Tacktick Limited Micro Compass User manual

Micro Compass
User Guide
Micro Compass U/Guide MASTER 8/2/01 11:59 am Page 1

1
Congratulations on the purchase of your Micro Compass. Tacktick
have combined technological innovation with feedback from top sailors
around the world to bring you the ultimate sailboat-racing compass.
All Tacktick equipment and accessories are designed to the best
industry standards for use in the leisure marine environment. Their
design and manufacture is in compliance with CE Mark requirements,
this includes electromagnetic compatibility.
Please read this User Guide carefully before using your Micro
Compass and keep it for future reference.
Contents Page
1. Registering your Micro Compass 2
2. Features and Benefits 2
3. Definitions and Terminology 3
4. Introduction 3
4.1. Racing and wind shifts 3
4.2. What can Micro Compass do for me? 4
4.3. Micro Compass layout 5
5. Operating Instructions 5
5.1. Switching on and off 5
5.2. Before the race 6
5.3. During the race 8
5.4. The battery status 8
6. Installation 9
7. Maintenance 9
8. Problem Solving 10
9. Micro Compass Specification 11
10. Warranty and After Sales Service 11
UU030-Rev3A
Micro Compass U/Guide MASTER 8/2/01 11:59 am Page 2

1. Registering your Micro Compass
To register for your international warranty, complete and return the
warranty card to Tacktick Limited PO Box 27 Emsworth P010 8YU
England. Retain your proof of purchase as you will need it in the event
of a warranty claim. We also recommend that you keep a record of
your purchase:
Date of purchase
Place of purchase
Serial number
Package Contents
Micro Compass
Soft Pack
Mounting Cradle
4 x M4 nuts, bolts & washers for the mounting cradle
User Guide
Warranty card
(Strap bracket is included in T061 kit)
2. Features and Benefits
Powered for life with Tacktick’s unique solar system.
Portable, yet rugged with the Tacktick snap in cradle.
No need to adjust for southern hemisphere effects.
Unique Tactical mode makes reading wind shifts simple and
minimises button pushing.
Twin displays which are easy to read even when hiking.
Easy to use countdown timer with resynchronisation function.
Waterproof, submersible to 10m.
Low battery indicator.
Automatic power down if no motion is detected after 7 minutes.
Tacktick’s unique technology has patents pending and
GB2321756 granted in the UK.
2
Micro Compass U/Guide MASTER 8/2/01 11:59 am Page 3

3. Definitions and Terminology
True Wind Direction:
The instantaneous magnetic bearing of the true wind.
Mean Wind Direction:
The average true wind direction during the race.
Tacking Angle:
The angle through which the boat turns when changing from one tack
to the next (≈907).
4. Introduction
4.1. Racing and wind shifts
Like most things in sailing, the wind
does not remain constant in either
strength or direction. The crew tend
to react naturally to gusts but find
wind shifts more difficult to detect.
The wind does, however, tend to
shift in regular patterns, oscillating
between a back and a veer.
These oscillations give the sailor a
chance to gain an advantage by
sailing a shorter distance to the
upwind mark.
In the diagram, the boat on the right
sails a shorter course by tacking
when headed and thereby sailing
mostly in lifts.
3
Mean wind direction
Wind
veers
Wind
veers
Wind
backs
Wind
backsWind
backs
Wind
backs
Wind
veers
Micro Compass U/Guide MASTER 8/2/01 11:59 am Page 4

4.2. What can Micro Compass do for me?
Micro Compass gives you a clear head-up display, which can show
either:
●heading
●Tactical heading (for wind shift detection)
●or countdown timer
In Compass mode, heading is displayed with digital precision. The
20mm high characters are larger and easier to read than the
compressed scale of a compass card.
The Tactical mode is for use when beating (tacking up-wind). With a
conventional tactical compass, which has port tack and starboard tack
lubber lines, you are able to read the same number on either tack. In
the same way, with Micro Compass the port and starboard displays
show the heading with an offset applied (just like reading from offset
lubber lines), so that you can read the same number on either tack.
Micro Compass adds half the tack angle to the starboard display,
and subtracts half the tack angle from the port display, so that you
are always looking at the same number, whichever tack you are on.
Now you decide whether the wind is backing or veering, and thus
when to tack.
Micro Compass’s start timer is simple to operate, yet flexible enough
to deal with any starting sequence. Once past the start the timer will
begin to count elapsed time.
4
Micro Compass U/Guide MASTER 8/2/01 11:59 am Page 5

