How to calibrate the compass on an iPad Pro 9.7-inch?

[David Taylor]

How do I calibrate the compass on an iPad Pro 9.7-inch? It's not
obvious from the manual, and none of the programs I've tried ask for
calibration before use. It's way off at the moment.

--
Thanks,
David
Web: http://www.satsignal.eu

[nospam]

In article <nt74i6$3fl$1...@dont-email.me>, David Taylor

<david-...@blueyonder.co.uk.invalid> wrote:

> How do I calibrate the compass on an iPad Pro 9.7-inch? It's not
> obvious from the manual, and none of the programs I've tried ask for
> calibration before use. It's way off at the moment.

it automatically asks when needed. if it doesn't ask, then it's not
needed. computers are smart, that way.

[Savageduck]

On 2016-10-07 03:25:09 +0000, David Taylor

<david-...@blueyonder.co.uk.invalid> said:

> How do I calibrate the compass on an iPad Pro 9.7-inch? It's not
> obvious from the manual, and none of the programs I've tried ask for
> calibration before use. It's way off at the moment.

Depending on actual geographic position the typical error rate of the
compass can range from 10%-25%. The best possible would be about 5%.
Right now my compass is reporting an accuracy of ±18%, and it does not
need calibration.

Calibration of the compass (or any third party compass apps) is
triggered by the need/demand of the app.
The actual act of calibration entails rolling a ball (part of the
calibration graphic) around the compass rose several times until it
reverts to the standard compass graphic.

--
Regards,

Savageduck

[Savageduck]

You would probably find an inexpensive orienteering, or hand bearing
compass far more accurate than the compass apps for iOS. I have found
"Pro Compass" from Hunter to be as good as it gets for iPhone and iPad.
<https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pro-compass/id517739197?mt=8>

For reasonable accuracy something along these lines might be better.
<https://www.rei.com/product/890930/suunto-m-3-d-leader-compass>
--
Regards,

Savageduck

[David Taylor]

On 07/10/2016 04:54, Savageduck wrote:
[]

> Depending on actual geographic position the typical error rate of the
> compass can range from 10%-25%. The best possible would be about 5%.
> Right now my compass is reporting an accuracy of ±18%, and it does not
> need calibration.
>
> Calibration of the compass (or any third party compass apps) is
> triggered by the need/demand of the app.
> The actual act of calibration entails rolling a ball (part of the
> calibration graphic) around the compass rose several times until it
> reverts to the standard compass graphic.

Thanks for both posts.

Yes, I've used iPads before and know /how/ to do it, but I can't seem to
trigger the calibration sequence on this iOS 10 iPad. I have a couple
of the programs you kindly recommended before, but they don't seem to
trigger calibration. Perhaps I need to try harder! I read somewhere
that iPads don't have compasses, but I'm not sure that's correct.

The error is something like 120 degrees, and is needed for VR and AR
programs, such as ones which show labels against aircraft in the sky or
ships at sea, and for star chart programs. They are unusable at present.

I wonder if having the magnetic keyboard attached is the problem?

--
Cheers,
David
Web: http://www.satsignal.eu

[nospam]

In article <nt8gta$e96$1...@dont-email.me>, David Taylor

<david-...@blueyonder.co.uk.invalid> wrote:

> Yes, I've used iPads before and know /how/ to do it, but I can't seem to
> trigger the calibration sequence on this iOS 10 iPad.

you can't. it's trigged only when needed (and sometimes even when it's
not).

> I have a couple
> of the programs you kindly recommended before, but they don't seem to
> trigger calibration. Perhaps I need to try harder! I read somewhere
> that iPads don't have compasses, but I'm not sure that's correct.

it's not.

wifi-only ipads do't have a gps, but they all have a compass.

> The error is something like 120 degrees, and is needed for VR and AR
> programs, such as ones which show labels against aircraft in the sky or
> ships at sea, and for star chart programs. They are unusable at present.
>
> I wonder if having the magnetic keyboard attached is the problem?

duh.

