Is the compass/magnetometer supposed to be this inaccurate? - Huawei P9 Lite Questions & Answers

Hey all,
Recently got this phone, and I discovered it doesn't have a gyroscope (Kinda took that for granted, should have researched before purchase).
I like to do VR stuff once in a while, so I found the option of using the Xposed module VirtualSensor.
It seems to work, only it's horribly inaccurate. I understand that combining the accelerometer with the compass/magnetometer will never be as accurate as a gyroscope, but I don't think it should be this bad.
I looked further into it, and it appears that my magnetometer is not as accurate as I would like it to be. I found multiple sources that don't even list the compass/magnetometer as a real sensor, is this true?
Anyway, using Sensor Kinetics (app) I monitored the magnetometer (it shows the same behavior using different apps). I wanted to post screenshots but as a new member apparently I can't.
I've calibrated my sensor by using the 8-motion and I measured at different locations, but the z-axis is always weird. There's some sort of disturbance in a pattern, it could be hardware or software. Every second or so there's a significant peak in the z-axis, jumping from -43 microT to -30 microT or even higher. (The magnitude of the graph is of course orientation dependent, but the accuracy shouldn't be this bad). The peaks in the z-axis match up with sudden yanks while using VirtualSensor (my accelerometer is stable).
Could anybody with a P9 Lite please confirm if they have a similar disturbance on their magnetic sensor as well, or do I have a faulty phone?

Related

Digital compass not working properly?

I think I may be having problems with the compass on my Aria. On all apps I've used that utilize the digital compass (sky map, compass, AR apps like wayfinder nyc), the compass movement seems jumpy and will give extremely inconsistent results, most times settling on an inconsistent heading.
Is there some way to check that the compass is properly calibrated?
Has anyone else been having problems?
Sent from my HTC Aria using XDA app
I very much have the same problem. Skymap and compass apps are incredibly underwhelming
Same here, skymap is basically unusable.
update:
Figured out a pretty good way to calibrate it. Launch skymap, then rotate the phone around several times on every axis (ie, rotate around x axis a few times, then y, then z). The magnetometer should reset itself and point in the correct direction.
update2:
After playing around with it for a while, I noticed that there is a difference of about 5-10 degrees between north in landscape mode and north in portrait mode. Pretty disappointing and lesson learned - don't rely on your Aria if you're going to Man vs. Wild it in the jungle for a while.
As with all digital compasses, it needs calibration, rather some sort of reset.. I haven't see true calibration.
See this video on it.. It's very simple to do. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sP3d00Hr14o
No, it's jot a joke. Compare against a real compass. Without this, I've found my N1 20+ degrees off, after, +/- 2
When i had the backflip you could go into the settings and click on compass calibration, you have to rotate/spin the phone on all it's axis or just do a figure 8 in the air with the phone. I did this yesterday on my Aria on google skymap, told me the sun was underground so I did a figure 8 to calibrate the compass and then it was all good. Just do it when you open any compass using app when you launch it.

