That is a failure/warranty issue. That spot you're showing is the fill hole. Whatever they used to seal it was insufficient and failed. When the compass gets hot or cold, the compass and fluid expand/contract. That seal eventually fails if done incorrectly which allows the fluid to weep out. The fluid is almost always mineral spirits (A.K.A. refined Kerosene, A.K.A. paraffin in Europe). If it was alcohol, your water drop would have dispersed instead of sinking to the bottom. You need a glue that will work with plastic and in the presence of a liquid hydrocarbon (Kerosene). If you want to mess with it yourself, refill before re-plugging.
Immerse the compass in mineral oil and squeeze the casing like you did when it is totally immersed. When you release, it should suck in the mineral oil. Then super glue.
I have the same problem. Their "lifetime warranty" in the U.S. is offering 20% off a new item (processed through Liberty Mountain in UT here in the states). I'm going to try a jewelers drill bit to make a hole, syringe to inject lamp oil and epoxy to close the hole. We'll see if that works or not.
After taking apart and examining four different compasses with a magnifying glass, everyone of them had a what appears to be a tiny soldering bead over the same hole shown in the video where he is pressing the air out from. But in his video, the seal of that bead is missing. This hole must be a weak point for liquid to evaporate out from causing a bubble to form when either the bead falls off, or when a tiny seperation between plastic and sealing bead forms causing gradual evaporation through it. Take your own compass out and look for that bead. I am placing a small piece of transparent scotch over the bead on my compasses.
This my second Ranger with a bubble just like this one, my first Ranger actually had all of the fluid leak out on my first trip, bone dry. Silva sent me another, now that one has a bubble. Bought a Brunton, not only are there no bubbles, the needle settles twice as fast and seems rock solid.
My Suunto KB14 developed a bubble, also. I babied the thing, too, so it wasn't temperature extremes that caused it. A real bummer on an expensive higher-end compass. I don't think there really is a remedy, except not to waste money buying liquid filled compasses in the first place. My Brunton International pocket transit is induction damped and I see they also have an induction damped baseplate compass out now for somewhere in the neighborhood of $70. The U.S. military Cammenga compasses are induction damped, also. With practice I can be every bit as accurate with it as I was with the KB14 and they are not as prone to sighting error due to parallax, either.
Have both suuntos, MC2 and M-3. Both failed me, about a 1/4" bubble formed in it for the expensive MC2. The M3 has a 5mm bubble as well too. Both formed during the winter season. All i have to do is let it sit under a window sill during Hot season thus the bubbles goes off for both. Sad to say it keeps popping up in the next winter! Its been 2 yrs, 2 years bubble and 2 yrs removing it. Tsk
That sucks. My Silva classic from the 80's is a champ, never used it in the field though. But still has lasted for over 30 years. Your issue is part of the reason I opted to go with the Cammenga 27 if I'm going to be spending money in that price range for a compass.
US branded Silva Compasses are now made in Indonesia. They are very low quality and sell based on the reputation of the old Silva 515. Silva of Sweden lost the name Silva only in the USA and *Johnson Control* has the Silva name in America which they in turn have "farmed out* production of the compasses to a low end company in Indonesia. See reference: ua-cam.com/video/SI-dTsi5nhQ/v-deo.html at minute: 5:32 on that video.
The root cause of this is that temperature changes change the volume of the liquid, and air pressure changes (or gripping the capsule tightly) try to change the volume of the capsule, so the internal liquid's pressure changes. Aircraft compasses, which have to deal with relatively large and fast external pressure changes, often include a bellows to allow for expansion and contraction of the liquid without stressing the sealed chamber. These compasses don't have that, so the glue that seals the liquid filling hole needs to be strong enough to withstand the stresses caused by the pressure change. Yours has just developed a leak in the seal. Try contacting Silva and see if they will replace it for free. This doesn't just happen to Silva compasses either; I have an inexpensive Brunton that developed an air bubble after an airplane flight.
