The GPS Electronic Compass

 

By Blake Miller

 

A tip to keep your GPS performing to the design specs.

 

If you have a new GPS check the owners manual to see if you have an electronic compass.

 

Some models have a compass page but don't have a true electronic compass.  Models such as the Etrek (basic), Venture, Magellan Sportrack have a compass page but the direction information presented is based on movement and satellite data received.

 

Models such at the DeLorme PN60, Garmin 60CS/CSx, Vista, Garmin62 have electronic compasses.

 



Compass Page

f the compass data presented when you are returning to a destination looks questionable you might need to calibrate the compass.  For example, if you can see the destination (e.g., a red tent) and the compass is 20 degrees "off." I would then check the calibration.

 

If I have changed the batteries in my GPS, compass calibration is required.

 

 

Here is how it's done with a Garmin GPS receiver.

 

 

 

 

Press the page button to get to the compass page.

 

 http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L0T4DfRoKvc/TbRUrdApXtI/AAAAAAAAAGo/k5Ls4fibG2s/s200/GPScompass.bmp

 

 

Then press the menu button one time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The page menu will give you several options and in this case select calibrate compass.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-noggeDNDSM8/TbRWR68qduI/AAAAAAAAAGw/WLQF6hFHMhg/s200/GPS+Calibrate.bmp 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D2il9KDGtHQ/TbRWmt251oI/AAAAAAAAAG0/eEbH_LQ45sc/s200/GPS+Calibratev1.bmp

 

 

 

You will then receive an on screen prompt to calibrate the compass.  Now you just follow the directions.