Why does my garmin etrex do this?

[DannyCaffeine]

Normally when I use my GPS I the compass on the display screen is small. Sometimes when I use it the compass is randomly larger. For whatever reason this larger compass is woefully inaccurate and sends me in circles. I try turning the GPS off and on again and after a few tries I am able to select a cache, select go to, and then the compass is a normal size.

 

How can I make sure the compass stays its normal size?

What do I do when the compass randomly appears larger?

[+stijnhommes]

It would probably help if you tell whether you have an etrex 10, 20 or 30 or perhaps an etrex Venture HC or CX...

[+JohnCNA]

Without knowing which model you have, we can only guess. My eTrex 30 has multiple display options; big compass, small compass, small arrow w/data fields and map, etc. I suspect that you are inadvertently switching display modes.

[+MountainWoods]

Plus, if you have the eTrex 10 or 20 (or perhaps other simple models) the compass is hokey. You have to be moving and then it knows which way to point the compass. If you stand still, it does not (nor does any GPSr using satellites only) know which way you are facing. Only the 30 and perhaps other more expensive models have a real compass that does not require that you be moving.

 

Yes, model number would definitely help the readers to be able to help.

Edited May 27, 2013 by MountainWoods

[+PACSGUY]

And if you have a 20, the compass needs to be calibrated per the quick start guide.

[+GeoTrekker26]

And if you have a 20 30, the compass needs to be calibrated per the quick start guide.

 

Fixed it for you. The 20 doesn't have a compass, it exists only in the 30 in the new eTrex series.

[+BlueDeuce]

Just to be clear. We really need to know which model you carry to give a good answer.

[DannyCaffeine]

I have the garmin Etrex venture HC.