Compass is inconsistent

I was just checking how bad the GPS is (again) and noticed that the compass is inconsistent, in that 'North' can change by up to 30 degrees depending on the orientation of the phone.
For example if I line up north with the phone on the table and place a piece of paper next it, then flip the phone round by 180 degrees and line the phone up to the edge of the paper, then the direction that was previously north is now 330 degrees, and 'north' is now 30 degress to the east.
I've now tried it in several places using different apps and with the hpne horizontal/vertical/upside down/whatever and it's always the same - when the phone is pointing 'south', 'north' moves 30 degrees to the east.
Obviously the sensors in the phone are just junk and Samsung have sold me a lemon. Anyone else have any similiar problems?
The problem is clearly aliens! their technology is not compatable with our own and they threaten all navigational devices.
the only solution is silver foil around the phone.
<stu> said:
I was just checking how bad the GPS is (again) and noticed that the compass is inconsistent, in that 'North' can change by up to 30 degrees depending on the orientation of the phone.
For example if I line up north with the phone on the table and place a piece of paper next it, then flip the phone round by 180 degrees and line the phone up to the edge of the paper, then the direction that was previously north is now 330 degrees, and 'north' is now 30 degress to the east.
I've now tried it in several places using different apps and with the hpne horizontal/vertical/upside down/whatever and it's always the same - when the phone is pointing 'south', 'north' moves 30 degrees to the east.
Obviously the sensors in the phone are just junk and Samsung have sold me a lemon. Anyone else have any similiar problems?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you ever tried to calibrate the sensors? Doesn´t look so. No matter in what position i hold the phone, the difference is never more than 1-2 degrees!
The first few times I tried it, it was fine, but it did go out of alignment eventually after moving he phone around a lot. Although, that can happen due to external magnetic fields. In planes we normally use compass correction cards to help correct mistakes in the compass, and I'm not sure how good the Galaxy S is at compensating for those errors either (although, I don't think that would explain 30 degrees error).
Also, where are you living? Remember, the earths magnetic field is strongest closer to the poles, and weakest at the equator.
TMReuffurth said:
Have you ever tried to calibrate the sensors? Doesn´t look so. No matter in what position i hold the phone, the difference is never more than 1-2 degrees!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I've calibrated (and re-calibrated) the sensors and it doesn't make any difference.
I'm glad yours works so well - I bet your gps is super-accurate too.
I live in the uk and my trusty G1 has no problems, so I can only assume it is the SGS.
<stu> said:
Yes I've calibrated (and re-calibrated) the sensors and it doesn't make any difference.
I'm glad yours works so well - I bet your gps is super-accurate too.
I live in the uk and my trusty G1 has no problems, so I can only assume it is the SGS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My GPS is not so accurate, but its usable. The sensors are very sensitive. If you use the compass near my laptop (15 cm away or nearer) it´s becoming completely useless too.
try to use the compass far from electrical equipment like computers or tv´s. Makes a huge different for me. When using the phone 15 cm away from my laptop, the compass get´s unusable too. As soon as i reach 20 cm far from the laptop the compass works as it should.
Also, one more thing, the "sheet" trick is easily affected by interference if the compass isn't located in the centre of the galaxy S.
If it were results would be better. Does anyone know where the magnetic sensor is located on the i9000? Because if you spin it around the sensor, rather than the middle of the phone, the compass should remain consistant, provided the magnetic interference is constant.
I found since updating to JPM froyo from JM9 my compass is not just 30 degrees off, its sometimes 180! I've done the recalib etc but it jumps around all over the place. Good thing I'm not bothered one bit by it as I rarely if ever use gps/directional apps.
my Gps works good. But Compass not so much. Does GPS have to be on to use Compass? How do I calibrate the compass?
@andrewluecke with so many electrical equipments/circuits inside the phone, I reckon it must be hard to isolate the compass from the interference as we are able to do in aircraft.
ANyways there is no practical daily use of compass for me.
Well I was messing around last night and found that if I tip the phone backwards nad forwards slightly (so it is still mostly horizontal) then "North" can vary quite a bit. I tried the LBSTestModes which seemed to be better, but it still has issues, and like ickyboo I've managed to make it face 180 degrees off North.
As for everyday applications - well I suppose Navigation is the main one I use, although any augmented reality app is gonna be affected. So that means the Layar app that Samsung advertise as a feature of the phone is useless.
<stu> said:
Well I was messing around last night and found that if I tip the phone backwards nad forwards slightly (so it is still mostly horizontal) then "North" can vary quite a bit. I tried the LBSTestModes which seemed to be better, but it still has issues, and like ickyboo I've managed to make it face 180 degrees off North.
As for everyday applications - well I suppose Navigation is the main one I use, although any augmented reality app is gonna be affected. So that means the Layar app that Samsung advertise as a feature of the phone is useless.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't suppose you know if this is why the Google Skymap application is always misaligned? (I've tried all the calibration methods I've been able to find and it's still always off)
retro83 said:
I don't suppose you know if this is why the Google Skymap application is always misaligned? (I've tried all the calibration methods I've been able to find and it's still always off)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it would definitely explain that.

HOW DO I CALIBRATE MY GYROSCOPE? [caps]

