KVH DataScope- Obsolete

[delmarrey]

FYI- For any of you thinking about getting a DataScope, or already have one, they are non-repairable. KVH no longer has parts for them. They say they are a sealed unit. And they no longer make them.

On mine the digitals are becoming unreadable. So now it's just become a $500 low powered mono scope.

[noelex 77]

I always admired KVH Datascope as the best handheld compass in theory, but in practice, I have never seen one yet that did not have at least one segment of the LED display missing.

This is usually due to a defective zebra strip, which is normally easy to replace, but they are too expensive, even when defective and second hand, to justify pulling appart in the hope it can be made functional.

My Autohelm handbearing compass is still one of the most useful bits of gear I have. It's a pity that a gimballed flux gate comass with some magnification (which was the design principal behind the KVH) and should have been a a much better product, failed, due to quality control/design issues.

[belizesailor]

Too bad, cool toy, used to have one.

[Captainblei]

I have one with the same LCD malfunction. Some years ago I purchased an attachment that turns the datascope into a Sextant Telescope. A 5x30 scope for most sextants will work nicely as a back up. The adapter was purchased from Celestaire (about $65) when I purchased it about 15 years ago and works for Plath, Cassens and Plath and Weems and Plath sextants. It may also work for Astra and Tamaya units as well but I would check with the seller before ordering. For those interested, you might also try Landfall Navigation and White Instruments. Its a better alternative than just tossing the Datascope into the trash.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Captainblei.