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Electronic compass, really?

rob6
over 3 years ago

I have several garmin handhelds with true 3 axis compass.    It’s very helpful.   I just noticed my 1030 plus has ability to “calibrate compass”.    I assumed it was merely gps movement direction.    Very interested     

 I have found some very limited info on this seemingly hybrid magnetic sensor that is not present in historic edge products.  

Do any of you have insight or experience?.   My stops at junctions usually require me to move slightly to get map back to proper orientation.    Hence my surprise there is a magnetic sensor.          Anyone find that it behaves magnetically and consistently ?  

  • 0 over 3 years ago

    As far as I can tell, it is working well following my MTB tracks.

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to MGMATE

    My gps definitely follows well.   But stationary I don’t think turning my gps realigns direction arrow.   

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to rob6

    Mine does it. If active, it rotates the map in accordance with the direction you are pointing at. Very usefull for MTB when it is not clear the way to follow in a cross.

    Same way the Oregon works.

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to MGMATE

    This is great news.   I will test more and ask Garmin if not seeming function.   Agree for. Mtb it should be very helpful.   

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to rob6

    Works great for me, too.
    Note: when moving, GPS is responsible for aligning the map. When stopped, the compass takes over to align the map.

    If there is a notable or huge ratation jump of the map after stopped - the compass needs to be recalibrated.

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to mcinner1

    Ok.   I appreciate these real world insights.   I will test and recal.   I have seen jumps.      Of it works it would be amazing.   

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to rob6

    I calibrated and now it does actually orient in stationary position.   I know not new info for all of you but I have completely missed this until now and is a huuuge spacial awareness feature vs other cycling/basic handhelds.     I’m very pleased.   

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to rob6

    Update.  Seems I may have an issue which caused this confusion.   2 rides great after calibration. Stationary could sort out trail directions and way home easily.   Today electronic compass completely out of alignment mid ride.   Tried to calibrate many times and would not complete.    Once back at car ….power cycle.   Calibration instant.       Something intermittently off.    
     I realize now that having an electric compas that does not work is worse than none at all.   My movement path aligns well but when I stop it immediately reorients incorrectly .     No way to sort out surroundings now other than slowly riding and viewing screen.       I may have faulty chip ?  

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to rob6
    rob6 said:
    I may have faulty chip ?

    … or something magnetic around you?
    Maybe test it without your bike in free fields…

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to mcinner1

    I will try again on and off bike.    But once restarted on the bike it was orienting on bike.   And my iPhone compass was correct during the error ….not sure if there is a more sensitive chip or a triangulation technology going on there.