FWIW and FYI. It may be a long shot if this method could be used with a Silva compass or other brand using a similar sealed compass module. But maybe worth a try, as the compass is not usable with a large bubble and a little extra damage in an attempt to fix it wouldn't be a total loss. Somewhere on line about 2 weeks ago I read a procedure to be used to fix a bubble in a British military issue Francis Barker M-73 compass. (very expensive) Brass body construction. It actually has a small screw that can be removed to permit adding fluid if it developed a bubble. They use purified kerosene as the fluid. The instructions were to get a small syringe and fill it was purified kerosene. Then place both the compass and the syringe in the freezer for a minimum of 3 hours. Remove both from the freezer and then as quickly as possible - Top off the fluid and reinsert the stop screw. Who knows what kind of fluid is used in the Silva compass? I've read that some companies use alcohol. Rubbing alcohol probably has to much water in it. A syringe of Moonshine or Vodka or similar high proof stuff might work. The trick would be how to make a hole large enough to insert the syringe needle and then seal it after topping off the fluid. It might be doable with a small pin vise drill and as small a syringe needle as you can find. But would a drop of super glue seal it? Especially with alcohol on it. If not super glue, what would be another good candidate to try? Oh, I just saw in the replies that Silva USA replaced the compass. Terrific. I don't think their quality is as good as the Silva Sweden AB compasses, ( and now days if I want a Silva compass I order them on line from Europe to get the Swedish made compasses.) However, many people are quit happy with the quality of the Silva USA compasses, and they do back their product with replacement. In contrast, Brunton has a break it, we will replace it policy, But they exempt their compasses from that policy, saying they are used in extreme outdoor conditions and therefore are not covered by the same replacement policy. And I really want to like the Brunton compasses, especially the new Tru Arc rare earth global needle models. That are supposed to be less effected by near by metal. But I have 2 high end Brunton compasses that developed bubbles to quickly after purchase. Whether they were from their production in China (which ended in 2012) or made in the USA I don't know.
TyJee28 I have several Silva made in Sweden and two of them have bubbles in there. Silva Europe only give 5 years warranty so it is best to get one from US because of the life time warranty.
yes it has been replaced and ive actually gifted the new one to a friend but i really do appreciate the time you took to let me know. thank you so much
Squeeze the compass a bit. Then drop glicerin-oil on the top outside to cover the hole. It sucks the oil in when you release. Do it 2-3 times then glue it.
Not water! Kerosene is what is commonly used, fill it with a syringe, then carefully dry the hole then a drop of super glue gel to seal it. Keep it upright for a couple of hours. It should be good.
Sadly, the compass appears defective or damaged, a bubble that size at room temperature and ~ sea level means the capsule has a crack and getting water inside proves it. I would return it or have it repaired under warranty. A good compass should work under extreme conditions. See this simple test of a K&R compass from Germany. Kompass Alpin unter Extrembedingungen The good liquid filled baseplate big brands today are few: Suunto, K&R, Recta and Silva AB are made to expedition quality [ not Silva USA]. Brunton is hit and miss.
Interesting. But it seems that's a typical issue with all plastic products exposed and liquids exposed to contraction and expansion due to temperature changes, expecially in quick changes. What about pushing the air bubble out as you did in the video, and while holding it cover the hole with a clear piece of transparent tape, such as scotch tape, to see if any bubble reforms. Since the hole can't suck air back into the capsule it may remain that way? If it works then leave it that way or cover the hole with a little bit of silicone rather than permanently putting superglue that will prevent you from working with it again should another bubble form due to defects in the plastic. Just a thought.
Contact Silva.. The problem is they only offer a 1 year warranty from date of purchase, which I think sucks.... But, I would contact them first and see what they advise, they might send you a new one anyway..
