Compass Crossover Speed

Bosun · Posted: Sun Dec 05, 2010 1:14 pm Post subject: Compass Crossover Speed

What is the best speed to switch from the electronic compass to the GPS compass.

I know the electronic works best when stationary and the GPS best when on the move but what is the best crossover speed ?

Ian

Gibbo10 · Posted: Sun Dec 05, 2010 4:24 pm Post subject:

I always have mine set to 2kph.

FrequentFlyer · Posted: Sun Dec 05, 2010 4:27 pm Post subject:

OK, I'm lost. I had no idea there was a difference Assuming 2 Kph is best, where do I go to set it ? Thanks.

Gibbo10 · Posted: Sun Dec 05, 2010 5:00 pm Post subject:

Bosun · Posted: Sun Dec 05, 2010 8:39 pm Post subject:

LostMike · Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2010 9:34 am Post subject:

I think it may depend on when you are likely to use the compass. As a walker I am likely to use it when stationary. In this case I do not want it to be confused by a poor GPS signal making it think I am moving and giving a misleading answer. So I have set the change over speed to 4 kph. For runners or cyclists however the logic may be quite different.

I hope that makes sense.
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LostMike
Satmap A10. Platform 21
Software version 1.5.9193
Satsync 1.525

FrequentFlyer · Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2010 9:58 am Post subject:

Sorry, I'm still confused what is does and how it works ?eg While walking along, I decide to look at the compass, are we saying that below your setting, (or above it) it may be wrong ?

rothers · Regular Visitor Joined: Mar 28, 2007 Posts: 134

Yes this does rather beg the question - if it is necessary to change to GPS direction above a certain speed can the non-GPS compass be trusted, if not why have it at all ?

kartracer · Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2010 12:07 pm Post subject:

I don't know the specifics of the Satmap Active 10, but in general terms an electronic compass is less likely to be correct unless you have just recalibrated it for your present environment. However, a GPS heading is pretty meaningless when stationary. So, if you are stationary or moving at very low speed an electronic compass is useful. At higher speeds the directions worked out by GPS are more likely to be accurate.
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Kam

dales · Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2010 1:11 pm Post subject:

Exactly right, kartracer.

So I set my Garmin to use Electronic Compass below 2mph, and GPS Compass above 2mph.

Dales.
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nuvi 2599LMT-D, oregon 700, basecamp, memory-map.

4ndynorfolk · Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2010 5:24 pm Post subject:

I may be wrong, but I thought the compass on the compass screen worked the same regardlees of the setting. That is to say, by detecting the Earth's magnetic force.

Where setting option comes in is when headings and bearings are shown in the data boxes.

I will the latest and previous manuals.

planetnine · Posted: Wed Dec 08, 2010 10:53 am Post subject:

dales · Posted: Wed Dec 08, 2010 5:21 pm Post subject:

A good quality GPS electronic compass is rated at plus or minus 2 degrees or so, once calibrated and held level. (I cannot speak for the Satmap's specification!)

Certainly you should use the GPS compass, once moving.

But when stationary, in difficult ground, with poor visibility, you sometimes need to be sure that you are setting off in broadly the right direction (before the GPS compass kicks in). That's when the electronic compass is reassuring.

Dales.
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nuvi 2599LMT-D, oregon 700, basecamp, memory-map.

Bosun · Posted: Wed Dec 08, 2010 9:53 pm Post subject:

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