Telescopes rank among our planet’s greatest innovations. While they are complex in composition, they are quite easy to wield. It is important to note before using a telescope the exact location you will be setting one up in. To choose your location properly, go outside when the night is clear and look around for a location that will allow for optimal observations. The best areas to do this at will be where the view is unimpeded so as to allow a greater range of motion and viewing. You will also want to escape from the lights of the city into a more peaceful airspace where light doesn’t cloud your view of the stars. This is due to light pollution. However, if you cannot leave the city then try using your telescope on a rooftop.

The location of your camping site for setting up the telescope should be one that is both comfortable to you, and is ideal for use. Sheltered areas offer a lot of shading that is ideal for telescopic use. This is because the light will be shielded from your view and will give you a clear view of the sky. When it is day time, you should look for a set up site that is leveled. This will give your telescope a good balance so you don’t accidentally trip while looking into outer space! Setting up on a deck or something similar might present a problem however because of footsteps that cause vibrations. The best sites are on the grass as they do not cause vibration or thermal issues to the same extent as decks and sidewalks.

Now that you are ready to go with your observing site, it is time to learn how to use a telescope. First, align your telescope’s axis to the pole star using the equatorial mount if you have one. If your telescope uses an altazimuth mount then this is not necessary. Second, remove the dust caps from your telescope. Make sure that the tripod legs are secured so you don’t lose sight of a hard to find object because your tripod gave in. Start by using the lowest power eye piece, and focus it. By using the finder scope, locate a test star by loosening the axis. Once you locate the star in your finder, tighten the axis. Next, adjust the focus on your eyepiece to give a clear view of the star you just found. You will notice that star moves west. The direction will always be west no matter your eye piece’s orientation. Equatorial mounts are equipped with slow motion cables that can track the star, while altazimuth mounts make use of a pan control for following the object manually.

On the equatorial mount, unlocking of the axis is necessary for each new celestial object you move to. Using the finder to locate objects, lock up the axis every time you find a new object. Then you will use the slow motion cable or panhandle controls to adjust to the “movements” of your object. It is important to start off with a low power eye piece first in order to find objects easier. Once you are locked onto an object you wish to study then you can switch to higher magnifications.

After use of your telescope it is vital to the life of your equipment that you refasten its dust caps. Optics that become foggy should not be wiped off, or you run the risk of leaving scratches on them. Instead, let them dry off naturally from the air.

Brass Telescopes brass telescopes, nautical telescopes, telescopes

The porthole, a tiny circular window, is used by the ship’s hull for adding lighting and air to the interior of the ship. The function of the porthole is to bring light and air to especially damp parts of the ship located below deck quarters. Just like any window, the port hole window allows the occupants of the lower deck to enjoy a view albeit limited. While air and light can get in, the porthole is water-tight, and can even be light-tight if need be.

Sometimes the porthole of a ship is referred to as the side scuttle, aka side hole. This is the proper term used by the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, as well as during the construction of a ship. Side scuttle, however, is a broad term that indicated any uncovered hole on a vessels side.

The porthole is made from two structured components, and is very similar to the design of standard windows in both design and application. The porthole is bolted to the ship’s hull carefully and securely. The porthole’s glass may even come in two frames so as to allow the opening and closing of a window. Also, they have storm covers made from metal that work to secure the porthole when heavy seas and storms arise. This is also a way of blocking light if the vessels cargo calls for it. Ship’s used for battle also use storm covers to protect their stealth in battle to avoid enemy detection. These are accessed from the inside of the ship’s hull and are fastened closed by tightening several pivoting devices known as “dogs”.

Portholes that are older typically have a jutting “collar” part of their base plate that is meant to accommodate the thick wooden hull. The size of a porthole can vary. Some may only have diameters of a few inches while others may be a couple of feet wide. This applies to the weight as well, as some may just a few pounds, and others other a hundred pounds! The weight of the porthole is mainly in its glass which can be as thick as two inches. That’s a lot of glass! The metal parts of a porthole also add on to the weight of them. These metal parts are mainly sand-cast and made from bronze, brass, steel, iron, or even aluminium. The most commonly used metals being bronze and brass due to their salt water resistance. The porthole is designed to be secure so as not to limit the integrity of the hull. The porthole’s quality and assured building are what make them so resilient. With anything less, the entire ship would be put into jeopardy.

