Inaccurate compass, frequent calibrations required

7e9307d45e2a4c2fa4f1e56b8e95f272 7 days ago

Noticed this happening within the last couple weeks. The direction on maps is erratic and requires calibration, sometimes every 15 minutes.

Is this just my device, or is this a known issue?

Edit: forgot to mention that this happens most when I'm standing still or moving slowly. Running or cycling at speed, the direction aligns. But stopping to check the maps, the direction becomes laggy and incorrect.

0 trux 7 days ago

I did not notice (yet) frequent complaints about compass at Enduro 3, but at many other models a magnetized springbar often causes this kind of problems with compass. You can easily test whether it is the reason in your case too - remove the wristband and both springbars holding it, and see whether it helps to keep the compass stable. If so, then demagnetizing the springbars, or replacing them would help.

0 7e9307d45e2a4c2fa4f1e56b8e95f272 7 days ago in reply to trux

That wouldn't have crossed my mind. Thanks. Unfortunately the problem persists with the pins removed.

I forgot to mention that this is worst when I'm standing still or walking. Running or cycling at speed, it seems to align. Unfortunately it's when I slow down to check the map that the problem begins.

0 trux 7 days ago in reply to 7e9307d45e2a4c2fa4f1e56b8e95f272

You could also verify the setting of the compass mode. If it aligns well when moving, then it looks like it uses the "GPS" mode, and not the "Magnetometer". The default "auto" mode switches between them automatically, so try to set it to Magnetometer. If it fails to work, then the sensor may be faulty. In that case reach out to the Product Support.

0 7e9307d45e2a4c2fa4f1e56b8e95f272 6 days ago in reply to trux

Hey, so I was wrong and spinning the bottom metal pin makes the compass go absolutely haywire. It is definitely magnetized.

I found the big thread dedicated to this issue. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction!

0 FredGolightly 5 days ago in reply to trux

Absolutely crazy that this was ever and still is an issue.

0 7e9307d45e2a4c2fa4f1e56b8e95f272 4 days ago in reply to FredGolightly

I may have caused the magnetism by trying to remove the pin, which may well be designed to not be removed, using metal utensils and a lot of force, bending the pin in the process. The issues began after that.

I ordered replacement pins and in the meanwhile set the compass to GPS.

0 trux 4 days ago in reply to 7e9307d45e2a4c2fa4f1e56b8e95f272

7e9307d45e2a4c2fa4f1e56b8e95f272 said:
I may have caused the magnetism by trying to remove the pin, which may well be designed to not be removed

They are actually designed to be removed very easily. They have springs on both sides (that's why they are called springbars), so it is enough to take two pins and push the springbar simultaneously from both sides, and you can remove it together with the wristband with no effort at all. I bet there are plenty of videos on YouTube, if you are unsure how to do it.

0 Andy 4 days ago in reply to 7e9307d45e2a4c2fa4f1e56b8e95f272

I had the same issue from the start - removed the pins and everything solved - I even recorded the magnetized pins and send a video to garmin.

0 7e9307d45e2a4c2fa4f1e56b8e95f272 4 days ago in reply to trux

Interesting, I was following a YouTube tutorial. Live and learn.

0 7e9307d45e2a4c2fa4f1e56b8e95f272 4 days ago in reply to Andy

I'm ordering a demagnetizer gizmo from amazon. They're actually super cheap.