[Savageduck]

On 2016-10-07 16:02:01 +0000, David Taylor

<david-...@blueyonder.co.uk.invalid> said:

> On 07/10/2016 04:54, Savageduck wrote:
> []
>> Depending on actual geographic position the typical error rate of the
>> compass can range from 10%-25%. The best possible would be about 5%.
>> Right now my compass is reporting an accuracy of ±18%, and it does not
>> need calibration.
>>
>> Calibration of the compass (or any third party compass apps) is
>> triggered by the need/demand of the app.
>> The actual act of calibration entails rolling a ball (part of the
>> calibration graphic) around the compass rose several times until it
>> reverts to the standard compass graphic.
>
> Thanks for both posts.
>
> Yes, I've used iPads before and know /how/ to do it, but I can't seem
> to trigger the calibration sequence on this iOS 10 iPad. I have a
> couple of the programs you kindly recommended before, but they don't
> seem to trigger calibration. Perhaps I need to try harder! I read
> somewhere that iPads don't have compasses, but I'm not sure that's
> correct.

There is no way to initiate or trigger calibration, it is sort of on as
need by the app basis, and I believe there must be some sort of error
threashold which triggers that. The only exception I know of is with
the Hunter Pro Compass app which lets you calibrate the inclinometer
from the app preferences.

The earlier iPads were not delivered with a compass, but they were
still capable of running compass apps. The other issue with iPads are
the differences in GPS/Geo location capability between the WiFi only
and WiFi+Cellular versions, especially with early versions such as the
iPad2.

> The error is something like 120 degrees, and is needed for VR and AR
> programs, such as ones which show labels against aircraft in the sky or
> ships at sea, and for star chart programs. They are unusable at
> present.

A 120 degree error seems to be beyond unacceptable, I am sure there has
to be some other factor influencing that sort of error.

>
> I wonder if having the magnetic keyboard attached is the problem?

You think??
That has to be a major factor in such a large error.
--
Regards,

Savageduck

[W. Wesley Groleau]

Or when it's not needed. I have an app, "maps.me," which asks
approximately every five minutes. When using other tracking apps,
I get asked only rarely.

--
Wes Groleau

[W. Wesley Groleau]

On 10-07-2016 11:02, David Taylor wrote:
> Yes, I've used iPads before and know /how/ to do it, but I can't seem to
> trigger the calibration sequence on this iOS 10 iPad. I have a couple
> of the programs you kindly recommended before, but they don't seem to
> trigger calibration. Perhaps I need to try harder! I read somewhere
> that iPads don't have compasses, but I'm not sure that's correct.

The compass APP is omitted from IOS on iPad, even those with GPS.

The compass hardware and API is still there, but you have to use a
third-party app to get to it.

Don't know why they left it out. Perhaps to ensure people don't try to
avoid buying an iPhone by using an iPad instead.

--
Wes Groleau

[nospam]

In article <nt8sbp$lsv$4...@dont-email.me>, W. Wesley Groleau

<Grolea...@FreeShell.org> wrote:

> > Yes, I've used iPads before and know /how/ to do it, but I can't seem to
> > trigger the calibration sequence on this iOS 10 iPad. I have a couple
> > of the programs you kindly recommended before, but they don't seem to
> > trigger calibration. Perhaps I need to try harder! I read somewhere
> > that iPads don't have compasses, but I'm not sure that's correct.
>
> The compass APP is omitted from IOS on iPad, even those with GPS.
>
> The compass hardware and API is still there, but you have to use a
> third-party app to get to it.

big deal.

> Don't know why they left it out.

because there's little need with the zillions of third party options.

> Perhaps to ensure people don't try to
> avoid buying an iPhone by using an iPad instead.

no.

[Jolly Roger]

W. Wesley Groleau <Grolea...@FreeShell.org> wrote:
>

> I have an app, "maps.me," which asks
> approximately every five minutes. When using other tracking apps,
> I get asked only rarely.

I have maps.me and haven't ever had it ask me to calibrate.

--
E-mail sent to this address may be devoured by my ravenous SPAM filter.
I often ignore posts from Google. Use a real news client instead.

JR

[Zaidy036]

Uninstall, power cycle the iPad, reinstall

[News]

So intuitive, it hurts.

[nospam]

In article <nt9051$6ci$1...@dont-email.me>, Zaidy036 <Zaid...@isp.spam>
wrote:

> >
> > I wonder if having the magnetic keyboard attached is the problem?
> >
> Uninstall, power cycle the iPad, reinstall

complete waste of time.

the reason is obvious, he has a *magnetic* *keyboard*. it's user error.

[W. Wesley Groleau]

On 10-07-2016 15:01, Jolly Roger wrote:
> W. Wesley Groleau <Grolea...@FreeShell.org> wrote:
>>
>> I have an app, "maps.me," which asks
>> approximately every five minutes. When using other tracking apps,
>> I get asked only rarely.
>
> I have maps.me and haven't ever had it ask me to calibrate.