To make you feel better ... I would have tried the faucet trick too. Thanks for the heads up warning, but still sorry it happened to you. I'm wondering ... if the super glue trick doesn't work, try a soldering gun to melt the plastic into the hole after its refilled (or bubble squished out) instead of using glue. But before you do much more DIY, like one commenter said it's a product failure issue for a very expensive piece of equipment. In my opinion, they should replace or repair it for you. Stop messing with it until you hear from them. Most companies respond to a polite appeal letter to keep customer satisfaction high enough to continue buying pricey products. Customer satisfaction is usually added into the price in the first place. I realize this vid is year old, but it may still be worth reaching out to the company even out of warranty. If it happened to you, it has to have happened to other customers who DIDN'T reach out. Good luck. :)
fill syringe with kerosene... place in freezer.... empty compass... get glue ready.... let kerosene chill for couple hours... place compass in freezer for one hour... take all out then inject kerosene through hole to fill to top,,, either melt plastic over hole or use glue.... as temp returns to normal pressure will stop bubble appearing again... ensure freezer is a good cold one though and then you can north pole again
@@dougelick8397 Paraffin oil is odorless and is used with abrasive to rub out varnish. A company named Rocklin makes it and probably many others. It's also called Mineral Oil but not the kind you drink. It'll say Paraffin oil when you look more at the label.
That is very interesting situation. Have you emailed the manufacture about the defect? I know back in the day they use to fill the compass with alcohol. I'm not sure they still do that now though. Be interesting to see how this plays out.
lol. you are very crafty. well since you are giving me your awesome compass i wont need this one anymore. i did send it back to silva to see if they would fix it. i guess we will see. thank you by the way
in any decent 'liquid filled' compass it is NEVER water that is used. Water would freeze in the cold, expand and crack the housing. usually a LIGHT oil or alcohol is used (having a much lower freezing point then water). and as mentioned previously, there are TWO Silva companies...and the likelihood is that if you're buying a Silva in the USA....its the 'knock off' made by Johnson Control (or rather made FOR Johnson Control under their brand 'Silva' by another company). If you want a quality compass made by Silva, ensure its the Silva Sweden AB company (the ORIGINAL Silva from Sweden). But their availibility in the US market is subject to trademark law. So, if you're buying from a US shop (brick/morter or online) its NOT likely to be the original company....and its something you NEED to know before buying online from anyone...is WHICH Sliva the compass you're looking at is made by.
And make sure if you buy internationally you buy one for the inclination in your region. Especially don't expect a Southern Hemisphere compass to work properly in North etc. (unless it's noted to be capable of this).
davros0007 a lot of compass manufacturers have 'global' needles in their inventory. In north america, its not common to find a 'southern' needle unless one orders it specifically; they tend to be 'northern' or 'global' on the shelves. Online purchases, you are absolutely correct, specify the hemisphere!!
+Rocque Tee Yep - there would be a bigger market in America so you probly get decent deals. Here in Australia there are a lot mote international online purchases for those 'good deals'... And there's a lot of mil-surp stuff from UK too on eBay. Maybe not what people hope for!
That compass is bad. I would let Silva know. Don't do anything with it until you see if Silva will replace it. If they won't replace it, I would replace it myself. BTW, a bubble that big would not be from being in real cold weather. The fluid doesn't contract that much. God bless. John
Have both suuntos, MC2 and M-3. Both failed me, about a 1/4" bubble formed in it for the expensive MC2. The M3 has a 5mm bubble as well too. Both formed during the winter season. All i have to do is let it sit under a window sill during Hot season thus the bubbles goes off for both. Sad to say it keeps popping up in the next winter! Its been 2 yrs, 2 years bubble and 2 yrs removing it. Tsk
It's paraffin I think. I have successfully repaired a bubble (well, so far!) using 'trumpet valve oil' which I believe is paraffin oil (not the thick stuff from the chemist but used by some in lamps I think. Thin as water, clear.
Use a syringe to 'fill' the capsule (ie remove the air bubble) with methylated spirit (ethyl alcohol). Slowly withdraw the syringe and cover the hole with ultra-violet glue or some other glue/mastic that doesn't react with alcohol.
It is not alcohol, or the water droplet would not appear. Adding alcohol would appear the same as water, a droplet at the bottom. It would appear that most agree that it is mineral spirits type fluid.
I have had had bad luck with Suunto!. I had the MC2 compass for about a 6 months but it recently developed a huge bubble. I called the warranty line and told the person I live in Tucson. After looking for 10 minuets he said that maybe I could try sending it to a place in Ogden Utah then they might be able to send it to Finland and I could get it back in 1 to 2 months. I asked for the address of the place in Utah. He looked for about 5 minutes and then told me I needed proof of purchase. I asked if having a compass was proof that I bought one but he said he needed the receipt. So after a 20 minuet call I was told to go kick rocks. Bad quality no warranty help. I will make sure to warn my friends to stay away from Suunto!