Im getting really pissed off here, i apologize but i need a solution
Samsung s4, I9505 with latest Cyanogenmod flashed.
Noticed that my phone is drifting to the right every time i play a game or using Google cardboard.
any way to fix this?
I have the same issue on the i9515 (S4 VE).
When holding the phone still and straight during a cardboard app:
the view rotates continuously
the horizon is at an angle
I've tried:
Calibrating gyroscope using *#0*#
Calibrating magnetic sensor using *#0*#
Calibrating using GPS status app
calibrating by moving the device in a "figure 8" shape several times
All to no avail. Note that all testing apps and the *#0*# show that the sensors work perfectly, and I don't have problems in other apps. So maybe it's a cardboard-specific issue?
---------- Post added at 05:42 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:37 PM ----------
In addition: I tested using an app called "Hang gliding" by i-mmersive. This is a VR app, but not cardboard. It doesn't have the symptoms above. Hence it seems to be a cardboard-specific issue indeed.
The drift is actually being caused by the magnet in the cardboard headset.. And not all VR apps take the drift caused by the magnet into account while calibrating the gyroscope..You can either a)remove the magnet or b)use a second magnet at the opposite end to neutralize the effect caused by the first magnet(better option)
No it is not caused by the magnet in the google cardboard.
Harry5233 said:
The drift is actually being caused by the magnet in the cardboard headset.. And not all VR apps take the drift caused by the magnet into account while calibrating the gyroscope..You can either a)remove the magnet or b)use a second magnet at the opposite end to neutralize the effect caused by the first magnet(better option)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please verify things before proclaiming as matter of fact.
I can confirm this is occurring without any cardboard magnets. I have plastic version of Google cardboard that has no magnets and it still happens.
http://android.stackexchange.com/questions/59532/how-can-i-calibrate-the-tilting-sensor-on-android
Try the suggestions given on the page and next time, try searching Google. This was one of the top five results on the page.
I too have experienced constant drift in VR apps, and I also am not using any magnets (I built mine out of a cardboard box and some hobby-lobby lenses). After downloading a dozen calibration apps from Play Store and the problem not going away, I finally tried something that fixed my drift problem:
1. Start Google Cardboard
2. Notice the drifting
3. Notice your hands are most likely shaking
4. Set the phone down so that the gyro has a chance to steady itself
5. Pick phone back up
6. Notice no more drifting
7. Rejoice!
For everyone that has the drift problem...
1. download cardboard app form google play store
2. find a 3d headset QR code and use it with your cardboard app
Worked for me..
I have notice this as well. The worst is the shaking. *NOTE: This doea not happen when in Oculus GearVR. I used a calibration testing app and noticed my accelerometer to be constantly on the run. I grabbed "Accelerometer Calibration Free" off of the play store and there was a SLIGHT improvement I also turned my filters on sensors all the way up with another app but that was questionable so I dont want to slander or promote. In the end for Verizon at least I believe the answer to be AS CUSTOMERS WE ARE ALL TO DUMB TO CALIBRATE OR HAVE THE ACCESS TO. I mean really this is what they are saying when we get locked out of general settings like calibration, and have all access codes to such features locked. I think big red got to big for their own britches. So if you want to calibrate root and re rom. If the custome rom locks you out......well maybe they are fatening up to. Or just not paying attention to detail... ANOTHER NOTE* IF YOU RUN CALIBRATION OR TEST APPS YOU WILL SEE UNCALIBRATED SENSORS THIS IS NORMAL AND IS A SECONDARY SENSOR(s) THAT PROVIDES RAW DATA TO THE SYSTEM......So don't trip.
I have redmi 4. It seems that cardboard uses one of device cameras as a additianal signal to stabilize image screen. Unfortunately, in redmi 4 cardboard takes signal from front camera - this camera is usually closed by vr-headset. Who knows, maybe some of you have the same problem.
Weird issue with my gs5
So on my galaxy s5 I've noticed there is a really occuring bug where anything that needs a gyroscope like ar games vr apps and especially vr YouTube videos the veiw moves when I'm not moving at all and I've noticed it with pokemon go as well can someone help me I've tried calibratin my gyro but that never worked

A question regarding test from #0# dial

Hi note 4 users,
I chanced upon a test that dial #0# (forget the exact number) which bring you to a test screen where you can check the screen, color, camera all sort of tests...
I have it all pass except for a test in HRM which is HRM EOL Sensor test.
I had quite a few selections which is fail granting the overall test Failed.
P_ir ac level
dc level
d_ir dc level
p_red ac level
p_red dc level
f_red dc level
cloud uv ratio
i had no idea referring to which hardware or software. Is it infrared sensor?
While using note 4 i didnt notice any weird stuff going on. Is still pretty smooth in performance and displaying & sound good. Except for firefox app random lag or crash error. All is good.
Any answer? thanks.
Hrm eol sensor test
jianrong said:
Hi note 4 users,
I chanced upon a test that dial #0# (forget the exact number) which bring you to a test screen where you can check the screen, color, camera all sort of tests...
I have it all pass except for a test in HRM which is HRM EOL Sensor test.
I had quite a few selections which is fail granting the overall test Failed.
P_ir ac level
dc level
d_ir dc level
p_red ac level
p_red dc level
f_red dc level
cloud uv ratio
i had no idea referring to which hardware or software. Is it infrared sensor?
While using note 4 i didnt notice any weird stuff going on. Is still pretty smooth in performance and displaying & sound good. Except for firefox app random lag or crash error. All is good.
Any answer? thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, I think it is the Heart Rate Monitor sensor in the back of the phone.
it is the IR blaster (remote controller)

Compass and Level Calibration

Hi All,
Have you tried compass and level tools among ZTE tools? First of all I waved 8 I don't know how many times till it was "calibrated". If it really was. I have doubts because result is far from the accurate. Secondly I tried level tool and spirit level is not needed to say that it shows wrong values. Thirdly camera in manual mod displays a spirit level which also incorrect. Do you have bad or good experiences with these tools? Can anyone know how can level be calibrated?
I have the same problem on my Axon 7. The Y axis is about 5 degrees off.
I can't find any way how to calibrate without root. Did you find a solution or can anyone else help?
Hi,
It looks that compass works correctly more or less. Regarding spirit level. No I haven't got permanent solution. All program can calibrate level. Some of them can store calibration result but of course it isn't effective generally. I tested all sensors with different programs and they seem good. I don't have other A7 so I can compare the values to other brands. Try GPS Status and Toolbox to test sensors.
I worry a bit that VR won't work correctly but I think it will have own calibration method.

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