Hmmmm.


--
Wes Groleau

[David Taylor]

On 07/10/2016 21:01, Jolly Roger wrote:
> W. Wesley Groleau <Grolea...@FreeShell.org> wrote:
>>
>> I have an app, "maps.me," which asks
>> approximately every five minutes. When using other tracking apps,
>> I get asked only rarely.
>
> I have maps.me and haven't ever had it ask me to calibrate.

Same here, but I don't use it for routing.

[David Taylor]

On 07/10/2016 21:22, Zaidy036 wrote:
[]

> Uninstall, power cycle the iPad, reinstall

Made no difference, still not being asked for a compass calibration routine.

[Mallocy]

Oddly though, the 'iPad User Guide for iOS 10' has a chapter devoted
to Compass app. It starts "Open Compass in the Extras folder".

[nospam]

In article <57f8cd17$0$55532$b1db1813$df80...@news.astraweb.com>,

Mallocy <nu...@example.net> wrote:

> Oddly though, the 'iPad User Guide for iOS 10' has a chapter devoted
> to Compass app. It starts "Open Compass in the Extras folder".

that's obviously a mistake.

[David Taylor]

On 08/10/2016 11:40, Mallocy wrote:
[]

> Oddly though, the 'iPad User Guide for iOS 10' has a chapter devoted
> to Compass app. It starts "Open Compass in the Extras folder".

Yes, I found that, and was immediately stymied with the lack of an
"Extras folder" or a "Compass app". Where would I find that folder (on
an iPad)?

[nospam]

In article <ntartp$cm2$1...@dont-email.me>, David Taylor

<david-...@blueyonder.co.uk.invalid> wrote:

> > Oddly though, the 'iPad User Guide for iOS 10' has a chapter devoted
> > to Compass app. It starts "Open Compass in the Extras folder".
>
> Yes, I found that, and was immediately stymied with the lack of an
> "Extras folder" or a "Compass app". Where would I find that folder (on
> an iPad)?

obviously, they copy/pasted it from the iphone guide by mistake.

if you want a compass app, download one of the zillions on the app
store, many of which do more than anything apple would have included.

[Jolly Roger]

nospam <nos...@nospam.invalid> wrote:
> In article <ntartp$cm2$1...@dont-email.me>, David Taylor
> <david-...@blueyonder.co.uk.invalid> wrote:
>
>>> Oddly though, the 'iPad User Guide for iOS 10' has a chapter devoted
>>> to Compass app. It starts "Open Compass in the Extras folder".
>>
>> Yes, I found that, and was immediately stymied with the lack of an
>> "Extras folder" or a "Compass app". Where would I find that folder (on
>> an iPad)?
>
> obviously, they copy/pasted it from the iphone guide by mistake.

When was there an Extras folder on the iPhone?

[nospam]

In article <e5shb7...@mid.individual.net>, Jolly Roger

<jolly...@pobox.com> wrote:

> >
> >>> Oddly though, the 'iPad User Guide for iOS 10' has a chapter devoted
> >>> to Compass app. It starts "Open Compass in the Extras folder".
> >>
> >> Yes, I found that, and was immediately stymied with the lack of an
> >> "Extras folder" or a "Compass app". Where would I find that folder (on
> >> an iPad)?
> >
> > obviously, they copy/pasted it from the iphone guide by mistake.
>
> When was there an Extras folder on the iPhone?

ios 7:
<https://www.macstories.net/roundups/ios-7-tips-tricks-and-details/>
The Utilities folder is now called Extras and contains Contacts and
the Calculator apps.

which gained a few more apps in ios 8:
<http://lowendmac.com/2014/ios-8-a-brief-introduction/>
One the second page, we find the Extras folder, which contains
Contacts, Calculator, and Compass. There零 also Voice Memos, iBooks,
FaceTime, Newsstand, Podcasts, Health, and Tips, the last two new
with iOS 8.

