Customer Reviews

Winegard SC-8000 Digital Smart Compass

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Compass not affected by proximity to satellite dish, like my analog compass. Made it much easier to point the dish. When calibrating the unit, at least one complete revolution is needed. Found that two revolutions, taking about 40 seconds provided consistent results when compared to the heading of the analog compass. Going faster threw the "N" reading off by about 5 degrees. Doesn't matter whether rotation is CW or CCW. Otherwise, no complaints at all; readings were consistent and reproducible. Small size is a bonus.

This compass works well especially around metal objects that would normally interfere with a magnetic compass. You must hold it level and I would advise removing the battery after using as the battery fails rapidly when left installed even though the unit is programed to turn off automatically.
I bought it to sight in my satellite dish when camping and magnetic compasses get affected by the metal in the dish framework.

A few years back I bought and had Camping world install a wind up dish. I love that thing. but I want to be able to see where the satellites are while parking so I don't have any obstructions.I guess I was expecting more from this little baby. I think its fine and good, but you have circle slowly to calibrate it each time. Good news is the dish and other items don't seem to have an effect on it like analog compasses do. But what would the stray electron gremlins do with it.??? I still have a difficult time trusting some gadgets. I bought mine from Amazon for $6.00 less with free super saver 2 day shipping than Camping World. I want some thing that I can input, Satellite # 119 and point towards it and it says its right there. Guess I'll keep using my Gene Autry decoder ring, some of my precession guesswork and this thing. I wish there was more info on how this worked prior to buying it. It is small, light and easy to use. But what if you don't have a battery when this one runs out? Better keep the ole wind up model in your rig for back up.!