Perdix Compass--WOW

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guyharrisonphoto

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I just went through the owner's manual. Once again, I am amazed at Shearwater.

Some time ago, in the Shearwater mfg forum, there was a discussion about the new compass feature in the Petrel 2. I raised a concern that it took many button pushes to set a bearing (and others echoed that). I also noted that, in the computer I use (no, not a Shearwater owner yet, waiting for AI), the computer marked 90 degrees off the bearing with a square, and 120 degrees off with a triangle, which made running courses very easy.

Fast forward to the Perdix. Now, when the compass is up, two quick button pushes set the bearing (and the reciprocal is in red if you turn 180 deg)--great!

As for navigating from the set bearing, Shearwater went even better, by showing how many degrees you are off! No need for mental addition or subtraction. So, turn till it shows you have moved 90, then set for a square course. Turn to 120, set for a triangular course. So easy! If you are navigating to landmarks that require different degree offsets, it is just as easy.

That Shearwater would listen so carefully, and then apply an even more thorough solution by its own creative thinking, is just amazing.
 
Got to see one at our shop yesterday. Very nice unit. Holes for bungees are a great addition. Now, should I spend $700+ to replace my Petrel or save that money for our Oct. trip to Grand Cayman? Come on Powerball!
 
I just went through the owner's manual. Once again, I am amazed at Shearwater.

Some time ago, in the Shearwater mfg forum, there was a discussion about the new compass feature in the Petrel 2. I raised a concern that it took many button pushes to set a bearing (and others echoed that). I also noted that, in the computer I use (no, not a Shearwater owner yet, waiting for AI), the computer marked 90 degrees off the bearing with a square, and 120 degrees off with a triangle, which made running courses very easy.

Fast forward to the Perdix. Now, when the compass is up, two quick button pushes set the bearing (and the reciprocal is in red if you turn 180 deg)--great!

As for navigating from the set bearing, Shearwater went even better, by showing how many degrees you are off! No need for mental addition or subtraction. So, turn till it shows you have moved 90, then set for a square course. Turn to 120, set for a triangular course. So easy! If you are navigating to landmarks that require different degree offsets, it is just as easy.

That Shearwater would listen so carefully, and then apply an even more thorough solution by its own creative thinking, is just amazing.

You might have just cost me around $300.
 
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Reactions: Jax
I'm pretty sure the petrel 2's have this feature as well - considering they are running the same firmware. I'm just pointing it out - all shearwater products are awesome :) ....also I doubt you'll ever see AI. See that other post for more on that lol...


EDIT: Yes they do - I just tested it on mine.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jax
I'm pretty sure the petrel 2's have this feature as well - considering they are running the same firmware. I'm just pointing it out - all shearwater products are awesome :) ....also I doubt you'll ever see AI. See that other post for more on that lol...


EDIT: Yes they do - I just tested it on mine.

You might have just saved me around $300. Now if I can just forget the smaller form factor.
 
New unit also has 2 o rings for battery - that's a good thing :)
 
I can't wait to see it in person at Beneath the Sea. I love my Predator and was considering a Petrel as a back up to it since it looks like classes and sales are going to be pretty good this year, but my mind is still open. As long as it's a Shearwater.
 
I'm pretty sure the petrel 2's have this feature as well - considering they are running the same firmware. I'm just pointing it out - all shearwater products are awesome :) ....also I doubt you'll ever see AI. See that other post for more on that lol...


EDIT: Yes they do - I just tested it on mine.

Hmm. In the year or so I have owned my Petrel I have not used the compass in the water, instead sticking with my trusty mechanical compass. I was not aware that the Petrel's compass had "smart" features. I kind of assumed (and you know what happens when one ASSUMEs) it just emulated a traditional mechanical compass. I may give it a try now.
 
I'm pretty sure the petrel 2's have this feature as well - considering they are running the same firmware. I'm just pointing it out - all shearwater products are awesome :) ....also I doubt you'll ever see AI. See that other post for more on that lol...


EDIT: Yes they do - I just tested it on mine.

OK, it's been a while since a looked at the Petrel 2 and it didn't have it then, but probably came in a firmware update that I missed hearing about. Anyway, nice to see Shearwater gives the goods to all owners not just new buyers!
 
I'm pretty sure the petrel 2's have this feature as well - considering they are running the same firmware. I'm just pointing it out - all shearwater products are awesome :) ....also I doubt you'll ever see AI. See that other post for more on that lol...


EDIT: Yes they do - I just tested it on mine.

What firmware version do you have on the Petrel 2? Doesn't look like this smart compass features exist on the Petrel 2.
 

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