<http://lowendmac.com/wp-content/uploads/ios-8-page-2.png>

[Jolly Roger]

On 2016-10-08, nospam <nos...@nospam.invalid> wrote:
> In article <e5shb7...@mid.individual.net>, Jolly Roger
><jolly...@pobox.com> wrote:
>
>> >
>> >>> Oddly though, the 'iPad User Guide for iOS 10' has a chapter devoted
>> >>> to Compass app. It starts "Open Compass in the Extras folder".
>> >>
>> >> Yes, I found that, and was immediately stymied with the lack of an
>> >> "Extras folder" or a "Compass app". Where would I find that folder (on
>> >> an iPad)?
>> >
>> > obviously, they copy/pasted it from the iphone guide by mistake.
>>
>> When was there an Extras folder on the iPhone?
>
> ios 7:
><https://www.macstories.net/roundups/ios-7-tips-tricks-and-details/>
> The Utilities folder is now called Extras and contains Contacts and
> the Calculator apps.
>
> which gained a few more apps in ios 8:
><http://lowendmac.com/2014/ios-8-a-brief-introduction/>
> One the second page, we find the Extras folder, which contains

> Contacts, Calculator, and Compass. There¹s also Voice Memos, iBooks,

> FaceTime, Newsstand, Podcasts, Health, and Tips, the last two new
> with iOS 8.
>
><http://lowendmac.com/wp-content/uploads/ios-8-page-2.png>

I don't remember that at all. Then again my memory sucks. : )

[nospam]

In article <e5skm0...@mid.individual.net>, Jolly Roger

<jolly...@pobox.com> wrote:

> >>
> >> When was there an Extras folder on the iPhone?
> >
> > ios 7:
> ><https://www.macstories.net/roundups/ios-7-tips-tricks-and-details/>
> > The Utilities folder is now called Extras and contains Contacts and
> > the Calculator apps.
> >
> > which gained a few more apps in ios 8:
> ><http://lowendmac.com/2014/ios-8-a-brief-introduction/>
> > One the second page, we find the Extras folder, which contains

> > Contacts, Calculator, and Compass. There1s also Voice Memos, iBooks,

> > FaceTime, Newsstand, Podcasts, Health, and Tips, the last two new
> > with iOS 8.
> >
> ><http://lowendmac.com/wp-content/uploads/ios-8-page-2.png>
>
> I don't remember that at all. Then again my memory sucks. : )

you wouldn't have noticed if you restored from a backup because it
would have put back whatever folders you had.

[Jolly Roger]

On 2016-10-08, nospam <nos...@nospam.invalid> wrote:

I was just thinking that's probably why I never saw it.

[David Taylor]

On 08/10/2016 17:27, Jolly Roger wrote:
[]

> I was just thinking that's probably why I never saw it.

I see that all the illustrations are for the iPhone. On my iPad there
is no extras folder, no calculator, and contacts is already on the
"desktop". I suspect that Extras has never been available on the iPad,
but I would love to be proven wrong.

[nospam]

In article <ntb8h9$p5l$1...@dont-email.me>, David Taylor

<david-...@blueyonder.co.uk.invalid> wrote:

>
> I see that all the illustrations are for the iPhone. On my iPad there
> is no extras folder, no calculator, and contacts is already on the
> "desktop". I suspect that Extras has never been available on the iPad,
> but I would love to be proven wrong.

you're frequently proven wrong, however, this time isn't one of them.

as i said initially, it was a copy/paste error from the iphone guide.

[W. Wesley Groleau]

On 10-08-2016 04:50, David Taylor wrote:
> On 07/10/2016 21:01, Jolly Roger wrote:
>> W. Wesley Groleau <Grolea...@FreeShell.org> wrote:
>>>
>>> I have an app, "maps.me," which asks
>>> approximately every five minutes. When using other tracking apps,
>>> I get asked only rarely.
>>
>> I have maps.me and haven't ever had it ask me to calibrate.
>
> Same here, but I don't use it for routing.

Nor do I. Perhaps my use—recording my path—is the difference, but as I
said, other tracking apps haven't done that.

The 99-cent compass app recently recommended here, however, asked twice
within five minutes after installing, and I had been sitting in the same
chair the whole time.

--
Wes Groleau

[W. Wesley Groleau]

On 10-08-2016 05:40, Mallocy wrote:
> Oddly though, the 'iPad User Guide for iOS 10' has a chapter devoted
> to Compass app. It starts "Open Compass in the Extras folder".

?? I don't have an "Extras" folder. The only folders I have were
created by me. (Except for Newsstand, but we're not supposed to know
that's a folder.)

