October 20, 2020

Parts of the sextant

The sextant is made up of the following parts: The frame. The handle. The telescope or monocle. The rising piece. The arc. The index arm. The clamp. The worm and rack. The micrometer drum. The micrometervernier. Electric light. The index mirror. The index mirror clips. The index mirror (first) adjustment […]
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October 20, 2020

Sextant case and accessories

Depending on type and manufacturer, the sextant case will either be made of a hardwood or plastic. The wooden cases are fitted with a carrying handle, patent fasteners, lock and key. Inside the case are wooden chocks built to prevent the sextant being dislodged. The plastic case does not have […]
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October 20, 2020

Housing the sextant

Before housing the sextant in its case, set the index arm to the middle of the graduated arc and turn all the shades inwards (ie towards the centre of the instrument). Place the sextant carefully in the box ensuring that the three legs at the rear of the instrument enter […]
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October 20, 2020

Reading the sextant

Reading the sextant is very simple: Degrees are read directly from the graduated arc opposite the index mark on the index arm. Minutes are read from the micrometer drum opposite the vernier index mark. Seconds are read from the vernier where one of the vernier graduations lines up with one […]
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