Portholes nautical decor, nautical portholes, porthole mirror, porthole window

The origin of the ship’s bell is one that is rooted firmly in tradition in modern times. The ship’s bell was once an integral part of keeping order, warning, time keeping, alarms, and was even used in religious ceremonies. Due to their use in maritime affairs, the ship’s bell has become commonplace and even symbolizes the United States Navy.

The first metal bells were created during the Bronze Age. China in particular had learned to develop high quality bells from metal. Among the first time that a ship’s bell was recorded in use was aboard the British Ship Grace Dieu in 1485. The ship carried what was known as “wache bells”.

It soon became commonplace for the ship’s bell to be used as a warning device to signal its presence during times of heavy fog. The bells ability to ring loudly through the thick, protruding air made a great detection method for notifying other ships in the area. Due to this use of the ship’s bell it became maritime law that all ships have a working bell stocked at all times. The Americans began to utilize the bell in the same fashion during the Revolutionary War. USS Constitution, the oldest surviving ship in American history, was itself equipped with a bell that weighed 242 pounds.

The use of the ship’s bell even helped the American Navy to excel in the War of Independence. This is due to the Jamaica Fleet – enemy of America – using their ship’s bell during a period of intense fog. Their use of the bell was loud enough for the Americans to hear, and led to what became the biggest prize catch of the War of Independence. The total number of prizes and cargo amounted to roughly one million dollars.

The ship’s bell is also an important part of keeping the crew on their toes in cases of emergency. A proper loud signal device was needed in order to signal the attention of the crew. In the case of a fire, the ship’s bell would be rung as fast and loud as possible for five seconds. The next few rings would be done in such a way as to tell the location of the fire. One ring would signal that it came from forward, two would signal that it came from amidships, and three would signal that it came from aft.

In modern times, the ship’s bell is still used for timekeeping and for alarms, as well as for its ceremonial uses. US Navy ship’s bells recovered from the past can be seen honorable positioned in the Naval Historical Center. Sometimes these bells are loaned to ships that are on a historical quest, or to museums for display and research. The use of the ship’s bell is a very prolific one that still rings loud and true to this day. Whenever one thinks of a ship, it is hard to imagine it without the crew and their use of the ship’s bell.

Ship Bells brass bells, brass ships bell, ship bells, ships bell

There are several different types of pocket compasses. Pocket compasses have been around for ages, and even with the introduction of modern location technology such as GPS, pocket compasses will continue to remain relevant. This is can be attributed to their reliability, while modern technology tends to rely on electronic sources and signals that die and fade. Proving them to not very convenie

nt when you are lost and in a pinch. The different types of pocket compasses will help you to find your bearing, and/or locate an exact location on a map.

The first kind of pocket compass is the closed face compass. This is exactly as the name implies, as the compass has a hinge that enables it to be closed to protect its delicate inner workings. Some closed faced compasses have no hinge, but a lid that can be taken completely off. If you run across a compass like this then there is a good chance it is a WWII model compass.

Similar is the open face compass. This compass is again just like the name indicates. It is wide open and has no lid for it. A convenient compass for quickly glancing at.

A compass that includes a prism is called a prismatic compass. It is contained in a protective case that allows travellers to read the scale for bearing. The prism is usually located at the rear of the compass. Typically, the prismatic compass is a trademark of the UK military.

Then lensatic compass is mounted with at least one lens. The lenses are important to reading the scale of this pocket compass. Lensatic compasses have been around since 1910, and are commonly used by the US military.

The transit compass is a pocket compass that includes a front and rear transit sight. The transit compass may contain a rear sight that is a single prism, similar to the prismatic compass; and like the lensatic compass the transit compass includes a front sight as well. This can relate the prismatic and lensatic compasses as sub categories of transit compasses.

The base plate compass is one of the most simplistically designed compasses. It’s base is completely see through. This enables the base plate compass to be a very good compass to use with maps, as you can place it on the map and still see the locations and directions of the map.

These are a few of the different types of pocket compasses. You will find that the variations work well in certain conditions more so than others do. When hiking it is important to carry an accessory compass, which is a compass housed in hiking equipment i.e. a hunting knife. Compasses that include mirrors, magnifiers, or clinometers are very good for use with a map. The mirror is great for accuracy of readings on distant landmarks; the magnifier helps to closely examine map points; while the clinometer measures inclination accurately. This type of compass is excellent when in the woods with a map, or even without one.

Brass Compasses brass compass, compass, pocket compass, pocket compasses

If you are searching for a nice nautical wall clock to grace that empty space above your nautical collection then you have a lot of searching to do. There are several different types of nautical wall clocks that you can find to fit the bill. In order to choose the one right for you, you will have to know what kinds exist before hastily jumping into a buy.