--
Wes Groleau

[W. Wesley Groleau]

On 10-08-2016 10:41, nospam wrote:
> In article <e5shb7...@mid.individual.net>, Jolly Roger
> <jolly...@pobox.com> wrote:
>> When was there an Extras folder on the iPhone?
>
> ios 7:
> <https://www.macstories.net/roundups/ios-7-tips-tricks-and-details/>
> The Utilities folder is now called Extras and contains Contacts and
> the Calculator apps.
>
> which gained a few more apps in ios 8:
> <http://lowendmac.com/2014/ios-8-a-brief-introduction/>
> One the second page, we find the Extras folder, which contains

> Contacts, Calculator, and Compass. There¹s also Voice Memos, iBooks,

> FaceTime, Newsstand, Podcasts, Health, and Tips, the last two new
> with iOS 8.
>
> <http://lowendmac.com/wp-content/uploads/ios-8-page-2.png>

Interesting. My iPhone(s) never had such a folder, and the one that
broke last spring I upgraded from eight to nine. The one before that I
took from five or six to eight or nine.

--
Wes Groleau

[W. Wesley Groleau]

On 10-08-2016 13:55, W. Wesley Groleau wrote:
> On 10-08-2016 10:41, nospam wrote:
>> In article <e5shb7...@mid.individual.net>, Jolly Roger
>> <jolly...@pobox.com> wrote:
>>> When was there an Extras folder on the iPhone?
>>
>> ios 7:
>> <https://www.macstories.net/roundups/ios-7-tips-tricks-and-details/>
>> The Utilities folder is now called Extras and contains Contacts and
>> the Calculator apps.

[snip]

> Interesting. My iPhone(s) never had such a folder, and the one that
> broke last spring I upgraded from eight to nine. The one before that I
> took from five or six to eight or nine.

I also never had a Utilities folder except for a few seconds: when I
created a folder with apps from the Utilities _category_, that was the
automatic name of the folder until I changed it.

--
Wes Groleau

[David Taylor]

On 08/10/2016 19:51, W. Wesley Groleau wrote:
[]

> Nor do I. Perhaps my use—recording my path—is the difference, but as I
> said, other tracking apps haven't done that.
>
> The 99-cent compass app recently recommended here, however, asked twice
> within five minutes after installing, and I had been sitting in the same
> chair the whole time.

I tried switching on the "Record path (1 hour)" in Maps.Me, but it
didn't produce any track on the map, nor is there (as yet) any way to
save the track to a file. And, no, it still doesn't ask for calibration.

I'll just have to accept that the compass in this very expensive iPad
Pro is almost useless. Sad. Back to the trusted Android phone.

[Jolly Roger]

David Taylor <david-...@blueyonder.co.uk.invalid> wrote:
> On 08/10/2016 19:51, W. Wesley Groleau wrote:
> []
>> Nor do I. Perhaps my use—recording my path—is the difference, but as I
>> said, other tracking apps haven't done that.
>>
>> The 99-cent compass app recently recommended here, however, asked twice
>> within five minutes after installing, and I had been sitting in the same
>> chair the whole time.
>
> I tried switching on the "Record path (1 hour)" in Maps.Me, but it
> didn't produce any track on the map, nor is there (as yet) any way to
> save the track to a file. And, no, it still doesn't ask for calibration.

Earlier you mentioned using a magnetic keyboard with this iPad. Did you try
removing the magnetic keyboard from the general area of the iPad?

> I'll just have to accept that the compass in this very expensive iPad
> Pro is almost useless. Sad. Back to the trusted Android phone.

Are you using a magnetic keyboard with your trusted Android phone too? If
not, perhaps this is an unfair comparison.

[Jolly Roger]

Jolly Roger <jolly...@pobox.com> wrote:
> David Taylor <david-...@blueyonder.co.uk.invalid> wrote:
>> On 08/10/2016 19:51, W. Wesley Groleau wrote:
>> []
>>> Nor do I. Perhaps my use—recording my path—is the difference, but as I
>>> said, other tracking apps haven't done that.
>>>
>>> The 99-cent compass app recently recommended here, however, asked twice
>>> within five minutes after installing, and I had been sitting in the same
>>> chair the whole time.
>>
>> I tried switching on the "Record path (1 hour)" in Maps.Me, but it
>> didn't produce any track on the map, nor is there (as yet) any way to
>> save the track to a file. And, no, it still doesn't ask for calibration.
>
> Earlier you mentioned using a magnetic keyboard with this iPad. Did you try
> removing the magnetic keyboard from the general area of the iPad?
>
>> I'll just have to accept that the compass in this very expensive iPad
>> Pro is almost useless. Sad. Back to the trusted Android phone.
>
> Are you using a magnetic keyboard with your trusted Android phone too? If
> not, perhaps this is an unfair comparison.

