Dumb, but Frustrating! Compass Ideas for XJ?
 

OK, this is on the low end of the important scale, but I can NOT find a compass that works for my XJ!!! Aaarrrggghhhh!

I do a lot of 2-tracks, and want to have a compass in the jeep. I bought a "nice" Brunton ball compass with compensation adjustments, but there is NO WHERE in the jeep I can mount the compass and come close to accurate (you have to start within 45 degrees and I can't find a spot within 90 degrees!).

Has anyone found a compass, or a trick, etc. for a XJ compass??

Thanks!

Dan

I installed a center console on the headliner and it calibrated automatically. Looks like a stock option (because it was) and works great. $10 at a JY with all the mounting hardware, wiring, and temp gauge.

s

Don't know what you're dealing with without a pic, but what about mounting to the bottom of the rearview.....seen that before

does your temp gauge work right?....did the same boneyard swap. Compass works as it should, but temp gauge doesn't, says "OC" (not 0 degrees Celcius either) Just Curious

Where did you mount the sending unit?

I have an incline-o-meter with compass on my dash,seems to work fairly well.

Don't think I got it in the swap...probably the problem! What does it look like b/c I got everything including the harness and headliner. My cherokee didn't come with the overhead, so I was upgrading. I did have to change out the keyless entry board to make mine work again...don't now if that makes a difference.

the inclineometers work well too

it is mounted behind the front bumper on the front support. I cant remember what it looks like, but it is mounted there is all i know

mine is mounted behind the front bumper and it looks like the top of a bottle of children's Tylenol with the built in dropper

you cant use a magnetic based compass, the second that you turn the engine on it will be misreading. I have a little metal disk one by my 4x4 lever just for kicks, when I start my jeep it spins like crazy. there is alot of moving metal that throws it off,digital is your best bet, GPS

Thanks for the replies....sorry I'm late in getting back to this post!

I don't understand what is referred to in this string as far the $10 unit from JY??

Sounds like I won't get a mag compass to work even with strong comp magnets?

I tried mounting up near rear view, but still can't adjust accurately.

I've looked at new rear view mirrors with comp/temp built in, but......$200!! No can do. Will any make/model rearview work?

Any other ideas are most welcome.

Thx!!

Dan

You think that's steep. The OEM cost for the comp/temp module used in my '91 overhead console (from a MOPAR Parts dealer) is $695.00. I just about ****! I bought a used console off E-Bay for $80, And swapped the module out, with mine. I had already recovered mine, when I did the headliner. I use my hand held GPS unit mostly. Before I hit the woods, I turn it on. And throw it in the glove box. So if I get lost, It tells me how to get back. Also used to use it on service calls out of town. (Nothing worse then not being able to find your Hotel room again, after completing the job.) I used to be a Machine Repair Tech. (fixed turning centers, & etc.)

Thanks. I have handheld GPS for hunting, etc. and a GPS dash mount for longer trips, but the handheld is a pain to use for driving, and the dash mount isn't usually kept in the jeep.

I just want easy NESW direction at a glance. Crap....$600+ ?? OUCH!

:wacko:

This is what I mean: http://go.jeep-xj.info/HowtoOverheadConsole.htm

I bought my overhead console from a JY (Junk Yard) for $10 and had it wired as soon as I reupholstered it with headliner fabric. The compass works beautifully and I get a free temp gauge to boot. Pretty slick.

s

Yeah it works great. I did a lot of reading about this and I can't remember where I found it but I think that means Open Circuit. You need to recheck your wiring and make sure everything is grounded right.

s

smtippin,

That lools awesome! I have a sunroof.....

thanks,

Dan