4.3. Micro Compass layout
Micro Compass’s twin display
gives you an exceptionally
wide viewing angle, allowing
you to see critical race
information from the
cockpit or from
the trapeze.
The mode and set keys are
operated from the top of the
unit, and are located to the
side of the solar cell.
5. Operating Instructions
5.1. Switching on and off
To switch ON Micro Compass automatically switches on when you
take it out of the soft pack. This is because it
responds to the increase in light level at the solar
cell. To switch the unit on if the unit is already out
of its soft pack, you must cover the solar cell with
your hand, then uncover it. Note that indoor light
may not be sufficient to make your unit switch on.
To switch OFF First put your Micro Compass into its softpack so
that stray light cannot turn the unit back on again.
Now press and hold down the mode key until the
display clears (this will take 2 seconds)
If Micro Compass detects no movement for 7 minutes it will power
down (this does not happen at sea).
5
mode key set key
Micro Compass U/Guide MASTER 8/2/01 11:59 am Page 6

5.2. Before the race
Before the race, you will need to set up the countdown timer. To move
between the three modes (Compass, Timer and Tactics) press the
mode key. To start the countdown timer, you need to be in Timer mode.
Setting the Countdown Timer
1. Check you are in Timer mode.
2. If you need to change the
start time (eg from 6 minutes
to 10 minutes), then “stab”
both
mode and set keys
together (i.e. briefly press
and release them). Adjust
the time up or down with the
set or mode key. When you
have the right time, “stab” the
mode and set keys again.
3. Press the
set key to start the
countdown. Audible beeps
will count you down to
the start.
4. If the initial gun was not
timed accurately, press the
set key at any subsequent
gun to automatically
resynchronise the timer
to the nearest full minute.
5. When the countdown reaches
zero, Micro Compass returns
to the mode it was in, before
the countdown timer was set.
6
Look for the Timer mode indicator
at the top of the display.
The set key can be used at any
time whilst in timer mode to
resynchronise the timer to the
nearest whole minute.
The countdown timer can be set
up to 20 minutes. Between 10
and 20 minutes the display will
show decimal minutes rather than
seconds (e.g. 12:5 means 12
minutes, 30 seconds).
Micro Compass U/Guide MASTER 8/2/01 11:59 am Page 7

For rolling starts, count the number of fleets ahead of your start, and
multiply the start time accordingly. This procedure ensures you have
an automatic transition to the main page at the start.
Establishing the wind patterns
To establish the wind patterns, you will need to arrive in the starting
area early and spend time sailing up the first beat. During this time,
the Micro Compass should be in Tactics mode and you should:
Check the tack angle is correct for the conditions. If you find the wind
direction reads higher on starboard tack than on port tack, you should
reduce the tack angle and visa versa. To change the tack angle, press
the
set key once, then use the set or mode key to adjust the flashing
“tack angle” up or down. After 5 seconds, the screen will automatically
revert to Tactics mode.
Watch the wind direction for some time, to establish its average value
and the size and frequency of changes.
Changing the resolution of the tactics scale
Trials have shown that the optimum resolution for the tactics display is
57. This allows sufficient resolution to detect meaningful wind shifts,
but eliminates the distraction of small errors in the tack angle.
The adjustment range is 17, 27, 57or 107. To change the resolution,
press AND HOLD the
set key for 2 seconds, then use the set or mode
key to adjust the flashing “resolution” up or down. After 5 seconds, the
screen will automatically revert to Tactics mode.
Establishing the line bias
With Micro Compass in heading mode, sail along the start line on
starboard tack, and note the bearing. Add 907and you have the line
direction
. Now point the boat towards the wind, stopping the turn when
the Micro Compass shows a heading equal to the line direction . Now if
the wind is coming from the starboard side, the line is right biased, if
from the port side, it is left biased.
7
Micro Compass U/Guide MASTER 8/2/01 11:59 am Page 8

5.3. During the race
Using the compass mode
In compass mode, the mode indicator shows “Compass” at the top of
the display and your Micro Compass displays the magnetic heading1.
You can use this precision heading reference to site marks, to
check the line bias, or to detect wind shifts (although Tactics mode
is recommended for detecting wind shifts).
Reading wind shifts whilst beating upwind
Make sure the Micro Compass is in Tactics mode. On port tack look at
the port display, and on starboard tack look at the starboard display.
If the wind shifts, then you will see the displayed number change
accordingly.
When on starboard, if the number gets smaller then you should tack
(tack on -). When on port, if the number gets bigger then you should
tack (tack on +).
Elapsed time
Elapsed time can be accessed during the race by pressing the mode
key until you see the Timer mode indicator at the top of the display.
5.4. The battery status
The battery status is shown for 5 seconds after the Micro Compass
is switched on, or once every 4 minutes if the battery falls below 20
hours of charge remaining. The number indicates the hours remaining
assuming the sun does not shine at all, and from a full charge this
will be 200 hours. If the battery life is less than 50 hours, you should
place your Micro Compass in BRIGHT sunshine for 2 days, with the
solar cell facing directly the mid-day sun. Note that if the sun is
hidden by thin cloud the effective charging time will be weeks rather
than days and that under thick cloud the unit will not charge at all. Do
not worry if the unit turns itself on during charging, STRONG sunshine
charges the unit rapidly, even when its operating.
8
1There is no compensation for magnetic deviation, so do not site your
Micro Compass near a conventional compass which is magnetic.
Micro Compass U/Guide MASTER 8/2/01 11:59 am Page 9