I also find it interesting that you'd rather go "back to the trusted
Android phone" than pick up the phone and call Apple support to see if they
can help resolve the issue... Do I smell a troll?

[nospam]

In article <e6740f...@mid.individual.net>, Jolly Roger

<jolly...@pobox.com> wrote:

> > I'll just have to accept that the compass in this very expensive iPad
> > Pro is almost useless. Sad. Back to the trusted Android phone.
>
> Are you using a magnetic keyboard with your trusted Android phone too? If
> not, perhaps this is an unfair comparison.

no perhaps about it. all of his comparisons with apple products
conveniently ignore that android is the same, often worse.

[nospam]

In article <e674gr...@mid.individual.net>, Jolly Roger

<jolly...@pobox.com> wrote:

> >> I'll just have to accept that the compass in this very expensive iPad
> >> Pro is almost useless. Sad. Back to the trusted Android phone.
> >
> > Are you using a magnetic keyboard with your trusted Android phone too? If
> > not, perhaps this is an unfair comparison.
>
> I also find it interesting that you'd rather go "back to the trusted
> Android phone" than pick up the phone and call Apple support to see if they
> can help resolve the issue... Do I smell a troll?

yes.

[David Taylor]

On 12/10/2016 16:43, Jolly Roger wrote:
> David Taylor <david-...@blueyonder.co.uk.invalid> wrote:
>> On 08/10/2016 19:51, W. Wesley Groleau wrote:
>> []
>>> Nor do I. Perhaps my use—recording my path—is the difference, but as I
>>> said, other tracking apps haven't done that.
>>>
>>> The 99-cent compass app recently recommended here, however, asked twice
>>> within five minutes after installing, and I had been sitting in the same
>>> chair the whole time.
>>
>> I tried switching on the "Record path (1 hour)" in Maps.Me, but it
>> didn't produce any track on the map, nor is there (as yet) any way to
>> save the track to a file. And, no, it still doesn't ask for calibration.
>
> Earlier you mentioned using a magnetic keyboard with this iPad. Did you try
> removing the magnetic keyboard from the general area of the iPad?
>
>> I'll just have to accept that the compass in this very expensive iPad
>> Pro is almost useless. Sad. Back to the trusted Android phone.
>
> Are you using a magnetic keyboard with your trusted Android phone too? If
> not, perhaps this is an unfair comparison.

Yes, without the keyboard the calibration was very bad. I carried out a
couple of tests using the Spyglass program mentioned by the duck:

- removing the keyboard, the calibration was still bad.

- although there as no prompt to calibrate, I carried out the same
procedure as recommended for the Android phone - rotating the iPad in
all three planes. The calibration was then good.

- I replaced the keyboard, and the good calibration held (which
surprised me). I left the keyboard attached, as in normal use it is
kept on as a protective cover in a different fold to its use as a keyboard.

- however, a few minutes later after the iPad had timed out, I restarted
Spyglass and found the calibration bad once again.

I take your point about the keyboard and not having one on the phone,
but if there are issues with the keyboard attached either the manual,
iOS or the program in use should provide a warning about accuracy.
Perhaps this is why Apple don't provide these functions with an iPad as
they are unreliable.

[David Taylor]

On 12/10/2016 16:51, Jolly Roger wrote:
[]

> I also find it interesting that you'd rather go "back to the trusted
> Android phone" than pick up the phone and call Apple support to see if they
> can help resolve the issue... Do I smell a troll?

I'm much more likely to have my phone with me when I need a reasonably
accurate compass for AR support (seeing which aircraft or ships are
visible), so to an extent the support on the iPad is not a primary
requirement. This has changed over the years as phone capabilities have
improved and most of the time I don't take both phone and iPad out.

It doesn't stop one being disappointed in how poorly the compass is
supported on the iPad though. I'm guess that it's much better on the
iPhone, though, as the difficulties of varying self-induced magnetic
fields don't apply. Lack of any calibration option which can be invoked
is a disappointment, and limits the usefulness of the compass.