That is a failure/warranty issue. That spot you're showing is the fill hole. Whatever they used to seal it was insufficient and failed. When the compass gets hot or cold, the compass and fluid expand/contract. That seal eventually fails if done incorrectly which allows the fluid to weep out.
The fluid is almost always mineral spirits (A.K.A. refined Kerosene, A.K.A. paraffin in Europe). If it was alcohol, your water drop would have dispersed instead of sinking to the bottom.
You need a glue that will work with plastic and in the presence of a liquid hydrocarbon (Kerosene). If you want to mess with it yourself, refill before re-plugging.
Immerse the compass in mineral oil and squeeze the casing like you did when it is totally immersed. When you release, it should suck in the mineral oil. Then super glue.
I have the same problem. Their "lifetime warranty" in the U.S. is offering 20% off a new item (processed through Liberty Mountain in UT here in the states). I'm going to try a jewelers drill bit to make a hole, syringe to inject lamp oil and epoxy to close the hole. We'll see if that works or not.
Hi did this method work?
After taking apart and examining four different compasses with a magnifying glass, everyone of them had a what appears to be a tiny soldering bead over the same hole shown in the video where he is pressing the air out from. But in his video, the seal of that bead is missing. This hole must be a weak point for liquid to evaporate out from causing a bubble to form when either the bead falls off, or when a tiny seperation between plastic and sealing bead forms causing gradual evaporation through it. Take your own compass out and look for that bead. I am placing a small piece of transparent scotch over the bead on my compasses.
This my second Ranger with a bubble just like this one, my first Ranger actually had all of the fluid leak out on my first trip, bone dry. Silva sent me another, now that one has a bubble.
Bought a Brunton, not only are there no bubbles, the needle settles twice as fast and seems rock solid.
barkoff i really need to get me a good one for sure. silva isnt gonna be my next one for sure. thanks for your experiences
My Suunto KB14 developed a bubble, also. I babied the thing, too, so it wasn't temperature extremes that caused it. A real bummer on an expensive higher-end compass. I don't think there really is a remedy, except not to waste money buying liquid filled compasses in the first place.
My Brunton International pocket transit is induction damped and I see they also have an induction damped baseplate compass out now for somewhere in the neighborhood of $70. The U.S. military Cammenga compasses are induction damped, also. With practice I can be every bit as accurate with it as I was with the KB14 and they are not as prone to sighting error due to parallax, either.
great info. thank you. i do have a cammenga now thanks to a friend
Have both suuntos, MC2 and M-3. Both failed me, about a 1/4" bubble formed in it for the expensive MC2. The M3 has a 5mm bubble as well too. Both formed during the winter season. All i have to do is let it sit under a window sill during Hot season thus the bubbles goes off for both. Sad to say it keeps popping up in the next winter! Its been 2 yrs, 2 years bubble and 2 yrs removing it. Tsk
That sucks. My Silva classic from the 80's is a champ, never used it in the field though. But still has lasted for over 30 years. Your issue is part of the reason I opted to go with the Cammenga 27 if I'm going to be spending money in that price range for a compass.
US branded Silva Compasses are now made in Indonesia. They are very low quality and sell based on the reputation of the old Silva 515.
Silva of Sweden lost the name Silva only in the USA and *Johnson Control* has the Silva name in America which they in turn have "farmed out* production of the compasses to a low end company in Indonesia.
See reference:
ua-cam.com/video/SI-dTsi5nhQ/v-deo.html at minute: 5:32 on that video.
sweetcostarica thanks for the info
Silva will replace it. More in the immediacy though, if you allow the compass needle to settle the bubble will have no effect.
I have some doubt, that it is a good idea, to put whater in the capsule, better to choose some light oil, I think.
The root cause of this is that temperature changes change the volume of the liquid, and air pressure changes (or gripping the capsule tightly) try to change the volume of the capsule, so the internal liquid's pressure changes. Aircraft compasses, which have to deal with relatively large and fast external pressure changes, often include a bellows to allow for expansion and contraction of the liquid without stressing the sealed chamber. These compasses don't have that, so the glue that seals the liquid filling hole needs to be strong enough to withstand the stresses caused by the pressure change.
