+qtbluemoon Posted March 3, 2013 Share Posted March 3, 2013 (edited) Just bought an Etrex 20, and am trying to calibrate the compass. Per the manual, I'm supposed to Press Compass>menu>Calibrate Compass. When I select Compass>menu, the only options I have are Change Dashboard, View Geocache, Setup Heading, and Restore Defaults. After I "Restored Defaults," my options are now Change Data Fields, Change Dashboard, Setup Heading, and Restore Defaults, still no Calibrate Compass. What am I missing? Edited March 3, 2013 by qtbluemoon Quote Link to comment
+Gitchee-Gummee Posted March 3, 2013 Share Posted March 3, 2013 Make absolutely sure that your unit is NOT set to automotive profile (routing). If it is set in routing, then it has no need to calibrate the (magnetic) compass... and as such, probably will not provide such an option. Quote Link to comment
+chillypenguin Posted March 3, 2013 Share Posted March 3, 2013 The '20' does not have a magnetic compass so no calibration is required. But you do need to be moving for it to shown the correct heading. Quote Link to comment
+Gitchee-Gummee Posted March 3, 2013 Share Posted March 3, 2013 (edited) The '20' does not have a magnetic compass so no calibration is required. But you do need to be moving for it to shown the correct heading. Manual does state 'electronic', but I believe even electronics determine N from the earth's magnetic field. You really shouldn't have to be moving for a three-axis electronic to show N. Automotive profile utilizes GPS heading -- that requires motion. Now the older eTrex series.... that's a different story. It also cautions one to avoid things that affect magnetic fields -- overhead power lines, vehicle bodies, buildings. That makes it sound magnetic to me. EDIT: But... yes, there is a distinction. Electronic compasses work by 'sensing' the earth's magnetic field, not by swinging a needle as does a true magnetic compass. Edited March 3, 2013 by Gitchee-Gummee Quote Link to comment
+qtbluemoon Posted March 3, 2013 Author Share Posted March 3, 2013 Thanks for your help, I guess I won't worry about it then. Maybe the manual was for both 20 and 30. As long as it points to the cache, it doesn't really matter whether it's N,S,E or W. Quote Link to comment
+chillypenguin Posted March 3, 2013 Share Posted March 3, 2013 Quick check on the Garmin website, only the eTrex30 has the electronic compass. Quote Link to comment
+Gitchee-Gummee Posted March 3, 2013 Share Posted March 3, 2013 (edited) Quick check on the Garmin website, only the eTrex30 has the electronic compass. OK... the manual download is inclusive for the 10, 20 and 30 -- and it DOES say 30 has the electronic 3-axis. That's what I get for 'speed-reading'. My hat is off to you chillypenguin. EDIT to add: chillypenguin is correct... you gotta be moving for the compass to point (properly). You cannot calibrate it. Edited March 3, 2013 by Gitchee-Gummee Quote Link to comment
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