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Level 1

7 points

Compass Accuracy

Just got my 3Gs and playing with the compass app and it doesn't always seem consistent that North is in the same place. Its always fairly close maybe only a 5 to 10 deg out. Anyone else noticed it?

Also are there any good apps that make use of the compass otherthan the built in one and maps?

Shouldn't google street view also use the compass and when you turn when viewing the street this automatically turn like it does on the G1 Android phone???

Thanks

Dell XPS 420, Windows Vista

Posted on Jun 23, 2009 1:04 PM

32 replies

Jul 4, 2009 1:07 PM in response to LenH

Fair enough Len, hug it out!

D

Jul 28, 2009 3:29 PM in response to mdavenport

I too am seeing gross errors in my 3GS compass.

I calibrate using the figure of 8 procedure. I remove my watch, belt buckle, I test in an open area free from interference and I turn the phone to Airplane mode to turn off the radio.

To test I turn until the true compass reading is 0. I mark this direction with a pole on the ground. referencing the pole, I rotate through 90 degrees, the compass reads 120 (IE +30 degrees off), I rotate through a further 90 degrees, compass reads 201 (IE +21 degrees off), I rotate through a further 90 degrees, compass reads 266 (-5 degrees off).

I could live with this as one can write a calibration procedure to compensate for these fixed errors. However, I find that the southerly headings alternate between 266 and 278.

Now if you add the interference from the metal and electrical systems in a car, then you would be well, more lost!

I have had another person try this and they got very similar results. I would be interested in hearing from others if there is a way to correct this.

A

Compass Accuracy