Observer Compass Question

[machx]

So for a while I have been having trouble getting a good reading on my Observer Compass. I'm new to this so I'm sure it's user error but I have a technique question...

I am in my office in manhattan and I aim the thing directly north (I know this because my building is setup so that we know exactly where north is). If I put it on my desk it displays 0 degrees reading. If it's on my wrist it displays 80 degrees even when I keep my wrist as level as I can flush with the desk.

Is this how you must get a reading by taking it off? I'm having trouble getting the knack of it. Also is the degree the best way to get a fix? I noticed the dial indicator moves but it didnt really make sense to me...

Thanks guys

EDIT: had a stroke of BRILLIANCE and pressed the on/off button and it changed the mode and now it says the direction and it is pretty close to accurate LOL. I guess I didn't assimilate the manual instructions properly!

[Jeff_C]

:) Too cool...