We have a few HD2's in the office and just playing around with all the apps. The compass seems to be either plain wrong or flaky at best. Mind you we are in a building so that is unlikely to help.
Just wondered if someone has test it's accuracy.
It's accurate.
But remember that electrostaticity will make your sensor to not work accurately!
Tried it
rphillip said:
We have a few HD2's in the office and just playing around with all the apps. The compass seems to be either plain wrong or flaky at best. Mind you we are in a building so that is unlikely to help.
Just wondered if someone has test it's accuracy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
in several places, and even after re-calibration.
was off by up to 90 degrees.
It can be .. in car for example. But in on outside, no way. The error should be in degrees.
Electronic compasses tend to be very sensitive to any metal around, so watch out. But generally HD2 compass should work very, very well.
Here is video how to calibrate:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sP3d00Hr14o
I recommend doing it a bit slower. But this move. I totally didn't get it from the HTC description.
That's totally different from how I tried to calibrate it!
Any idea how I can recalibrate it? It's showing something crazy here...
for me it asks for calib every time i start it, maybe a soft reset?
But ye, i also did a way different calibration at first (bscly drawing a figure 8 in the air as if the bottom of the device was a pen) but doing the one shown in vid its now spot on compared to a analog compass, thx for the tip!
Related
Hey, I would like to use a compass with my TP2, any nice app available?
You'd only get some form of GPS compass as there is no magnetic compass in the TP2 like there is in the 3GS...
I love how apple put a relatively useless app into a phone and then all of a sudden everyone wants one
Well, it's Apple, man. they can make canned sh*t and everybody will want it. They are godlike on marketting.
As for the compass, no there isn't one, only GPS compass, and then again, you need to have a signal.
You can try this thing I found while googling and binging, Here at softpedia
jeah, f**king hype.. why the hell somebody needs a compass, although most navigationsoftwares got it integrated
iPhone users need the compass to navigate, obviously!
comingloud said:
why the hell somebody needs a compass
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We have GPS, which gives us a reference point in space. We have a G-sensor, which gives us rotation with reference to center of the earth. Problem is, these two only let our phone know where it is, and how high it's looking, whether down at the ground, up into the sky, or somewhere in between. It also tells it which way it's tilted (clockwise/counterclockwise). However, we need at least two points of reference to give an exact orientation of a device. A compass can do that with north pole being the second reference. With all three sensors a phone can not only tell where it is, but also exactly what it is looking at (not just how it's tilted or where it is in relation to the horizon). With information like this, we would also be able to teach the phone to know what it is looking at, not just where we are (as current GPS software does). Here's a great example of what's possible with a compass:
http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/...-layar-is-worlds-first-augmented-reality-bro/
I can see where this is going. Sure it's fun for games, presentations, virtual tours, etc, but hey, I really wonder if someone is stupid enough to actually use to use the compass with the GPS when finding a spot. I can imagine, "In 200 Meters turn RiGhT. You are NOt LooKING at ThE RIghT WaY. In 10 MeTErs Turn your head LeFT, You have ARRiVed."
That would be me
I'm as dense as an iphone user. I get really confused when google route tells me to head east. Not good at navigating by clouds, or stars for that matter.
Philio25 said:
iPhone users need the compass to navigate, obviously!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
true as that may be, how can they see the compass if the phone is in their arse? bluetooth earpiece telling them which way maybe?
Hey Guys..
i think this software probably doesn't exist.. but i thought let's give it a try
I recently swapped gyms and in the gym i'm now at, when i'm working out, my pulls and pushes aren't counted.. also the distance i pull/push isnt checked like in my former gym.. so i can't watch my technique..
Then i thought.. maybe there's an app wich uses the g-sensor too register the movement of the device and displays them usefull for working out, when i attach my phone to the weights..
Anyone's come across such software??
Thankyou
Well the accelerometer in the phone can only track acceleration (and direction, due to gravity), not absolute movement or distance. To do that, you need a reference point and potentially other sensors (e.g. the Nintendo Wii's IR bar, and the additional angular rate sensors in the MotionPlus accessory).
