Compass App in the Car Doesn't always work!!!

[djdsas]

Ok,

So I have a shiny new Iphone 3GS, but the compass app is driving
me nuts in the car. Depending where I the phone, the compass is
completely wrong. If I hold the phone near my lap while driving
or put it anywhere near the dash is goes wild. Sometimes is
says there is interference but the majority of the time it is just
plain wrong. I am also comparing the readings to my in dash
compass.

The only place is seems to work is in the center console or passenger
side. As soon as I bring it near the dash or the steering wheel, or
in my lap its off!



I drive a 2008 Honda Accord (non hybrid) with the stock stereo.
I do not believe I am anywhere near the speakers either.

Anyone else having this issue. Also when I check the direction
with google maps it says I am traveling 90 degrees in the opposite
direction. I have also calibrated the device in a figure 8 from right
to left multiple times.

Help!

 

[arykmax]

Alot of people are having these issues.

This is the first time I've said this on the forums but it was bound to happen sooner or later:

Try search next time.

 

[aprofetto]

Ahh, glad I'm not alone.

Today in the car, the compass was trying to tell me that East was actually North.

 

[SephirothXR]

The metal in your car generates a magnetic field, and don't forget the car engine that generates an even bigger one. I still feel like the compass is an app for fun, not for actually being useful 99% of the time. I know people will eventually find it useful for something, but I would like to hear a few examples of people with 3GSs using it to their advantage seeing as how we've been using the GPS with MAPS just fine for a year.

 

[daflake]

Ahh, glad I'm not alone.

Today in the car, the compass was trying to tell me that East was actually North.

Car is metal, of course it will interfere. In the old Army days, when shooting an azimuth, we were taught to get clear of metal and remove gear that could interfere. I suspect this hasn't changed. For those that argue that there are cars with them built it, yes, this is true. However, they are designed for the car, not just a standard compass.

 

[aprofetto]

Car is metal, of course it will interfere. In the old Army days, when shooting an azimuth, we were taught to get clear of metal and remove gear that could interfere. I suspect this hasn't changed. For those that argue that there are cars with them built it, yes, this is true. However, they are designed for the car, not just a standard compass.

My car isn't made of metal....

... ah hot damn, okay, maybe you're right.

When in doubt, just do the figure 8 motion!

 

[trssho]

Ok,

So I have a shiny new Iphone 3GS, but the compass app is driving
me nuts in the car. Depending where I the phone, the compass is
completely wrong. If I hold the phone near my lap while driving
or put it anywhere near the dash is goes wild. Sometimes is
says there is interference but the majority of the time it is just
plain wrong. I am also comparing the readings to my in dash
compass.

The only place is seems to work is in the center console or passenger
side. As soon as I bring it near the dash or the steering wheel, or
in my lap its off!



I drive a 2008 Honda Accord (non hybrid) with the stock stereo.
I do not believe I am anywhere near the speakers either.

Anyone else having this issue. Also when I check the direction
with google maps it says I am traveling 90 degrees in the opposite
direction. I have also calibrated the device in a figure 8 from right
to left multiple times.

Help!

A hybrid is the worst for a compass, with all that high voltage and electric motors in that thing. Find out where it works best, and install a mount. I played with my compass app in the car today, and there are a few spots where the app is spot on. I would suggest people stop complaining about this app, and do your best with it.

If you take a car that comes with a built in digital compass, and unmount it, than move it all around the cabin, the same thing would happen. So again, find where it works best, and install a mount there!