Spitfire compass.

[CIA_Yankee_]

Hi there.

 

Last night, as I was puttering around the Black Sea, I noticed what appears to be strange behavior from the Spitfire's compass (the one behind the flight stick, not the gyro-compass).

 

Specifically, it looks to me like its pointer (the needle with a cross on it) is indicating the direction the A/C is pointing, much like the compass on german planes do... but isn't that incorrect? As I recall, that instrument is actually just a regular compass (a naval compass, in fact), where the pointer should be indicating magnetic north, and be used to calibrate the gyro-compass.

 

Is there something I'm missing here? Because it sure looks wrong to me at this point.

 

Thank you.

Edited August 31, 2017 by Yankee_

[SCG_Fenris_Wolf]

Need to add a source, and then make a bug report

[19//Moach]

Hi there.

 

Last night, as I was puttering around the Black Sea, I noticed what appears to be strange behavior from the Spitfire's compass (the one behind the flight stick, not the gyro-compass).

 

Specifically, it looks to me like its pointer (the needle with a cross on it) is indicating the direction the A/C is pointing, much like the compass on german planes do... but isn't that incorrect? As I recall, that instrument is actually just a regular compass (a naval compass, in fact), where the pointer should be indicating magnetic north, and be used to calibrate the gyro-compass.

 

Is there something I'm missing here? Because it sure looks wrong to me at this point.

 

Thank you.

 

 

yes, it does seem wrong -- the P8 compass is a magnetic pointer, and should rotate backwards such that the cross-leg points north

 

right now it's behaving like a gyro compass, which is wholly incorrect - it does not contain any gyroscopes inside, just a magnetized pointer floating in alcohol. thus, it should rotate against the turning of the airplane, such that it stays aligned with the magnetic north pole

 

the dial around the glass center can be rotated, and by aligning the north marking on it with the magnetic needle inside, the current heading can be read at the front of the instrument, indicated by the lubber line (a fixed notch that represents "forward" and should be mounted in line with the airframes longitudinal axis)

 

 

a quick google search for "p8 compass" brings up a lot of info about that instrument, it is one of the least obscure pieces of WW2 instrumentation out there - so there's plenty of intel to go by

Edited August 31, 2017 by 19//Moach

[SCG_Fenris_Wolf]

As I said, just get 1-2 sources and make a bug report. That's all.

Edited August 31, 2017 by 2./JG51_Fenris_Wolf

[Sokol1]

You are right, in P-8 compass the needle "+" should point for magnetic North.

 

 

To know actual heading you need align Course Setter scale "N" with this needle "+", and check the actual heading under the "Lubber Line" fixed in compass bowl at 12:00 and this heading could be used for calibrated Directional Gyro.

 

Course Setter could be used too for pre-define routes (like in German planes).

 

This P-8 operation is modeled correct in A2A Spit's, partially in CloD* and with  "error/workaround" in DCS Spit.

 

But all this too complicated for model and for more casual players use.

 

Will be need make Course Setter - the external scale on compass adjustable, as well the Directional Gyro - what implicate in 4 or more new control keys, and make the Directional Gyro subject to misalign under maneuvers - what actually is prevented by the "autopilot" auto cage.

 

So - I guess - for simplify, all this is modeled like in IL-2:46, both instruments, P-8 and DG show the aircraft heading, like in German planes (but in game Course Setter in German planes is not functional). 

 

In support to this simplify I  bet that 90%+ of players use that overlay compass on HUD and not the ones in aircraft cockpits.

 

* For years I've been "crying" for this to be fixed in CloD - include the Lubber Line and cage, but was answered that is not important.

 

As I said, just get 1-2 sources and make a bug report. That's all.

 

Is not bug, but game design option.

Edited September 6, 2017 by Sokol1

[19//Moach]

here's a good place to start: http://www.raafsquad.com/cliffs/navigation/rafcompassdi.htm

[Sokol1]

How this work (IRL) - the plane heading is 96º, read under "Lubber Line".

 

https://youtu.be/14C9lpefrvk?t=685

 

Note how DG depends on compass readings to be synchronized.

Edited September 14, 2017 by Sokol1