6. Installation
Mount the Micro Compass within 207of the vertical to ensure the
compass is able to operate accurately. Mounting at a more extreme
angle will cause deviation errors.
Mount the cradle to a bulkhead or a bracket supplied by Tacktick. Now
simply clip your Micro Compass to its cradle each time you sail.
Do remember to take your Micro Compass away with you when you
leave the boat IN ITS SOFTPACK to ensure it cannot switch itself on
and discharge. Remember that Micro Compass switches on by
responding to an increase in the light level at the solar cell.
7. Maintenance
The Micro Compass is totally sealed against water and is not
serviceable. Any attempt to take the Micro Compass apart, other than
as described in this user guide, will invalidate the warranty.
To clean, use only a damp soft cloth. No detergents, solvents or
abrasives should be used.
To avoid damaging the Micro Compass and to ensure it remains
switched off, always store the Micro Compass in its soft pack.
When sailing in bright sunlight it should not be necessary to recharge
your Micro Compass after use. If the battery level falls below 50
hours, recharge by leaving on a windowsill facing outside towards the
sun until the battery level is recharged to 200 hours.
Approximate recharging times
Bright sun 2 days
Thin cloud 10 days
Dull days no charging
Indoors no charging
Ensure the mounting bracket is secure and check that the security
bolts are tight before each race.
9
It is not possible to recharge
batteries with electric lighting.
Micro Compass U/Guide MASTER 8/2/01 11:59 am Page 10

8. Problem Solving
Problem Possible cause Action required
10
Micro Compass Micro Compass Turn Micro Compass on
turns itself off is on land and again and ensure movement
stationary every 7 minutes.
Low battery Check battery status screen
power (battery status section). If
battery power is close to
zero recharge batteries
(maintenance section).
Compass Micro Compass Ensure the mounting angle
deviates from is not mounted is within 207of the
the expected correctly vertical.
heading Magnetic objects Remove magnetic objects.
are within 70cm
(2ft)
Micro Compass The sound is the No action required - this
‘rattles’ when internal liquid is normal.
shaken damping system
Micro Compass Unit is not being Store Microcompass in its
loses power stored in its soft pack, otherwise it will
when stored softpack. switch on when the light level
increases.
If you still experience problems contact your local Tacktick dealer.
Micro Compass U/Guide MASTER 8/2/01 11:59 am Page 11

11. Warranty and After Sales Service
Tacktick Limited or its authorised Distributors will repair or replace a
Tacktick product free of charge where a manufacturing fault becomes
apparent within two years of the purchase date provided:
●No unauthorised attempt has been made to repair the product
●No unauthorised attempt has been made to take the unit apart
●The product has not been misused, operated outside of its
intended environment or operated in a manner which is
incompatible with the written instructions supplied on purchase
Proof of purchase date is required for the warranty to be valid.
Failure
within the Warranty Period:
Simply return your Micro Compass to your nearest authorised
Tacktick Distributor, together with proof of purchase date.
Failure outside the Warranty Period:
Simply return your Micro Compass to the nearest authorised Tacktick
Distributor and an estimation for repair will be provided.
Authorised Tacktick Distributor details can be found on:
http://www.tacktick.com, the back of Tacktick brochures, or contact
Tacktick in England ([phone], or [email protected]) for
your nearest dealer.
11
10. Micro Compass Specification
Character Height 17mm
Waterproofing Submersible to 10m
Heading Resolution 17
Heel & pitch angle ± 307
Timer 1second resolution, 1 to 20 minutes
Countdown alarms Audible tones indicate time to start
Size 100 x 60 x 65mm
Weight 150g (6oz)
Battery Charging Solar power
Battery Life 200 hours, automatic solar recharging
Micro Compass U/Guide MASTER 8/2/01 11:59 am Page 12

Micro Compass U/Guide MASTER 8/2/01 11:59 am Page 13

UU030
Micro Compass U/Guide MASTER 8/2/01 11:59 am Page 14