Yours has just developed a leak in the seal. Try contacting Silva and see if they will replace it for free. This doesn't just happen to Silva compasses either; I have an inexpensive Brunton that developed an air bubble after an airplane flight.
FWIW and FYI. It may be a long shot if this method could be used with a Silva compass or other brand using a similar sealed compass module. But maybe worth a try, as the compass is not usable with a large bubble and a little extra damage in an attempt to fix it wouldn't be a total loss.
Somewhere on line about 2 weeks ago I read a procedure to be used to fix a bubble in a British military issue Francis Barker M-73 compass. (very expensive) Brass body construction. It actually has a small screw that can be removed to permit adding fluid if it developed a bubble. They use purified kerosene as the fluid. The instructions were to get a small syringe and fill it was purified kerosene. Then place both the compass and the syringe in the freezer for a minimum of 3 hours. Remove both from the freezer and then as quickly as possible - Top off the fluid and reinsert the stop screw.
Who knows what kind of fluid is used in the Silva compass? I've read that some companies use alcohol. Rubbing alcohol probably has to much water in it. A syringe of Moonshine or Vodka or similar high proof stuff might work. The trick would be how to make a hole large enough to insert the syringe needle and then seal it after topping off the fluid. It might be doable with a small pin vise drill and as small a syringe needle as you can find. But would a drop of super glue seal it? Especially with alcohol on it. If not super glue, what would be another good candidate to try?
Oh, I just saw in the replies that Silva USA replaced the compass. Terrific. I don't think their quality is as good as the Silva Sweden AB compasses, ( and now days if I want a Silva compass I order them on line from Europe to get the Swedish made compasses.) However, many people are quit happy with the quality of the Silva USA compasses, and they do back their product with replacement. In contrast, Brunton has a break it, we will replace it policy, But they exempt their compasses from that policy, saying they are used in extreme outdoor conditions and therefore are not covered by the same replacement policy. And I really want to like the Brunton compasses, especially the new Tru Arc rare earth global needle models. That are supposed to be less effected by near by metal. But I have 2 high end Brunton compasses that developed bubbles to quickly after purchase. Whether they were from their production in China (which ended in 2012) or made in the USA I don't know.
Fluid seems to be light paraffin oil.
TyJee28 I have several Silva made in Sweden and two of them have bubbles in there. Silva Europe only give 5 years warranty so it is best to get one from US because of the life time warranty.
yes it has been replaced and ive actually gifted the new one to a friend but i really do appreciate the time you took to let me know. thank you so much
Squeeze the compass a bit. Then drop glicerin-oil on the top outside to cover the hole. It sucks the oil in when you release. Do it 2-3 times then glue it.
Not water! Kerosene is what is commonly used, fill it with a syringe, then carefully dry the hole then a drop of super glue gel to seal it. Keep it upright for a couple of hours. It should be good.
Sadly, the compass appears defective or damaged, a bubble that size at room temperature and ~ sea level means the capsule has a crack and getting water inside proves it. I would return it or have it repaired under warranty. A good compass should work under extreme conditions. See this simple test of a K&R compass from Germany. Kompass Alpin unter Extrembedingungen The good liquid filled baseplate big brands today are few: Suunto, K&R, Recta and Silva AB are made to expedition quality [ not Silva USA]. Brunton is hit and miss.
Interesting. But it seems that's a typical issue with all plastic products exposed and liquids exposed to contraction and expansion due to temperature changes, expecially in quick changes. What about pushing the air bubble out as you did in the video, and while holding it cover the hole with a clear piece of transparent tape, such as scotch tape, to see if any bubble reforms. Since the hole can't suck air back into the capsule it may remain that way? If it works then leave it that way or cover the hole with a little bit of silicone rather than permanently putting superglue that will prevent you from working with it again should another bubble form due to defects in the plastic. Just a thought.
Don’t leave compass hanging around your neck banging off your chest. Slows bubble formation. Compas is not filled with water uses a type of oil.
