1. Introduction
The Cammenga Official US Military Tritium Lensatic Compass is a precision navigation instrument designed for durability and accuracy in demanding environments. Trusted by the US Army, Navy, and Air Force, this compass provides reliable directional guidance for various outdoor activities including hiking, camping, navigation, survival, backpacking, and orienteering. Its robust construction and self-illuminating features ensure functionality even in challenging conditions.
Figure 1: The Cammenga Tritium Lensatic Compass in its open position, showcasing the compass dial and sighting mechanisms.
2. Key Features
- US Military Standard: Built to demanding specifications, trusted by US fighting forces.
- Accurate and Easy to Read: Equipped with a magnifying lens, sight wire, and dial graduations in both degrees and mils for precise readings.
- Tritium Microlights: Provides non-battery illumination for over 12 years, ensuring visibility in low-light conditions.
- Durable Construction: Shockproof, damage-resistant, waterproof to considerable depths, and sandproof for extra durability.
- Temperature Resilient: Performs flawlessly in temperatures ranging from -50°F to 150°F due to its non-liquid filled housing.
- Copper Induction-Damping Ring: Ensures the needle settles quickly and steadily for rapid readings.
Figure 2: An illustration detailing the primary features of the Cammenga compass, such as its tritium illumination, shockproof casing, and waterproof capabilities.
3. Setup
The Cammenga Lensatic Compass is designed for immediate use with minimal setup. It comes pre-calibrated and ready for navigation.
3.1 Unpacking and Inspection
- Carefully remove the compass from its packaging.
- Inspect the compass for any visible damage. Ensure the casing is intact and the compass dial moves freely.
- Familiarize yourself with the included carrying pouch. The pouch is designed for secure transport and can be attached to a belt.
Figure 3: The Cammenga compass shown alongside its rugged nylon carrying pouch, which includes a belt clip for convenient attachment.
3.2 Initial Check
- Open the compass lid fully.
- Ensure the compass needle points accurately to magnetic north.
- Check the clarity of the magnifying lens and sight wire.
4. Operating Instructions
The Cammenga Lensatic Compass is designed for accurate and straightforward navigation. Follow these steps for effective use:
4.1 Taking a Bearing
- Open the Compass: Flip open the cover until it is fully extended. The sighting wire should be aligned with the center of the compass.
- Hold the Compass: Hold the compass level at eye level, with the thumb loop extended and the compass body resting in your palm.
- Sight the Target: Look through the magnifying lens and align the sighting wire with your desired target.
- Read the Bearing: While keeping the sighting wire on the target, read the bearing (in degrees or mils) directly from the compass dial through the magnifying lens. The copper induction-damping ring ensures the needle settles quickly for a stable reading.
Figure 4: Proper technique for holding and sighting with the Cammenga compass to obtain an accurate bearing.
4.2 Using Tritium Illumination
The compass features 7 Tritium microlights for continuous illumination without external power. These lights are visible in low-light conditions, allowing for night navigation.
- The tritium lights are integrated into the compass dial and sighting components.
- No activation is required; the illumination is always "on" and self-powered.
- The illumination provides high-contrast visibility of the compass readings in the darkest conditions.
Figure 5: The Cammenga compass demonstrating its tritium microlight illumination, providing clear visibility of the dial in low light.
4.3 Map Reading and Orientation
To orient a map using your Cammenga compass:
- Place the map on a flat, non-magnetic surface.
- Place the compass on the map.
- Rotate both the map and the compass together until the compass needle aligns with the north arrow on the map (or the magnetic north lines if present).
- Your map is now oriented to the terrain.
Figure 6: The Cammenga compass positioned on a map, demonstrating how to align the map with magnetic north for accurate orientation.
5. Maintenance
The Cammenga Lensatic Compass is built for rugged use and requires minimal maintenance. Proper care will ensure its longevity and accuracy.
5.1 Cleaning
- Wipe the compass exterior with a soft, damp cloth to remove dirt or dust.
- For the lens, use a lens cleaning cloth to avoid scratches.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as these can damage the casing or lens.
5.2 Storage
- Store the compass in its protective carrying pouch when not in use.
- Keep the compass away from strong magnetic fields (e.g., magnets, large electronic devices) to prevent demagnetization of the needle.
- Store in a cool, dry place.
6. Troubleshooting
While the Cammenga compass is highly reliable, here are some common issues and their potential solutions:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Needle not settling quickly or accurately. | Proximity to magnetic interference (e.g., metal objects, electronics). | Move away from any potential magnetic sources. Ensure the compass is held level. |
| Difficulty reading dial in low light. | Insufficient ambient light for tritium glow (though tritium is self-illuminating, extreme darkness or direct bright light can affect perception). | Allow eyes to adjust to darkness. The tritium microlights provide continuous illumination for over 12 years without external power. |
| Compass casing appears damaged. | Physical impact or extreme conditions. | The compass is designed to be shockproof and damage-resistant. If significant damage occurs, contact Cammenga customer support for assistance. |
7. Specifications
- Brand: Cammenga
- Model Number: B3H
- Material: Aluminum
- Color: Black
- Item Weight: 0.18 Kilograms
- Item Package Dimensions (L x W x H): 5.87 x 4.17 x 2.09 inches
- Illumination: Tritium Microlights (non-battery, 12+ years of continuous illumination)
- Temperature Range: -50°F to 150°F
- Durability: Shockproof, Damage-Resistant, Waterproof, Sandproof
- Accuracy: +/- 40 mils
- UPC: 718122543557
8. Warranty and Support
Cammenga products are built to last and are backed by the manufacturer's commitment to quality. The Tritium microlights are designed to provide continuous illumination for over 12 years, indicating the expected lifespan of this key component.
For specific warranty details, repair services, or technical support, please refer to the official Cammenga website or contact their customer service directly. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase may be required for warranty claims.
Manufacturer: Cammenga
EU Spare Part Availability Duration: 12 Years
For more information, visit the Cammenga Store on Amazon.