jocchino Posted November 8, 2009 Share Posted November 8, 2009 looking at adding a dedicated GPSr to my current iphone. Does the electronic compass really work well, aka does anyone use it or should I save the $ and go for a Cx? I have read some mixed reviews of the compass, and as I am very new to this, wanted to get some opinions. BTW, Not really interested in the altimeter portion of the CSx. Thanks Quote Link to comment
NordicMan Posted November 8, 2009 Share Posted November 8, 2009 Personally I like the electronic compass and use it all the time, but have no use for the barometric altimeter that also comes with the "S" models.. Others couldn't care less for either sensor,... I can't know which camp you would fall into (lol) Quote Link to comment
+Prime Suspect Posted November 8, 2009 Share Posted November 8, 2009 looking at adding a dedicated GPSr to my current iphone. Does the electronic compass really work well, aka does anyone use it or should I save the $ and go for a Cx? I have read some mixed reviews of the compass, and as I am very new to this, wanted to get some opinions. BTW, Not really interested in the altimeter portion of the CSx. Thanks Endlessly debated in the GPS & Technology forum. I suggest posting there. Quote Link to comment
+briansnat Posted November 9, 2009 Share Posted November 9, 2009 Some people wound never buy a GPS without a magnetic, electronic compass. Others would never buy one with one. I'm in the former camp. The chief advantage is that your GPS can determine direction when you aren't moving. For units without the electronic, magnetic compass you need to be moving at a fairly brisk pace for it to be able to determine direction because it uses the sats to determine direction of travel. If you stop or slow down too much, the GPS gets confused. Sounds like a no brainer for the 60CSX at first glance. Maybe, but the electronic compass requires frequent calibration. At least every time you change batteries and sometimes in between. Magnetic compasses also eat batteries faster with some models. They are also susceptible to interference from large deposits of iron ore (if you live in an area that has them) as well as other large metal objects. It's basically a matter of preference. You can augment a 60CX with a $10 hand held compass, or you can have the compass in a single package in a 60CSX. Quote Link to comment
+Crafty Turtle Posted November 9, 2009 Share Posted November 9, 2009 I have a 60CSx, and I say don't bother with the electronic compass. When you are stopped or travelling slowly, you have to hold it *exactly* level, or it won't work. I have only ever had the message "hold level" appear on the screen. Someone else I know gets the same message. The compass is not worth it. Buy yourself a $10 Silva compass. It'll be far more reliable. Quote Link to comment
+flask Posted November 9, 2009 Share Posted November 9, 2009 i also have the 60 csx and have never used the compass. if i want a compass, i use an orienteering compass i keep in my bag. and if there's a problem, its batteries will NEVER die. Quote Link to comment
+Prime Suspect Posted November 9, 2009 Share Posted November 9, 2009 Magnetic compasses also eat batteries faster with some models. ... which are no longer being manufactured. On the 60CSx, leaving the compass turned on for an hour consumes less power than having the backlight on for a minute. Power consumption figures are available in the GPS & Tech forum. Quote Link to comment
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