Its not a "built-in feature".....its a fault and its a common one with liquid-filled compasses.
If you compass has a rotating bezel just make sure that little drop of glue doesn't interfere with its movement
Yep you got the idea right with the super glue but you need someone to spray the superglue quick dry on it for you
Check out seal all glue.Used for gasoline leaks in gas tanks.Fill with alcohol first.Water will freeze.
Contact Silva.. The problem is they only offer a 1 year warranty from date of purchase, which I think sucks.... But, I would contact them first and see what they advise, they might send you a new one anyway..
It was my impression that the air bubble was to allow for fluid expansion during temperature changes. That said, that bubble is awful big.
Odorless mineral spirits should do the trick (Home Depot). Try sealing with two part clear epoxy after filling reservoir.
To make you feel better ... I would have tried the faucet trick too. Thanks for the heads up warning, but still sorry it happened to you. I'm wondering ... if the super glue trick doesn't work, try a soldering gun to melt the plastic into the hole after its refilled (or bubble squished out) instead of using glue. But before you do much more DIY, like one commenter said it's a product failure issue for a very expensive piece of equipment. In my opinion, they should replace or repair it for you. Stop messing with it until you hear from them. Most companies respond to a polite appeal letter to keep customer satisfaction high enough to continue buying pricey products. Customer satisfaction is usually added into the price in the first place. I realize this vid is year old, but it may still be worth reaching out to the company even out of warranty. If it happened to you, it has to have happened to other customers who DIDN'T reach out. Good luck. :)
I have a lensatica compass and disappeared the liquid that it contains along with the bubble, how can I fix it?
fill syringe with kerosene... place in freezer.... empty compass... get glue ready.... let kerosene chill for couple hours... place compass in freezer for one hour... take all out then inject kerosene through hole to fill to top,,, either melt plastic over hole or use glue.... as temp returns to normal pressure will stop bubble appearing again... ensure freezer is a good cold one though and then you can north pole again
+AROTTWEILERR ih thanks. Great to know
+AROTTWEILERR thank you for your advice
Use paraffin oil not kero... More refined and clear, same as what's in there.
In the United States, Paraffin = Kerosene. AKA hardware store mineral spirits, as well.
@@dougelick8397 Paraffin oil is odorless and is used with abrasive to rub out varnish. A company named Rocklin makes it and probably many others. It's also called Mineral Oil but not the kind you drink. It'll say Paraffin oil when you look more at the label.
That is very interesting situation. Have you emailed the manufacture about the defect? I know back in the day they use to fill the compass with alcohol. I'm not sure they still do that now though. Be interesting to see how this plays out.
it is very big. I really hate that I spent that much money on it and to already have a bubble like that.
It is a Sylva and you shouldn't expect a quality compass made in China. I have some made in Sweden and they are great.
Dang it anyhow now ive gotta go get mine and check to see if it has a bubble in it.
ya i got a Silva 515 no liquid in it at all. ill buy a conmega
I've switched myself
Squeeze the water out as you were doing and then turn the bezel off of the mark before you release the pressure.
Do: Throw it out and get a Cammenga Lensatic compass.
Buy the Alpin Compass from K&R. You will never see a bubble in this Compass.
I haven't done anything but I plan on calling them. I will let you know what happens.
How hot did you get your compass? I've had mine stuck in front of a heater for quite some time and it still won't push the bubbles out.
My wife just kept flipping it upside down and shook it up and down and it was gone
thanks john. I do think I will call them.
I thought they were oil filled?
I think some days I would be better off lost. lol
lol. you are very crafty. well since you are giving me your awesome compass i wont need this one anymore. i did send it back to silva to see if they would fix it. i guess we will see. thank you by the way
life time warranty
+David Tansy i did just that
+Survive Without how was their customer service? I have yet to send mine in.
David Tansy it was actually great and fast. go for it
+Survive Without
Great thanks...
