Fire has been one of the most valuable assets to humans for thousands of years. Unfortunately, some people believe that there will come a time when modern electronic devices that we enjoy, such as smartphones and laptops, will be destroyed by electromagnetic radiation. Only those with crucial survival skills such as starting a fire will survive and even thrive if that happens.
There are many ways to start a fire. They include using a lighter, friction, creating parts, among many others. One of the most effective yet overlooked ways of starting a fire is using a compass. Learning this technique can help you survive in a pandemic or if you are stuck somewhere in the middle of the forest or desert.
So can you start a fire with a compass, and if yes, how do you do about it? This article will tell you everything you need to know about starting a fire with a compass. If you love to get more survival tips then make sure to follow Ready & Armed. Now without further ado, let’s get started.
Can You Start a Fire with a Compass?
YES, you can start a fire with a compass. All you need to do is make sure that the compass you are carrying has a magnifying glass.
Many survival experts recommend keeping a magnifying glass in your survival kit as well as a compass. However, it’s much better to buy a compass with a built-in magnifying glass.
Below is a simple step-by-step process on how to start a fire with a compass and magnifying less.
Materials required:
- White paper
- Magnifying glass
- Writing instrument to mark your focal point, if necessary
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Select the Right Time of the Day When There is Sufficient Sunlight
When it comes to lighting a fire with a compass, sufficient sunlight is essential. Even a slight cloud or overcast could make a massive difference in determining how long it will take to start a fire.
Therefore, you need to ensure that there is enough sunlight. Choose a location that is away from trees or any other object that could obstruct the penetration of sun rays.
Step 2: Make Sure you Have a Powerful Magnifying Glass
Apart from ensuring there is sufficient sunlight, another essential thing is to ensure that you have a powerful magnifying lens. Canterbury recommends that your magnifying glass is at least 5x.
A general rule of thumb is that the larger the magnifying glass, the easier it will light the fire. Hold the magnifying lens between your white paper and the sun. As soon as the magnifying glass is under the sun, start focusing on the white paper.
One important thing to remember before you head out is to apply some sunscreen because you may find yourself staying out in the sun for a while. Sunscreen will help to protect your skin against damaging UV rays.
Step 3: Focus the Beam of Light
In order to light a fire using a compass, you need to focus the beam of light and make it as tight as possible. This requires patience, especially if your magnifying glass is not that powerful. When focusing on the magnifying glass, keep your hands steady.
You need to focus on the light and hold your hand in a single spot for at least 20 seconds. If the beam wavers, you are going to struggle to create ignition.
Patience is vital during this stage. You will not achieve ignition if you focus on multiple points. So, choose a spot and stick to it by keeping your hands steady to concentrate as much sunlight as possible onto the white paper to create ignition. If you are not good at holding your hands steady, draw a dot on the white paper and concentrate on that particular point.
Step 4: Wait for Ignition
If you keep your hand steady on one point, then it won’t take long before you spot fire. People who use a powerful 5x magnifying glass can usually create ignition in less than a minute.
Necessary things required to create fire using a compass:
- A sufficiently powerful magnifying glass (at least 5x)
- A bright sunny day
- Steady hands, as you need to focus the beam on one spot
Pros of Using Compass Method to Set Fire
- It is environmentally friendly.
- It creates fire quickly (usually in less than one minute).
- It’s easy and simple.
Cons of the Process
- You can only create a fire if there is sufficient sunlight. This means you cannot create fire at night.
- You have to keep your hand steady, which is difficult for some people.
FAQ
How Long does it Take to Start a Fire with a Compass?
It depends on many factors, including the power of your magnifying lens, weather conditions, and how steady your hand is when focusing the beam at a particular point.
For instance, it will take you a shorter time to start a fire using a larger and more powerful magnifying glass. However, it takes about a minute to start a fire with a compass and magnifying glass on average.
How does Starting a Fire Using a Compass Works?
The science involved in starting a fire using a compass is straightforward. When a magnifying glass is placed on direct sunlight, it focuses the beam of light, thus creating heat, which results in fire. In simple words, the magnifying glass help to convert light energy into heat energy, thus creating fire.
What Type of Magnifying Glass is Used to Create Fire?
The type of magnifying glass used to create fire using the compass method is the convex lens. This magnifying glass is used because of its incredible ability to focus heat rays at one single point. The concentrated energy at one point creates heat that starts the fire.
If you have been wondering whether it is possible to start a fire with a compass, then today, you have the answer. YES, it is possible to start a fire with a compass .all you need is a magnifying glass that is at least 5x, a bright sunny day, and white paper. If you have the materials mentioned above, follow the simple process given above to create fire.
source https://readyandarmed.net/fire-starting-survival-basics-using-your-compass/
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