If you had a set speed, you could calculate distance based on time (which it'd know by the angle of the phone, assuming you attached it to yourself / the weights in a fixed position), but your speed's probably going to vary enough to make the output useless.
hmm.. too bad..
Thanks for the response!!
Hi all,
I'm relatively new to the WinMo programming, but so far I've been able to capture and process the Gsensor data, but I can't seem to understand how to use the GPS data.
I want an app that will record the GPS position along with all of the Gsensor data so that I can record the route and have data for each point that contains lean angle, acceleration, deceleration, etc. I figure I'll have to have the Gsensor fill in for some of the GPS data and vice-versa.
Why you ask?
Well, let's say you put it in a suspension test mode. You could accelerate gradually and brake. Hopefully the gsensor could catch the dive and bobble of the bike and give you some feedback. Knowing how far you are leaning in some turns is nice. You could possible detect and calculate if you are sliding at all. Perhaps you could even calculate the power output if you included the weight. You could make a mode that would yell at you if you get the front wheel too far off the ground, etc. I think there are all kinds of fun things to do. I know there are expensive and half solutions out there, but having an opensource solution would be nifty.
I'm a relative noob with C# and I'm using SharpDevelop. If anyone has any suggestions for things to implement or can help me acquire and use the GPS data I'd appreciate it.
If this sounds like a dumb idea I can always abandon it too.
Thanks guys.
lol, actually I think its a cool idea to be able to log what your doing. And maybe a top speed via the GPS. I think that would be a really cool app to have when I ride.
gliscameria said:
Hi all,
I'm relatively new to the WinMo programming, but so far I've been able to capture and process the Gsensor data, but I can't seem to understand how to use the GPS data.
I want an app that will record the GPS position along with all of the Gsensor data so that I can record the route and have data for each point that contains lean angle, acceleration, deceleration, etc. I figure I'll have to have the Gsensor fill in for some of the GPS data and vice-versa.
Why you ask?
Well, let's say you put it in a suspension test mode. You could accelerate gradually and brake. Hopefully the gsensor could catch the dive and bobble of the bike and give you some feedback. Knowing how far you are leaning in some turns is nice. You could possible detect and calculate if you are sliding at all. Perhaps you could even calculate the power output if you included the weight. You could make a mode that would yell at you if you get the front wheel too far off the ground, etc. I think there are all kinds of fun things to do. I know there are expensive and half solutions out there, but having an opensource solution would be nifty.
I'm a relative noob with C# and I'm using SharpDevelop. If anyone has any suggestions for things to implement or can help me acquire and use the GPS data I'd appreciate it.
If this sounds like a dumb idea I can always abandon it too.
Thanks guys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think its a "practical" idea, not dumb, but for learning how to code and stuff, its a great idea. I'm assuming you enjoy riding at the track, so that'd keep you motivated to continue the app development.
There are already similar apps, but I don't know if they will detect lean angle and brake dive.
That's the first thing I thought of when I saw this app:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=424423
I haven't played with it, but maybe it could give you something to start with.
Check this out too
http://www.racechrono.com/
The newest SpeedoHealer has a top speed recall on it, and its only $100 for the whole system. Much less than having to buy a WM phone just to record top speeds.
Most of us need one of those anyway, but if you could make your app work in conjunction with that system.. could be very useful.
Especially for the initial calibration. Get the correct GPS speed from the phone, and then get on the SH website from the phone for the correct calibration code! Or find a way to integrate the SH code program thing into your app. so you don't have to get online for the code. That would be very useful for gearing changes at bike nights when the dyno is unavailable.
But you could load some track maps in it, have the thing record acc/dec at which points at each corner. Then you could see where you started braking at, and decide if you need to brake sooner and softer, or later and harder.
Maybe if (lets hope not) you go down, you could see how much decel. at what angle caused the loss of control.