[nospam]

In article <ntlsmu$bgc$1...@dont-email.me>, David Taylor

<david-...@blueyonder.co.uk.invalid> wrote:

> >> I'll just have to accept that the compass in this very expensive iPad
> >> Pro is almost useless. Sad. Back to the trusted Android phone.
> >
> > Are you using a magnetic keyboard with your trusted Android phone too? If
> > not, perhaps this is an unfair comparison.
>
> Yes, without the keyboard the calibration was very bad. I carried out a
> couple of tests using the Spyglass program mentioned by the duck:
>
> - removing the keyboard, the calibration was still bad.
>
> - although there as no prompt to calibrate, I carried out the same
> procedure as recommended for the Android phone - rotating the iPad in
> all three planes. The calibration was then good.
>
> - I replaced the keyboard, and the good calibration held (which
> surprised me). I left the keyboard attached, as in normal use it is
> kept on as a protective cover in a different fold to its use as a keyboard.
>
> - however, a few minutes later after the iPad had timed out, I restarted
> Spyglass and found the calibration bad once again.
>
> I take your point about the keyboard and not having one on the phone,
> but if there are issues with the keyboard attached either the manual,
> iOS or the program in use should provide a warning about accuracy.
> Perhaps this is why Apple don't provide these functions with an iPad as
> they are unreliable.

provide what functions?

either you're doing something wrong (namely expecting it to work with a
magnetic keyboard attached) or your ipad is defective.

[nospam]

In article <ntlt75$dlc$1...@dont-email.me>, David Taylor

<david-...@blueyonder.co.uk.invalid> wrote:

> > I also find it interesting that you'd rather go "back to the trusted
> > Android phone" than pick up the phone and call Apple support to see if they
> > can help resolve the issue... Do I smell a troll?
>
> I'm much more likely to have my phone with me when I need a reasonably
> accurate compass for AR support (seeing which aircraft or ships are
> visible), so to an extent the support on the iPad is not a primary
> requirement. This has changed over the years as phone capabilities have
> improved and most of the time I don't take both phone and iPad out.
>
> It doesn't stop one being disappointed in how poorly the compass is
> supported on the iPad though. I'm guess that it's much better on the
> iPhone, though, as the difficulties of varying self-induced magnetic
> fields don't apply. Lack of any calibration option which can be invoked
> is a disappointment,

as you've been repeatedly told, the compass calibration is
*automatically* invoked only when needed. if it's not needed, then
there's no benefit in doing a calibration.

> and limits the usefulness of the compass.

no it doesn't.

[Jolly Roger]

On 2016-10-12, David Taylor <david-...@blueyonder.co.uk.invalid> wrote:
> On 12/10/2016 16:51, Jolly Roger wrote:
> []
>> I also find it interesting that you'd rather go "back to the trusted
>> Android phone" than pick up the phone and call Apple support to see if they
>> can help resolve the issue... Do I smell a troll?
>

> It doesn't stop one being disappointed in how poorly the compass is
> supported on the iPad though.

That's a nonsense claim since you admit you haven't even bothered to
contact Apple support for what is obviously non-standard errant behavior
considering the vast majority of iPads have no problem with the compass.

[David Taylor]

On 12/10/2016 20:16, Jolly Roger wrote:
[]

> That's a nonsense claim since you admit you haven't even bothered to
> contact Apple support for what is obviously non-standard errant behavior
> considering the vast majority of iPads have no problem with the compass.

It's not a claim, but a statement of how I feel about the problem.

Rather than contacting Apple straight away, I tried to learn something
about the problem by asking here as a first port of call with a simple
question about how to invoke the calibration routine, and it seems that
none of the participants here actually know how to do this.

Thanks for your help.

[nospam]

In article <ntn8ig$89e$1...@dont-email.me>, David Taylor

<david-...@blueyonder.co.uk.invalid> wrote:

> > That's a nonsense claim since you admit you haven't even bothered to
> > contact Apple support for what is obviously non-standard errant behavior
> > considering the vast majority of iPads have no problem with the compass.
>
> It's not a claim, but a statement of how I feel about the problem.
>
> Rather than contacting Apple straight away, I tried to learn something
> about the problem by asking here as a first port of call with a simple
> question about how to invoke the calibration routine, and it seems that
> none of the participants here actually know how to do this.

then you're not paying *any* attention, as several people have told you
exactly how it works.

[Jolly Roger]

On 2016-10-13, David Taylor <david-...@blueyonder.co.uk.invalid> wrote:
> On 12/10/2016 20:16, Jolly Roger wrote:
> []
>> That's a nonsense claim since you admit you haven't even bothered to
>> contact Apple support for what is obviously non-standard errant behavior
>> considering the vast majority of iPads have no problem with the compass.
>
> It's not a claim, but a statement of how I feel about the problem.