There are both wall clocks and desk clocks. Depending on your preference and where you plan to put your clock, the style will make all of the difference in the world. Wall clocks are the typically choice, as they are more traditionally used. However, a desk clock can add a touch of style to your work desk that is sure not to be held by anyone else in your office. Both types of nautical clocks have quality builds to them, so it is up to personal preference when deciding which clock to go with.

There are many wall clocks of a low price such as a wood wall clock. This clock is made from genuine brass and is set upon a solid base comprised of rosewood. The faceplate is adorned with roman numerals that add elegance to its already exquisite style. A hinge is located in the back for ease of hanging, as well as a nameplate that is engraved with “Hampton Nautical”.

The Hampton Nautical table top clock is a great choice for those looking for a clock to set on their desk either at home, school or at work. It is comprised from solid brass making it very heavy, giving use to it for holding papers in place. Just like the clock before it, its faceplate is comprised of roman numerals, and the inside features the inscription “Railway Regulator”. Furthermore, a train emblem solidifies this table top clock as a great item for train enthusiasts.

If you are looking for a clock that satisfies your nautical thirst, then the ship wheel clock is a must buy. This particular clock is made from solid shisham hardwood and makes a wonderful addition to your home and/or office. Due to its composition from the quality shisham hardwood, the ship wheel clock is tough to wear down as it serves as excellent protection to the roughest of conditions. The center of the ship wheel is comprised of solid brass with a fully functioning clock as you would expect.

A true novelty item with functionality is the desktop clock with compass. This compass clock is composed of pure brass, as is the compass displayed at the bottom. Featured on this clock are the words “Superior Ship Timekeeper”, with the emblem of a traditional tall ship. This is a great desk clock for the nautical enthusiast interested in navigation of the old days. The compass is actually functional as well, making this item a must have for anyone serious about nautical navigating.

These are just a few of the different types of nautical clocks that you can find. There are many more that will certainly liken to your taste. Now that you know what to expect, you can go off and find a clock that fits your particular style.

Nautical Clocks brass nautical clocks, Nautical Clocks

The tradition of collecting nautical items has been around for ages. There are many different kinds of nautical items that one can purchase in today’s market. For instance, the nautical key chain has become a nautical item that many people choose to seek out due to their low cost and their practicability.

There are several different types of nautical key chains that buyers can purchase. These different types of key chains can come in many different forms, such as brass, plastic, and even chrome. The length of the chain can also vary from short to long, depending on how you want it. Furthermore, you could even have your nautical key chain personalized to add extra sentimental value to your item. This article will examine a few different kinds of nautical key chains that can be found at nautical shops on and offline.

The kinds of nautical key chains are relatively inexpensive, usually ranging from about three to five dollars at the most. Nautical key chains make great stocking stuffers and other gifts for people in the work place and at home.

Depending on the type of nautical fan that you are, you will find several different kinds of nautical key chains that reflect your interest. For those that are lovers of yachts, there are key chains that are in the form of yachts.

Sea life nautical lovers will take interest in key chains such as the dolphin key chain. As the name suggests, this key chain features a dolphin on as the symbol, and usually comes in brass.

Other types of nautical key chains such as the pulley and anchor key chains are great for those with a general interest in maritime affairs. These key chains are excellent additions to the collection of established nautical collectors that can be taken anywhere in order to show their nautical enthusiasm.

More practical nautical key rings include the compass key chain, hour glass key chain, and bosun whistle key chain. The compass key chain is an amazing nautical item that features a compass design with all of the bells and whistles of the real deal. This key chain is perfect for the nautical navigating type. The hour glass key chain is a real working hourglass with white sand inside of it. This allows this key chain type to be used as a timer for small notations in time. This is a very useful key chain when running drills that require precise timing. The bosun whistle is an ancient instrument of nautical culture, and with the bosun key chain you can have a piece of nautical history with you wherever you go. This key chain is a functioning whistle that is great for using in situations of crowd control or to get the attention of your stubborn teenage son who keeps his head phones on all of the time!

These are just a few of the types of nautical key chains that you can find. There are many more types of nautical key chains available as well as the ones mentioned.

