Silva Guide 2.0 Compass User Manual

1. Introduction

The Silva Guide 2.0 Compass is a traditional mirror sighting compass designed for serious outdoor users such as hikers, mountaineers, backpackers, and hunters. It is engineered for accurate direction determination over long distances. This manual provides essential information for the proper use, maintenance, and care of your Silva Guide 2.0 Compass.

The Silva 1-2-3 System enhances accuracy by allowing you to check your direction in the mirror while sighting, eliminating the need to lift your eyes from the compass.

2. Product Overview and Features

The Silva Guide 2.0 Compass incorporates several features to aid in navigation:

• Detachable Lanyard with Safety Release: For secure carrying and quick detachment.
• Map Measuring Scales: Includes 1:24k, 1:62.5k mile, and inch (1/20th) scales for precise map work.
• DryFlex Rubber Grip: Ensures easy and secure handling of the compass.
• Declination Scale: Located inside the capsule to simplify declination calculations.
• Luminous Markings: Enables night-time navigation for up to 4 hours after activation by daylight or flashlight.
• Mirror Sighting: Allows for accurate bearing acquisition by simultaneously viewing the compass dial and the terrain.
• Red/Black North-South Lines: In the capsule bottom for easy and safe settling of the needle.
• High-Quality Swedish Steel Needle: Ensures reliable magnetic features.

Image 1: The Silva Guide 2.0 Compass with its mirror open, revealing the compass dial, baseplate with map scales, and the sighting mirror.

3. Setup

3.1 Attaching the Lanyard

The compass comes with a detachable lanyard. Attach the lanyard to the designated hole on the baseplate. The safety release mechanism allows the lanyard to break away if snagged, preventing injury.

3.2 Activating Luminous Markings

For night use, expose the luminous markings on the compass to daylight or a flashlight for a few minutes. This will charge them, allowing them to glow for up to 4 hours in low-light conditions.

4. Operating Instructions

4.1 Basic Orientation (Silva 1-2-3 System)

1. Place the compass on a map: Align the edge of the compass baseplate with your desired direction of travel on the map.
2. Rotate the compass housing: Turn the compass housing until the red/black North-South lines in the capsule bottom are parallel to the map's North-South lines, with North pointing towards the top of the map.
3. Orient yourself: Hold the compass level in front of you. Rotate your body until the red (North) end of the magnetic needle aligns with the North arrow on the compass housing. The direction of travel arrow on the baseplate now points to your desired bearing.

4.2 Mirror Sighting for Accurate Bearings

When determining direction over long distances, the mirror sighting feature provides enhanced accuracy.

1. Open the mirror: Tilt the mirror to a 45-degree angle.
2. Sight your target: Look through the sighting notch in the mirror and align it with your distant target.
3. Check the compass: While sighting, simultaneously observe the compass dial in the mirror. This allows you to ensure the magnetic needle is aligned correctly without shifting your gaze from the target.
4. Adjust for declination: If necessary, use the declination scale inside the capsule to compensate for the difference between magnetic north and true north.

4.3 Using Map Scales

The baseplate of the compass includes various map scales (1:24k, 1:62.5k mile, inch (1/20th)). These scales are used to measure distances on maps. Align the appropriate scale with features on your map to determine real-world distances.

5. Maintenance

• Cleaning: Wipe the compass with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could scratch the baseplate or mirror.
• Storage: Store the compass in a cool, dry place away from strong magnetic fields (e.g., magnets, electronics, metal objects) to prevent demagnetization of the needle.
• Inspection: Periodically check the compass for any damage, such as cracks in the baseplate or mirror, or a sluggish needle.

6. Troubleshooting

Needle does not settle or points incorrectly:

• Ensure you are away from any metal objects, electronic devices (like cell phones or watches), or strong magnetic fields that can interfere with the compass needle.
• Check if the compass is held perfectly level. Tilting can cause the needle to stick.
• If the issue persists, the needle may be demagnetized or damaged. Contact customer support.

Luminous markings are not glowing:

• Ensure the markings have been sufficiently exposed to light (daylight or flashlight) to charge them.
• The glow duration is limited to approximately 4 hours after activation.

7. Specifications

8. Warranty and Support

8.1 Warranty Information

Silva products are manufactured to high standards. For specific warranty details, please refer to the warranty card included with your purchase or visit the official Silva website. Keep your proof of purchase for any warranty claims.

8.2 Customer Support

If you encounter any issues or have questions regarding your Silva Guide 2.0 Compass, please contact Silva customer support through their official website or the retailer where the product was purchased.