Level 2

154 points

Compass consistly off by 10˚ w/o interference source. Has been calibrated.

I have noticed lately that my compass is off by approximately 10 degrees. This is a consistent error and I have tried the calibration steps multiple times. Just now, to be sure before posting, I stepped out to the end of my driveway and made sure I was as far away as I could be from a source of interference. Comparing to a reliable compass I own, I get about a 10-degree ENE deviation on the iPhone.

To answer one of the questions I know is coming: it's set to magnetic because that seems to match Google Maps better than true (interestingly enough) and it was the most accurate way to check against my compass. It was interesting that the declination was added correctly by the iPhone. I wonder it's "smart" enough to use GPS coordinates to accurately apply declination.

This is a functionality I'd love to have as I easily get turned around while walking when I head into town and it would be nice to know which way to walk without having to take a few steps to get the GPS going and then turn around. No to mention, orienting the map in the direction of travel is pretty useful).

3.06GHz iMac (4Gb RAM), Mac OS X (10.5.7), Other : Macbook, Mac Mini (HTS), iPhone 3GS (16Gb), Time Capsule (500Gb)

Posted on Jul 13, 2009 7:47 PM

24 replies

w7ox

Level 4

2,407 points

Jul 17, 2009 6:14 PM in response to KartM

KartM wrote:

Back to topic: I am positive the compass on the phone will never be perfect. Just use some observational skills along with the compass to figure it out accurately.

Well, considering the compass is in a small enclosure, which also has a battery and electronics (electric currents DO generate magnetic fields), I'm pleased and surprised my 3GS compass performs as well as it does.

Phil

Xian Rinpoche Author

Level 2

154 points

Jul 17, 2009 7:24 PM in response to w7ox

I can tell I'm the only one who expects quality from Apple.

Seriously though, I've had digital compasses in watches, etc before and 20 degrees was never "acceptable." I'm holding the iPhone to the same standard. 10, OK. 20, no way 🙂

w7ox

Level 4

2,407 points

Jul 17, 2009 7:49 PM in response to Xian Rinpoche

Xian Rinpoche wrote:
I can tell I'm the only one who expects quality from Apple.

Seriously though, I've had digital compasses in watches

Much easier. Think about it: Currents constant and known can be calibrated vs. user initiated apps running. Tiny battery vs. relatively large one. Small currents vs. large ones.

Bottom line: I'd rather have the compass we have in the iPhone vs. none at all.

Phil

Xian Rinpoche Author

Level 2

154 points

Jul 17, 2009 8:25 PM in response to w7ox

Yeah, I don't guess I'm complaining so much as kind of disappointed in Apple not knowing "better." If you're gonna put something in, do it right imho. But, who knows? I'm not a digital compass maker, so maybe this is darn good. 🙂

skatkat

Level 1

0 points

Jul 17, 2009 9:41 PM in response to Xian Rinpoche

I'm with you on this one. My phone is consistently off by 30 degrees, 10 on a good day. I consider this next to unusable since this was the main selling point for me to upgrade. I've found that the heading changes by 20 degrees depending on the tilt of the phone. I envisioned an iphone that had maps that would work in landscape or portrait or the direction I was facing. They should at least use a history of coordinates to assist the compass when driving. I can accept 5 degree deviations but 30 to me is ludicrous.

Xian Rinpoche Author

Level 2

154 points

Jul 13, 2009 8:37 PM in response to w7ox

OK. That seems fair. Wasn't sure what were reasonable expectations for this device. Thanks.

Xian Rinpoche Author

Level 2

154 points

Jul 17, 2009 4:16 PM in response to Xian Rinpoche

And now it's off by over 20 degrees. Crazy.

KartM

Level 1

65 points

Jul 17, 2009 4:34 PM in response to Xian Rinpoche

Xian Rinpoche wrote:
And now it's off by over 20 degrees. Crazy.

Dont worry. its a phone and the compass is giving you a good idea of what direction you are facing.

w7ox

Level 4

2,407 points

Jul 17, 2009 6:04 PM in response to George Steinmetz

George Steinmetz wrote:
kept me from having to look at the sun to know which way was north.

Good thing: Best not depend on the Sun shining there 🙂

Phil

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Compass consistly off by 10˚ w/o interference source. Has been calibrated.