Let’s Talk About Davis Instruments Artificial Horizon
The Davis Instruments Artificial Horizon offers a practical solution for sextant users facing the challenge of an obscured or unreliable natural horizon. Manufactured by Davis Instruments, this compact device promises accurate angle measurements, enabling precise positioning even in foggy conditions or inland locations. I’ve spent years navigating with traditional tools and teaching others the art of celestial navigation, so I was eager to see how this device would perform and if it could simplify the process for both beginners and seasoned navigators.
I’ve often found myself frustrated when teaching celestial navigation to students inland, far from the open sea. A reliable artificial horizon would eliminate the need for finding a perfectly flat body of water or constructing makeshift alternatives. When the Davis Instruments Artificial Horizon crossed my radar, the promise of a portable, windproof, and corrosion-resistant solution piqued my interest immediately.
Unboxing the Artificial Horizon, I was immediately struck by its compact size and simple design. The black, plastic construction felt sturdy enough for field use, and the inclusion of sunshades and a lid suggested thoughtful design. The product felt lightweight in my hands, and I couldn’t wait to test it.
Compared to building my own artificial horizon using a tray of oil or water, the Davis Instruments Artificial Horizon presents a clear advantage in portability and convenience. While more advanced electronic artificial horizons exist, they often come with a significantly higher price tag and potential dependence on batteries. The Davis Instruments option seemed to offer a balanced approach, providing a functional tool without the complexities of advanced technology or makeshift materials. My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic. It’s always a gamble when relying on something other than raw nature for important calculations, but the Davis Instruments Artificial Horizon had the promise of accuracy and simplicity.
Real-World Testing: Putting Davis Instruments Artificial Horizon to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Davis Instruments Artificial Horizon took place on a foggy morning at a local lake, a common setting where a natural horizon is completely obscured. Following the included instructions, I filled the container with water and positioned it to reflect the sun. Aligning my sextant with the reflected image, I took several readings, carefully noting the angles.
Initially, I struggled to minimize the water’s surface disturbance. Even a slight breeze created ripples that distorted the reflected image, making precise measurements difficult. The provided sunshades were helpful in reducing glare, but the overall process required patience and a steady hand. After several attempts, I managed to obtain a series of consistent readings.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of intermittent use, I started to get a feel for its reliability. I tested it multiple times: sometimes it was dead accurate with my position, while other times I could never get it set up correctly. Its biggest weakness remains wind; no matter how sheltered the location, even the slightest breeze affects the water and creates issues with visibility.
The plastic construction has held up well with minimal signs of wear and tear. Cleaning the reflecting surface is relatively straightforward, requiring only distilled water and a soft cloth to avoid scratches. Overall, while it doesn’t perfectly recreate the accuracy of the open sea, it does well for being a portable device.
Breaking Down the Features of Davis Instruments Artificial Horizon
Specifications
The Davis Instruments Artificial Horizon features a compact design, measuring 6″ x 4″ x 1-1/2″ (15 x 10 x 4 cm), making it easily portable. The Davis Instruments product is constructed from black, corrosion-resistant plastic. It includes two sunshades to minimize glare and a lid for protection during storage and transport.
The key specification is its ability to provide an artificial horizon for sextant readings, allowing users to determine the angle of celestial bodies even when a natural horizon is unavailable. The accuracy of this device hinges on a perfectly level water surface, free from ripples or distortions. The specification is important because it means that the device depends on you being very careful when setting it up, and that you must be able to trust your technique.
Performance & Functionality
The Davis Instruments Artificial Horizon performs its primary function by providing a reflective surface that simulates a horizon. This allows sextant users to measure the angle between a celestial body and the artificial horizon, which can then be halved to determine the angle above the true horizon. Its performance is significantly impacted by environmental conditions, particularly wind and direct sunlight.
Its strength lies in its portability and simplicity, offering a convenient alternative to natural horizons or more complex electronic devices. The main weakness is its sensitivity to wind and the need for a perfectly level surface, which can limit its usability in certain environments. The product does not always meet expectations if one is expecting perfect accuracy, but for approximation, it’s a solid starting point.
Design & Ergonomics
The Davis Instruments Artificial Horizon features a simple, functional design. The black plastic construction is lightweight and easy to handle, while the included sunshades effectively reduce glare for better visibility. Its compact size makes it easy to pack and transport, a crucial factor for field use.
It’s user-friendly, requiring minimal setup and no specialized knowledge beyond basic sextant operation. While the design is straightforward, the need for a perfectly level surface and protection from wind introduces a learning curve for achieving consistently accurate measurements. The device also isn’t very attractive; it’s very utilitarian.
Durability & Maintenance
The plastic construction of the Davis Instruments Artificial Horizon appears reasonably durable, capable of withstanding typical outdoor conditions. Its corrosion-resistant properties make it suitable for marine environments. With proper care and storage, it should last for many years.
Maintaining the device is simple: rinse the reflecting surface with distilled water and dry it with a soft cloth. Regular cleaning prevents mineral buildup and ensures optimal reflectivity.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Davis Instruments Artificial Horizon comes with two sunshades and a lid. No customization options are available for this product; it’s designed as a self-contained unit. The Davis Instruments Artificial Horizon is meant to function standalone, and does not need accessories in order to work.
Pros and Cons of Davis Instruments Artificial Horizon
Pros
- Provides a portable and convenient artificial horizon for sextant use.
- Simple to use with minimal setup.
- Durable, corrosion-resistant construction.
- Includes sunshades to reduce glare and improve visibility.
- Affordable alternative to more complex electronic devices.
Cons
- Highly sensitive to wind and requires a perfectly level surface.
- Accuracy can be affected by surface disturbances and environmental conditions.
Who Should Buy Davis Instruments Artificial Horizon?
The Davis Instruments Artificial Horizon is perfect for:
- Students learning celestial navigation needing a more portable option than tubs of oil.
- Hobbyist navigators who want a backup system for their electronic equipment.
- Sailors and boaters on small boats without a clear horizon.
Who should skip this product?
- Professional navigators demanding the highest possible accuracy.
- Anyone who needs to depend on exact numbers for any mission-critical function.
- Those operating in consistently windy or turbulent environments.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A sturdy, adjustable tripod would be a valuable addition to ensure a stable and level base, particularly in uneven terrain.
Conclusion on Davis Instruments Artificial Horizon
The Davis Instruments Artificial Horizon offers a valuable tool for sextant users seeking a portable and affordable solution for navigating without a natural horizon. While it has limitations in windy conditions and requires careful setup, its simplicity and durability make it a practical choice for students, hobbyists, and sailors alike. At $99.79, the price is justified for the convenience and functionality it provides, especially compared to the costs of alternative solutions or the complexities of advanced electronic devices.
I would recommend the Davis Instruments Artificial Horizon to anyone looking for a reliable backup or a convenient teaching aid for celestial navigation. It’s not perfect, but it’s a worthwhile investment for those seeking to expand their navigational skills. Consider adding the Davis Instruments Artificial Horizon to your toolkit.