It is the magnifi glass
I still cant believe it.
in any decent 'liquid filled' compass it is NEVER water that is used. Water would freeze in the cold, expand and crack the housing. usually a LIGHT oil or alcohol is used (having a much lower freezing point then water).
and as mentioned previously, there are TWO Silva companies...and the likelihood is that if you're buying a Silva in the USA....its the 'knock off' made by Johnson Control (or rather made FOR Johnson Control under their brand 'Silva' by another company). If you want a quality compass made by Silva, ensure its the Silva Sweden AB company (the ORIGINAL Silva from Sweden). But their availibility in the US market is subject to trademark law. So, if you're buying from a US shop (brick/morter or online) its NOT likely to be the original company....and its something you NEED to know before buying online from anyone...is WHICH Sliva the compass you're looking at is made by.
+Rocque Tee thanks for the information. good to know
And make sure if you buy internationally you buy one for the inclination in your region. Especially don't expect a Southern Hemisphere compass to work properly in North etc. (unless it's noted to be capable of this).
davros0007
a lot of compass manufacturers have 'global' needles in their inventory. In north america, its not common to find a 'southern' needle unless one orders it specifically; they tend to be 'northern' or 'global' on the shelves. Online purchases, you are absolutely correct, specify the hemisphere!!
+Rocque Tee Yep - there would be a bigger market in America so you probly get decent deals. Here in Australia there are a lot mote international online purchases for those 'good deals'... And there's a lot of mil-surp stuff from UK too on eBay. Maybe not what people hope for!
lol. that's what I did. actually I knewit had a bubble I just didn't know how big it was
That compass is bad. I would let Silva know. Don't do anything with it until you see if Silva will replace it. If they won't replace it, I would replace it myself. BTW, a bubble that big would not be from being in real cold weather. The fluid doesn't contract that much. God bless. John
I've had the same problem with Silva and Brunton. But NEVER with a Suunto. If you have bubble phobia, go get a Suunto.
I have a Suunto and it has a big bubble.
Have both suuntos, MC2 and M-3. Both failed me, about a 1/4" bubble formed in it for the expensive MC2. The M3 has a 5mm bubble as well too. Both formed during the winter season. All i have to do is let it sit under a window sill during Hot season thus the bubbles goes off for both. Sad to say it keeps popping up in the next winter! Its been 2 yrs, 2 years bubble and 2 yrs removing it. Tsk
good idea
I did contact silva with no response so far
I think I will try that. thanks
no problem. thanks
I love it. thank you
I wish I could return mine now. lol oh well
the stuff inside is probably mineral oil.
+James Harris probably right. thanks
It's paraffin I think. I have successfully repaired a bubble (well, so far!) using 'trumpet valve oil' which I believe is paraffin oil (not the thick stuff from the chemist but used by some in lamps I think. Thin as water, clear.
well I haven't got it yet but when I do you will surely know. lol
wish i could help thanks 4 the share
I will try that
Use a syringe to 'fill' the capsule (ie remove the air bubble) with methylated spirit (ethyl alcohol). Slowly withdraw the syringe and cover the hole with ultra-violet glue or some other glue/mastic that doesn't react with alcohol.
It is not alcohol, or the water droplet would not appear. Adding alcohol would appear the same as water, a droplet at the bottom. It would appear that most agree that it is mineral spirits type fluid.
Same Compass and model....same bubble.
I contacted them and they replaced it
no its just Chinese made compass
I sent it into silva
Should have bought a Suunto.
DavZZee I probably should have. how do you like yours?
I have the M3 Global Compass from Suunto and I like it a lot. I especially like the adjustment for declination.
DavZZee I have not seen that one. I will have to check it out. thanks
I have had had bad luck with Suunto!. I had the MC2 compass for about a 6 months but it recently developed a huge bubble. I called the warranty line and told the person I live in Tucson. After looking for 10 minuets he said that maybe I could try sending it to a place in Ogden Utah then they might be able to send it to Finland and I could get it back in 1 to 2 months. I asked for the address of the place in Utah. He looked for about 5 minutes and then told me I needed proof of purchase. I asked if having a compass was proof that I bought one but he said he needed the receipt.
So after a 20 minuet call I was told to go kick rocks.
Bad quality no warranty help. I will make sure to warn my friends to stay away from Suunto!
My mc2g has an air bubble in it
Do the glue
Its oil inthere i think try oil
What a bummer bud. Sorry I've never seen that before.