames, may cause deviation. If possible, such objects should be removed from the
immediate proximity of the compass. Massive iron constructions, such as buildings,
engines and piers made of metal reinforced concrete, are also potential causes for
deviation. Reversed aiming from the opposite end of the target line will reveal
possible deviation.
INCLINATION - BALANCING
The compass rose has been balanced to meet the conditions prevailing in the
intended area of use. When using the compass elsewhere (e.g. during travel abroad),
the vertical variation in the global magnetic field causes the rose to tilt. This may
make it difficult to take a bearing.
ADJUSTING THE OPTICS
In models KB-14/D, KB-14/opti and KB-20, the optics of a bearing compass can be
adjusted manually. Adjust the optics tube so that the reading grid remains upright.

10
CLEANING
Use only water and mild soap when cleaning the compass! Do not use detergents or
solvents of any kind as these may damage the compass capsule. The models with
adjustable optics can be cleaned internally by rinsing if the inner part of the compass
is dirty or condensation has occurred. Turn the optics tube completely open and
remove it. Rinse the compass internally using clean water. Dry the instrument and
turn the optics tube back in place.
WARRANTY
5 years.
This manual suits for next models
3
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