Operations Manual Perdix
Manual DocRev B
31
It is important to understand some compass limitations
before use.
Calibration:
The digital compass needs occasional calibration. This can be
done in the System Setup Compass menu and takes only
one minute. See the compass Setup sub-section of the Menu
Reference section of this manual for instructions on setting
up and calibrating the compass.
Battery Changes:
When the battery is changed, the compass should be
calibrated. This is because each battery has its own magnetic
signature that interacts with the compass. Fortunately this
effect can be removed with proper calibration.
Interference:
Metal objects, permanent magnets, and other sources of
magnetic interference such as electric motors should be
kept away from the compass. We recommend comparing
the compass accuracy to a known good compass with and
without the interfering object in place to see if it has an
effect.
Shipwrecks may interfere with the compass reading and so
the compass function should not be used near or inside of a
shipwreck. Use the same discretion and training as you would
with a traditional compass.
Magnetic declination (also called magnetic variation) is the
difference between magnetic and True North. This can be
compensated in the Compass Setup menu using the True
North setting. The magnetic declination varies around the
world, so will need to be readjusted when travelling.
Magnetic inclination (or magnetic dip) is how much the
Earth's magnetic field points up or down. The Perdix compass
automatically compensates for this angle. However, in some
locations (near the poles) the inclination angle can exceed
80° (i.e. the magnetic field points almost directly up or
down), in which case the specified accuracy may not be met.
COMPASS
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