If you decide to design a compass yourself, then all you have to do is print out the dial to start navigating with it
Designing your own compass can be a fun and practical project. By printing out a compass dial, you can create a functional and personalized navigation tool.
This page contains a compass dial in Russian and English, which you can download for free
We offer compass dial templates in both Russian and English. These templates are available for free download, making it easy to start your compass project.
Vector PDF will allow you to print a compass of any size without losing quality
The compass dial templates are provided in vector PDF format. This ensures that you can print the dials at any size without compromising on quality. Whether you need a small or large dial, the vector format will maintain clarity and detail.
Download watch face for compass
To begin your project, download the compass dial template of your choice. Print it out on the desired paper size and use it to assemble your compass. This will allow you to navigate effectively with a customized and well-designed compass.
With these compass dial templates, you can embark on a creative and useful project. Download the templates today and start designing your own compass with ease!
Download watch face for compass
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A compass dial, also known as a sundial compass or a horizontal sundial, is a combination of a sundial and a compass. It is a device that tells time by the position of the sun and also indicates the direction of north.
How a compass dial works
The sundial part of a compass dial consists of a flat plate marked with lines indicating the hours of the day. A style, or gnomon, casts a shadow onto the plate, and the time is read by the position of the shadow on the hour lines. The compass part of the dial consists of a magnetic needle that points towards north. The dial is usually mounted on a horizontal surface, and the needle is aligned with the north-south axis.
Using a compass dial
To use a compass dial, first find a level surface where the dial can be placed horizontally. Align the magnetic needle with the north-south axis. Then, read the time by the position of the shadow on the hour lines. The shadow will be pointing towards the sun, and the time can be read from the hour line that the shadow falls on.
Advantages of compass dials
Compass dials have several advantages over other types of sundials. First, they can be used to tell time at any time of day, even when the sun is not shining. This is because the compass needle can be used to determine the direction of north, even in cloudy weather. Second, compass dials are relatively easy to use. Once the dial is aligned with the north-south axis, the time can be read by simply looking at the position of the shadow. Third, compass dials are portable and can be easily carried around.
Disadvantages of compass dials
Compass dials also have some disadvantages. First, they are not as accurate as other types of sundials, such as armillary sundials or equatorial sundials. This is because the magnetic needle is not always perfectly aligned with the north-south axis, and the dial can be affected by changes in the Earth’s magnetic field. Second, compass dials are not as effective in high latitudes. This is because the sun’s path in the sky is more oblique in high latitudes, and the shadow may not fall on the hour lines.
History of compass dials
Compass dials have been used for centuries. They were first developed in China in the 1st century AD, and they were later used by the Arabs and Europeans. Compass dials were particularly popular during the Age of Exploration, as they were a valuable tool for navigators.
Compass dials today
Compass dials are no longer as widely used as they once were, but they are still popular among collectors and enthusiasts. They are also sometimes used as decorative objects.
Making a compass dial
If you are interested in making your own compass dial, there are many resources available online and in libraries. With a little bit of time and effort, you can create your own unique and functional compass dial.
