Compass Data Field

Former Member over 10 years ago

I would like a data field that simply works like a compass using the built-in compass rather than GPS (the "Heading" data field seems to do this in non-gps activities but not in GPS activities).

The "heading" data field (including the Connect IQ variations I have found so far) in fact shows which way you are moving in GPS activities (which from my understanding is not what "heading" in fact is in navigation, but I digress). In non-GPS activities it works like a compass and shows what direction the watch is pointed.
I can fully appreciate the rationale for this, but would like an alternative, as it feels unintuitive to me.
If a it were possible to make a graphical compass needle (or some other representation of North) that would of course be amazing, but I have a feeling that it might be hard to get good readability on that. Otherwise a simple "N, NW" etc. would work (or degrees).

I am not sure if App developers have access directly to the compass, if not it will obviously not be possible to make this data field.

Thank you for reading, and thank you to all app developers who are working to make my watch (xt 920) even better!

travis.vitek over 10 years ago

This is currently not possible. The problem is that ConnectIQ data fields do not have access to the Sensor module which provides access to the magnetic compass sensor data. That data is only available to Apps and Widgets.

I've implemened a Widget that displays your current heading (the direction you are facing, as reported by the magnetic compass) on devices that support it, and displays the course (the direction you are moving as reported by GPS) for other devices. I've tested it on my 920XT and it works pretty well.

Travis

Former Member over 10 years ago

I have seen that one Travis, it works perfectly. But I have not found a way to add it as a workout screen (I only see the option to add the "Clock" screen, not one of the widgets). It does exactly what I would want it to do (its what made me think it might be possible). Or is there a way to see a widget during a workout?

travis.vitek over 10 years ago

Until the Sensor module is made available to data fields, or widgets are made accessible from an active activity, you're stuck.

Former Member over 10 years ago

I figured:-) Thanks for your answer (and your Compass Widget of course :))

tonny.madsen over 10 years ago

I have just added a compass app as well... /Tonny

Former Member over 10 years ago

Navigation data are in the ticket request by Brian:
https://forums.garmin.com/showthread.php?232116-How-to-get-values-for-quot-time-last-lap-quot-and-quot-laps-quot/page2

We will be able to build the fields with target data: compass 'to destination', distance, time to destination :)

Former Member over 10 years ago

What is the status of this ticket? I'm not sure how to tell if this is implemented yet or not. In particular, I'm anxious to see if I can get access to a Compass API. Also, is the "compass to 'destination'" implemented?

jim_m_58 over 10 years ago

Bear in mind that if you get something ready and submit it to the app store, you probably don't want to include devices that don't have the HW compass (like the vivoactive).

And for compass to destination, do you just want direction or also the distance? Both are fairly easy to do in CIQ, with two lat/lon points...