Nautical Keychains nautical key chains, nautical key rings, nautical keyrings

The diver’s helmet is a profound invention that shaped the way that we travel the ocean bottom. It was an exceptional invention that changed the face of the world, or the feet of the world if you like a more correct personification. It is no wonder that the diver’s helmet stands as a major symbol in the nautical world by many. In fact, nautical collectors can find many different types of diver’s helmets that they can use to liven up their nautical collections. Ranging from desk top items such as pen holders to exquisite helmets made from brass, copper and even chrome. The diver’s helmet makes for a very distinguished nautical item that should not be overlooked.

The brass diver’s helmet pen holder is composed of solid brass. It is a strong, quality brass structure that will hold your pens in style. The elegance of the brass diver’s helmet pen holder is complimented by the featuring of a working quartz clock. It is made to be a replica of an actual diver’s helmet, but in smaller scale. The pen holder features a solid brass finish as well, sitting atop a fine hardwood base. The hardwood is quality made and is polished to a great extent. Furthermore, green felt lines the pen holder’s bottom, giving the brass diver’s helmet pen holder a secure way to sit atop any surface.

Another type of diver’s helmet for nautical collectors is the solid iron diver’s helmet clock. This item is a brilliant piece of nautical decor that, like the pen holder, features a fully functioning quartz clock. True to life, this mock diver’s helmet is made to be a miniature of the real deal. It looks and feels just like a diver’s helmet should. The iron diver’s helmet rests on a solid, polished wood base. Nothing less could be expected of such a great diver’s helmet replica. Green felt also adorns its bottom to make sure it adheres to tough surfaces while taking minimal damage.

Perhaps one of the most sought after nautical replicas of a diver’s helmet is the Mark V Copper Helmet. This type of diver’s gear boasts 18 inches tall, making it look just like the real deal. Complete with iron and brass detailing to add to the genuine appearance. This particular nautical item is a miniature replica of an original U.S. Navy Mark V diver’s helmet. The solid and deeply polished brass fits in perfectly with the quality of this authentic replica.

The chrome diver’s helmet is a variation of the brass Mark V mentioned above. It’s chrome look is deeply satisfying and very showy, making it perfect to add to your nautical collection. This particular diver’s helmet stands at 17 inches tall, a bit shorter than the last, but it matches every last bit of quality. These authentic reiterations of the revolutionary diver’s helmet can be purchased for $499.

These are just a few of the many types of diver’s helmets that you can find, there are many more and you will be pleased with your search!

Diving Helmets diver helmets, diver's helmet, diver's helmets

The porthole is a significant part of a ship’s design. The porthole, also known as the side scuttle, is used to bring light and air into the lower parts of a ship’s deck. The porthole is secured water tight so as not to jeopardize the well being of the ship’s hull. The porthole also commonly features a storm cover that can cease light from entering and exiting the ship. This is sometimes necessary in situations where a ship must make a stealthy approach. Furthermore, this also helps to shield any goods below quarters that could be affected by direct light. The porthole is a staple of the nautical culture, and many nautical enthusiasts have different types of portholes for decoration throughout their home. There are several different nautical decor types of portholes to this end.

For starters, there are porthole clocks that can be made out of solid brass for authentic looks. These porthole clocks are great for adding to the atmosphere of a nautical themed room or sea food restaurant. The solid brass finish is polished to a mirror like shine that must be kept up with to produce the same quality time and time again. However, the outcome is far worth it. These types of porthole items typically have hinges that allow the glass portion to open just like a real porthole. This reveals the clock which is adorned by roman numerals in fifteen minute intervals. There are also many other types of portholes that are just like this.

The porthole mirror is a great addition to a nautical room, especially for those seeking the look of a real live ship’s hull. This is because the mirror gives the illusion of being a real window. You will be able to find many porthole mirrors that range from colors like brown, green, red, and many more.

One of the more authentic porthole replicas is the nine inch porthole mirror. Loosening the lower wing nuts allows for the porthole to open up just as a real porthole would. It is made from polished brass and is even lacquered. This gives this particular porthole mirror a level of elegance few porthole mirrors can achieve. The quality is so high you would be hard pressed to tell it from the real deal. Its three pre-drilled holes allow for ease of wall placement, and it comes with three screws that hold the mirror in place. With hardly any effort at all, you could easily swap out the three screws to remove the mirror and replace it with regular glass to look even more like a porthole.

The porthole is a wonderful addition to the sides of a ship, and with these different types of porthole nautical items, they are even excellent additions to a nautical themed room. There are many different types of porthole items, some of which are inexpensive, while others of more quality like the aforementioned come at a higher cost.

