We use a simple Casio watch for our sextant chronograph.
It has common functions and is easy to use. It also works very reliably and has a long operating life.
The chronograph can be easily attached to the frame of a Cassens & Plath sextant with the bracket that is manufactured by us - it is also for retrofitting.
The chronograph is attached to the frame in such a way that the relevant buttons can be easily operated with one finger of the right hand (holding hand).
Only the stopwatch function is used for the observations:
- At the full minute of the navigation chronograph, the stopwatch is started.
- As soon as the celestial body has been brought onto the horizon, the stopwatch is stopped.
- The measured time of the stopwatch is added to the time of the navigation chronograph.
Example:
- Navigation chronograph = 11:30:00 UTC (stopwatch is started).
- Celestial body is on the horizon --> Stopwatch is stopped --> Stopped time = 00:05:25
- 11:30:00 + 00:05:25 = 11:35:25 UTC
Advantage:
Celestial navigation often requires two people. One person takes the sight with the sextant and gives a signal to a second person, who stops the time, as soon as the celestial body has been "shot".
With the sextant chronograph, one person can take the sight and simultaneously measure the time accurately.
