How can a simple compass be fashioned?
964636
You can rub the needle with a cloth, in one direction for a while. This will "polarise" the needle and it will point to north. you can put it on a small piece of paper in a cup of water. sometimes toilet paper works then what happens is if its a small needle.. the toilet paper gets soaked and sinks.. and the needle stays afloat because of surface tension.. and points north. If you are not sure which way it is pointing is north... look at where the sun is the sun rises in the east and sets in west.. so you can be sure which way your needle is pointing is north.
273245
You need two nails, a pencil, and a string. Tie the string in a loop, put it over the two nails in the wood, and trace the oval with the pencil, guided by the string. Simplissimo!
481919
It is impossible to trisect an arbitrary angle using only compass and straightedge (but bisection is possible). No there is no mathematical technique (i.e a theoretical construction technique to do so, even if impractical). It cannot be done exactly. The best that can be done is approximation. One can imagine, I suppose, a radial arm (our radius rotating about a fixed  point) whose rotation speed was controlled very precisely by a computer and the speed could be extremely slow and a laser could be used with a super accurate quartz timer to 'print' a dot at fixed intervals thus dividing an arbitrary angle as desired. Certainly, technologically feasible, but I haven't heard anything about it, and it would be a technological technique, not a mathematical "breakthrough".
43253
Depending on what you need to solve, you need two angles and a side, or two sides and an angle. Hit me with an E-Mail if you are stuck with something.\n\nkeptcompany@yahoo.com
1028903
how about a gyroscope?
38995
In this situation a compass needle will not point to anywhere on the dial very strongly - it will just wander around weakly with no real direction. Explorers now need GPS to determine the exact pole location; it shifts slightly every year.\n\nDC :-)
409326
I haven't used this, but it looks fairly simple (as opposed to the professional mapping products):\n\nhttp://www.smartdraw.com/specials/geography.asp?type=12195&id=12195\n\nGood luck
777719
Mark you first two corners 20 m apart.\nThe third marker must be 20 m away from one corner and the other must be 20*sqrt(2) = 28.284 meters from the other corner (The length of the diagonal of a square is sqrt(2) * the side, so that distance will ensure that you have right angles.)\n\nSo tie a length of rope (no stretch), to each of the first two markers.  Cut the ends at 20m and 28.284 m respectively.  Hold the two ends together and find the spot where both ropes are taut.  That's where your third marker goes.\n\nAgain, your last marker should be 28.284m from its opposite.
1126346
http://educate-yourself.org/fe/fejoewatercell.shtml\nI'm unsure of anything that describes how to really make one.\nThis site tries, but it's rather goofy to follow. Maybe you'll have better luck that I would.
943665
this is impossible to answer, there are many shapes that could be made this way.  do you have any other information like right angles or angles at corners?
1099106
Depends on what type of compass.\nMathematically to make a circle\nThe other one to show direction
1087633
arent u supposed 2 rub a magnet on the neddle first then stick it through a cork to make  a compass that floats
288646
Your question is a little bit generic. You can draw a lot of "angles and triangles" with a compass.\nThe simplest procedure that comes to my mind is this:\n1) Trace an horizontal segment from a point A to another point B.\n2) Now point your compass in A, with radius equal to AB and trace an arc over the segment.\n3) Then point in B with the same radius and trace another arc. The two arcs will intersect in a third point C.\n4) If now you join A with C and C with B, you have a triangle with all segments and angles equal.\nBe more specific if you need more help.
196492
You need 8 markers to form a large circle, marked I,O,X,L,T,E,A,P then the center stake. Carefully position the markers so the bearings on the instruction cards are accurate.\n\nPlace the unlabelled stake in the center of the area which will be used for laying out the course. Attach a string (about 50 ft long) to the center of the stake. Working from the center stake each time, set the compass bearings as indicated on the instruction cards that you have made and walk the required distance. Place the labelled stake in the correct location. Repeat from center stake until all your labelled stakes are positioned correctly.
817245
Invented by Fabrizio Mordente (1532 - c. 1608) to measure the smallest fraction of a ..................\n\n(1564-1642) T Geometric and military compass of Galileo Galilei ...............................
103147
Is this a real-world or mathematically-defined object?  Three dimensional?  Not enough info.\nIf a real object: You can do all sorts of hanging and balancing, but 3D objects, and especially those that are not clean geometric shapes (picture a randomly shaped rock) can be tough, requiring the assignment of a coordinate system, attachment of balancing pivot points, etc.  2D real objects are a snap: Hang from any point, draw a vertical line through the point, repeat at another point; where the lines intersect is the CM.  Here's a neat trick I read somewhere for finding the CM of something long & skinny like a stick:  Hold it horizontal, resting on two small sticks that are far enough apart so the CM is in between.  Slowly move the sticks together; they will meet at the CM!  I think you can do this with a flat 2D piece and three pins if you happen to have three hands.
1069386
I take it you are speaking of a normal compass, just one that happens to be very old.\n\nStand still and hold it so it is relatively flat in your hand (I find it works best for me if I hold a compass in my palm).\n\nThe needle should automatically move to magnetic north.\n\nTurn so you are facing the same way the needle points, and you will be facing north, as well. Due west will be directly to your left, south will be directly behind you, and east will be directly to your right. \n\nYou need to have an idea of where the location you are trying to reach is if you want to get there by using a compass, and a map is really helpful. Say that your object lies to the NE of where you are standing. If you are facing north, and east is on your right, then NE is between the two. Find an object in the distance to orient yourself to NE, and begin to move in that direction. \n\nTake regular compass readings, so you know that you haven't strayed off course and begun moving to the north or the east again.\n\nIf you want to learn to use a compass effectively, I really suggest you take some time and go out in the woods. Stay close to where your car is, preferably on a marked trail, so you don't get lost, and practice finding your direction.\n\nCompasses are great, but if you plan on being out in the wild a lot, and need a really sure way of knowing where you are located, I strongly suggest you look into a small GPS (global positioning system) unit. GPS uses satellites to fix your location anywhere on the planet, and for around $100, you can get one that is accurate down to about 10 feet. Many GPS units also have all sorts of neat add-ons so you can mark spots where you saw interesting things, or find spots of interesting locations. \n\nHope this explains it a little for you.