Think you could set it up to calibrate the 2 axis independantly?
set the side to side while on a stand, then remove the stand and calibrate the front to back when loaded with the rider at static sag, cuz its going to change from when its on the stand and the stand is the only way you're going to get anything close to accurate verticle calibration, but the front to back will be off with the back wheel raised.
Where you thinking of mounting the phone to the bar/tripple clamps?
or under the tail?
I think I'd be afraid of losing such an expensive piece of equipment if it was mounted upfront. But you can't see anything on the screen under the tail.
Unless you didn't want it to display anything, just collect data.
Not that you'd be able to do much screen touching with gloves on anyway.
Better use large buttons! lol
Do you think you could setup the light sensor to determine if a headlight bulb is getting old? I don't know if the sensor will work when flooded with that much direct light.
Well anyway, just a few ideas for ya.
I don't ride at the track, but I'd like to test the app out when you get a working beta going.
I'm sure it could have its uses on the street.
And I know the speedo is off on my 08 Busa.
KYT said:
Well anyway, just a few ideas for ya.
I don't ride at the track, but I'd like to test the app out when you get a working beta going.
I'm sure it could have its uses on the street.
And I know the speedo is off on my 08 Busa.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the input. Until I can find some help on the GPS aspect of it I'm kinda idling.
I'm thinking...
When you start the app you will have to have it mounted and be on the bike. There will be a calibrate button which you will press when you are centered. From there on out you can pick a mode.
Your busa better not have any chrome on it. =/
Keep it up!
Very cool idea! I actually experimented with an analog 'curve counter' mounted to my motorcycle several years ago. Built a box with a steel ball inside that rode along a curved piece of metal and made contact closure with a terminal on each end - different viscosities of oil provided the dampening to keep it from bouncing around. This was coupled to an electronic counter that I built from a kit. It was kinda cool, but a pain to get mounted.
I don't have the experience to lend for application development, but I would certainly be willing to test any versions of the app you would like.
FYI - right now I use Run.GPS for tracking but would love to have lean angle and acceleration/deceleration data to go along with it. The only glitch with lean angle is that I assume the centrifugal force during cornering would prevent the accelerometer from reading the true lean angle...maybe some calculations could compensate.
go for it!
my hayabusa, my tp2 and I would be happy to be in your test team ;-)
and BTW, I am a veteran C# developer, so let me know if I can help.
(experienced in C#, but not in Win-Mo or HTC hardware)
Can't seem to get the compass working. Have tried the 8-gesture several times, but it just wont work.
Tried it both indoors and outdoors in open areas, but no luck.
Anyone else have this problem?
you are not doing it in the right way... try to do it in vertical way...
20mihalko said:
you are not doing it in the right way... try to do it in vertical way...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I've tried it in every possible direction and orientation now.. Did it work instantly for you?
I've seen the calibration screen yesterday on Leo exhibition .. and I totally don't understand what I should do with the phone. Is it somehow better described in manual or something ?
Oh .. found this on YT:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sP3d00Hr14o
Now it even gives sense.
Dr.Sid said:
I've seen the calibration screen yesterday on Leo exhibition .. and I totally don't understand what I should do with the phone. Is it somehow better described in manual or something ?
Oh .. found this on YT:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sP3d00Hr14o
Now it even gives sense.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didn't work for me... I can't understand how I can possibly do that gesture wrong
The manual tells me to follow the on-screen instructions
Had the same problem but got it work with vertical gesture
I don't know how many times I have tried to get it working, but thanks to the replies to this thread I have managed to go beyond the interference-message-screen. The tip about gesturing in a vertical direction did the trick.
My sincere thanks
How come our is so slow compared to the one on the iPhone (see youtube link above)
umiss said:
How come our is so slow compared to the one on the iPhone (see youtube link above)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's probably just a crap application. I reckon the compass itself is better than the compass app makes it look.
gonna bump this thread a bit... I'm still having problems.. haven't gotten the compass to work since I got my HD2 in november, and I've tried quite a few different roms aswell...
