My Aqua Meter Gemini V Compass light is out

[Chip7183]

and I would like to replace it but am jittery on prying it out. How does the light come out of the compass? Is the bulb something I can buy? I have searched the web but do not see Aqua Meter any where, did they go out of business? I did see a new one in the box on eBay for $150.00. I searched the archives and there are a lot of posts on fluid but only one on the light and it was about an auto helm.1983 C30Chip I added the link to the auction incase any one is interested and it also has a photo of the compass.

 

[Glenn]

Repair

My Gemini compass on my '84 C30 needed servicing. It had a bubble and the finish was bad. I took it to a local nautical instrument repair shop. For less than $100 it is "new". The hardest part was getting the screws out of the bottom of the binical, had to get them out with vise grips. While I had the compass off, I replaced the bushing in the throttle lever. Replaced the binicle with stainless bolts. My light works, it didn't prior to the repair, but it might have been that the wires weren't connected.

 

[Chip7183]

Good point about the wires

I have not checked to see if they were connected, I just figured they were, mistake there. My compass appears to be in good shape, the fluid seems full and it works. The dome is a little hazy but it should clean up. I was hoping this would be simpler, but I should know better. It still could be simple if it is just the wires not being connected. I’ll try removing it and looking or whatever. If the dome does not clean up and the wires are connected and I can not pry off the top to the light tomorrow, or if it breaks, I’ll have it serviced or buy the one on eBay.Thanks-CW

 

[Chip7183]

Another question

I know nothing about setting up a compass. When they service the compass do they set it for deviation, variation or because it is the original compass and was probably set at the factory it would be fine?If you buy a new compass then does it (I would think) need to be set for deviation, variation?

 

[Glenn]

I don't know that much either, but

your deviation will vary with location. I have not checked my compass since putting it back in. Right now I sail in Galveston Bay and at this point really don't need it since I can see the necessary landmarks. The repair shop might have set the deviation, I did not think about asking. If you have the original manual for the compass, it has a good description of how to reset it for magnetic correction. Aqua Meter is now Rule and/or Danforth. I also looked for a replacement prior to getting mine repaired. In servicing mine, they replaced the bellows, oil and I think the dome.

 

[Steve21794]

Aqua Meter Compass Repairs

Aqua Meter has been purchased by the following:ITT Rule IndustriesCape Ann IndustrialGloucester, MA 01930978-281-0440They handle repairs and replacements for Aqua Meter, and will usually discount a new one of they can't fix your old compass.