Portholes porthole clocks, porthole mirrors, portholes

There are several different types of ship’s bells. Throughout history the ship’s bell has been used for a multitude of tasks, ranging from timekeeping, religious ceremonies, and alarms. The ship’s bell has even become a prized possession of many model ship collectors. These model ship bells can come in many different types, such as chrome or brass. The ship’s bell is a significant part of nautical culture, and remains a symbol of tradition to this day.

In the days prior to the invention of the chronometer, it was necessary for the crew aboard a ship to keep accurate time somehow. This was first done by using a half-hour glass. The person in charge of keeping track of the drops of sand would strike a bell every time he turned over the glass to signal the start of the next half-hour. Once a full hour was completed, he would strike the bell two times. Every hour after that would see an additional two bell strikes added on to it. The process would go like this until the end of the watchman’s four hour shift, after which the process would begin anew. These types of ship’s bells are even in use today for the United States Navy’s daily routine.

Among the types of ship’s bells is the religious ceremonial ship’s bell. This began in the British Royal Navy as a customary practice of baptizing their children underneath of the ship’s bell. Commonly, the ship’s bell would also be used as a christening bowl for the ceremonial proceedings. After completion of the baptism, the child’s name was typically written on the inside of the ship’s bell. This is a significant religious ceremonial practice held by the Royal Navy at the time. The bell would continue to remain in use by the ship until it was decommissioned, at which time the religious bell would be stored with the Department of the Navy. Ship bells have an even more religious background, as sometimes these types of ship bells would be loaned to churches. However, in modern times these bells are stored with municipalities or museums instead.

The long tradition of the ship bell’s use is what is attractive to many model ship consumers. Fans of nautical history must have the ship’s bell to decorate their nautical room, lest it run the risk of not feeling authentic. Model ship bells come in many types as well. For instance, there are brass anchor bells, brass hand bells, bracket bells, aluminum ship’s bells, chrome bells, and many many more.

The ship’s bell is indeed a significant part of both the British and American Navies history. These types of ship bells still play important roles in our Navies today. It is not likely that we will see the tradition of the ship’s bell become discontinued any time soon.

Ship Bells ship bells, ships bell, ships bells

The ship’s wheel is a great innovation that replaced the whip staff that dominated ships for many decades. The invention of the ship wheel had a rocky start, but it was still better than the whip staff. Nowadays it is impossible for one to picture a ship without the ship wheel. Also, the ship wheel is a common symbol of the nautical culture, and with good reason. It is no wonder that there exists a lot of model ship’s wheels for the nautical collector. There are many different kinds of ship’s wheels that can be used for nautical enthusiasts collection needs, and this article will examine a few.

The wooden ship wheel is made from the highest quality of woods – shisham. Shisham is a wood that is similar in appearance and quality to teak. This makes it able to weather the toughest of conditions, and ensures a long life for your wooden ship wheel. Featuring six spokes, this fifteen inch ship wheel is manufactured by plugged screw heads, and features a solid brass center. It weighs a light five pounds and makes a great addition to that empty space on your wall.

A smaller, but equality quality iteration of the ship wheel is the wooden ship wheel clock. This type of ship wheel is practical, and makes an excellent clock that exudes a nautical sense of style. This can go anywhere in your home an manage to fit in with the decor, not just in your nautical themed room. Just as the one before it, the wooden ship wheel clock is made from the hardwood shisham. The center of the ship wheel is solid brass which surrounds a working clock which is five inches in diameter. This is a great gift for the nautical lover in your life, or for anyone in general.

There are many different types of ship’s wheels in addition to the ones mentioned here. The ship wheel is a great innovation that went through a few phases to reach the modern day ones that you see now. However, in the beginning the ship’s wheel was a bit different. For instance, originally ship’s wheels were very problematic and even led to many fatal accidents. The earliest ship wheels sat behind the mizzen mast and tended to get in the way of the helmsman’s line of sight. Not a good indication of a quality design. Also, when under brutal conditions, the ships wheel could be operated by two men, but they didn’t have enough room to maneuver properly. Not until several years later were two wheels included to allow for even more men to help steer should the need arise.

What’s more, the early types of ship wheels were plagued by unequal ends of the tiller rope. This made it so when the rope were hauled to one side, the center line of the ship would become distorted. This problem was attempted to be remedied with objects to hold it in place, but nothing was effective. The rope would become either too tight or too slack. These early wheels caused many fatalities and accidents. It wasn’t until Pollard came about with a new innovation that changed the way the ship wheel functioned.

Ship Wheels ship wheels, ships wheel, wooden ship wheel