Faulty device?
Anyone else have this problem?
johncmolyneux said:
It's probably just a crap application. I reckon the compass itself is better than the compass app makes it look.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine is showing between 5 and 10 degrees difference for north, dependant on how much I wiggle the device beforehand.
Can't say it'd be wonderfully accurate anyway.
OP:
If you do the 8 gesture in one fluid motion that isn't too fast (say complete the motion in 3 - 4 seconds, it might work (mine did)
Gotta say I had almost given up on the compass. I had rarely gotten past the 'do a figure 8' screen, until tonight when i read the post about doing teh 8 vertically, not horizontally. Got a fix in about 3 figure 8's, and is as accurate as my Garmin GPSMap 60CSx inbuilt compass.
I'm not having problems with the compass...
sure, now and then it tells to do the eight-thing but I'm pretty having fun with it.....
rp-x1 said:
If you do the 8 gesture in one fluid motion that isn't too fast (say complete the motion in 3 - 4 seconds, it might work (mine did)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the tip, it worked for me too. Becuase I also had problems with the accuracy of the digital compass in the HD2, but this 8-gesture movement did the trick, and for my father's HD2 too... his compass was totally wrong, it showed 225° when the right direction was 310° (I tested it with a real, physical compass)
Have you noticed interference when pressing hardware buttons? Mine completely turn and points downwards when pressing the menu button in all compass apps and it is gradual depending on how firm you press. Seems like the buttons are interfering with the digital compass somehow. Holding down the menu button makes the needle really dance.
So, I happened to accidentally launch Google Sky map and found that the map auto-rotated to the direction (due west) immediately. I thought possibly Eugene373's Vibrant9 ROM had some extra GPS mojo that no one had mentioned and I was all excited until I turned my phone to landscape and saw the bearing get all jacked. After a few seconds I realized the issue with the compass is that it is not compensating for the orientation of the screen. If you hold your device in "portrait mode" and perfectly vertical, the compass works flawlessly and fast. If you change the orientation to anything off that axis (ie turn the phone to "landscape" or rotate the phone so that it is not perfectly perpendicular to the ground), the compass gets slower and further off it's correct bearing. This would explain why occasionally I seem to have "decent" compass functionality while other times it is completely jacked up. So the good news in my mind is that this should be fixable via software, and there is an immediate work around to being able to use things that require the compass to work (hold your phone in a portrait orientation).While I prefer (as I assume most people do) to view maps, google sky maps and layar with the phone in a landscape orientation, at now I can use the apps now whereas before they were completely unusable.
If someone else figured this out, please let me know. As far as I can everyone knew the compass wasn't working but noone knew "why".
K
my compass has been fine, but i read somewhere that if you need to "recalibrate" it, you just make a swinging motion with the phone in your hand. i guess the movement is supposed to reset it or something?
i dunno. hasn't been an issue for me
It seems to be calibrated fine as long as you "hold it right" (credit to Steve Jobs for that one.... )
Nope. Even when I hold it in perfect "portrait" orientation it's really, REALLY slow to adjust to movement...even when said movement is on an axis level with the ground. You're right, though, other orientations seem to completely throw it for a loop. Laying it flat seems to work the best for me.
I can usually get it to work ok, but it's flaky and nowhere close to the performance I've seen in the compass in other, cheaper Android phones. Forget about SkyMaps...when I hold the phone pointed upward to look at stars the compass just spins to wherever it wants to.
It's not just my device, either, I've personally had 2 Vibrants that were exactly the same way, and others seem to be sharing the experience (those who know what the compass does, anyway...it has nothing to do with GPS). Calibrating helps a little, but it doesn't get it to the point of what I would consider "working well."
Well, glad it worked on mine, sorry it doesn't seem to be more universal.
:|
klkarlin said:
Well, glad it worked on mine, sorry it doesn't seem to be more universal.
:|
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just curious...after your compass "settles" and you turn 180 degrees how long does it take for the compass to settle again? How does it compare with other Android phones?