Windshield compass recommendations?

Have you taken a look at marine compasses? Unlike auto ones, they might actually be used for navigation. (Also, you'll want a model that can be adjusted to compensate for all the electric and metal bits that make up your car.)

-J

Yeah, marine compasses are much nicer than auto ones. I've had a RitchieSport X-10 in two cars, a few kayaks and now it's on a motor boat. E-W N-S adjustments. $35 at WestMarine.com or one of their stores or Amazon (free shipping with Prime).

Most are weak, being surrounded by all that steel. Airquipt is a big brand. Careful calibration is the key. Be prepared to spend some time driving around in circles in a big parking lot.

Get a used vehicle gps. With the advent of smartphones, the prices on used gps' have plummeted. I have outfitted all the family's cars with thrift stores finds for about $15 each. You can find all kinds on eBay under $30. Ive been using a garmin Navi 265w that even gives traffic info via satellite. It has been great for travel and the database includes every forest service road I've been on. Compass readings are on the screen along with the map and local speed limit.

How are these mentioned auto and marine compasses mechanical, as the OP asked?

–B.G.–

I got one of these: http://formotionproducts.com/compasses.htm

a couple years ago and am happy with it. It's hard for any compass to be precise inside the metal cocoon of your car, but this one does pretty well. It moves around a bit as you drive, sometimes even spins when the you drive near big structures and such, but overall it seems to give you the right idea of where you're headed.

It does take a little fiddling after installation to calibrate it. I used a large empty parking lot and went through the process in several different spots in that lot to be sure I wasn't calibrating to an anomaly.

The one I listed is mechanical, liquid-damped. Highly tolerate of tilt (like happens on a boat).

Thanks guys – looks like I'll be going with the X-10.