The fact that your iPad's compass happens to be malfunctioning doesn't
magically equate to there being poor support for the compass in iPads,
considering most iPads don't have this problem.

> Rather than contacting Apple straight away, I tried to learn something
> about the problem by asking here as a first port of call with a simple
> question about how to invoke the calibration routine, and it seems that
> none of the participants here actually know how to do this.

Ok... So when *do* you plan to pick up the phone or go to your nearest
Apple retail store to contact Apple support about the issue?

[David Taylor]

On 13/10/2016 17:20, Jolly Roger wrote:
[]

> The fact that your iPad's compass happens to be malfunctioning doesn't
> magically equate to there being poor support for the compass in iPads,
> considering most iPads don't have this problem.

"Most" iPads aren't using the Smart Keyboard, as it's relatively new,
and an optional purchase.

> Ok... So when *do* you plan to pick up the phone or go to your nearest
> Apple retail store to contact Apple support about the issue?

With the Duck's help (thanks) and my own experiments I feel I now have a
reasonable understanding of the problems involved, but I'll ring when I
have a quiet moment.

[David Taylor]

On 14/10/2016 10:43, David Taylor wrote:
[]

> With the Duck's help (thanks) and my own experiments I feel I now have a
> reasonable understanding of the problems involved, but I'll ring when I
> have a quiet moment.

After rebooting etc. etc., they asked me to use the Compass app, which
doesn't exist on the iPad. To be continued....

[Savageduck]

On 2016-10-14 09:43:01 +0000, David Taylor

Currently Pro Compass on my iPhone is showing ±15% error and ±25% on my
iPad2, while in the same location, and not requiring calibration.
--
Regards,

Savageduck

[Jolly Roger]

On 2016-10-14, David Taylor <david-...@blueyonder.co.uk.invalid> wrote:
> On 13/10/2016 17:20, Jolly Roger wrote:
> []
>> The fact that your iPad's compass happens to be malfunctioning doesn't
>> magically equate to there being poor support for the compass in iPads,
>> considering most iPads don't have this problem.
>
> "Most" iPads aren't using the Smart Keyboard, as it's relatively new,
> and an optional purchase.

So? A significant number of iPad Pro users will have the Smart Keyboard
by now. If most of those who *are* using the Smart Keyboard have this
problem we should see some complaints online about this supposed
widespread issue. Where are they?

[Jolly Roger]

On 2016-10-14, David Taylor <david-...@blueyonder.co.uk.invalid> wrote:

> On 14/10/2016 10:43, David Taylor wrote:
> []
>> With the Duck's help (thanks) and my own experiments I feel I now have a
>> reasonable understanding of the problems involved, but I'll ring when I
>> have a quiet moment.
>
> After rebooting etc. etc., they asked me to use the Compass app, which
> doesn't exist on the iPad.

They probably assumed you had *a* compass app on the thing. Otherwise
you wouldn't have called them to begin with, no?

> To be continued....

You hung up on them at that point?

[Jolly Roger]

On 2016-10-14, Savageduck <savageduck1@{REMOVESPAM}me.com> wrote:
>
> Currently Pro Compass on my iPhone is showing ±15% error and ±25% on my
> iPad2, while in the same location, and not requiring calibration.

I doubt you can realistically expect much better from the tiny Hall
effect sensors in mobile devices. If you need good accuracy, you need a
real compass.

[Savageduck]

On 2016-10-14 16:13:10 +0000, Jolly Roger <jolly...@pobox.com> said:

> On 2016-10-14, Savageduck <savageduck1@{REMOVESPAM}me.com> wrote:
>>
>> Currently Pro Compass on my iPhone is showing ±15% error and ±25% on my
>> iPad2, while in the same location, and not requiring calibration.
>
> I doubt you can realistically expect much better from the tiny Hall
> effect sensors in mobile devices. If you need good accuracy, you need a
> real compass.

Yup! Those can be had for $40-$100 depending on your needs and budget.
<https://www.rei.com/product/890931/suunto-m-3g-global-pro-compass>
--
Regards,

Savageduck

[David Taylor]

On 14/10/2016 16:32, Savageduck wrote:
[]

> Currently Pro Compass on my iPhone is showing ±15% error and ±25% on my
> iPad2, while in the same location, and not requiring calibration.

Thanks! It seems that this is the best accuracy that can be achieved,
which I find a little disappointing. I've also found that when running
e.g. Spyglass you can perform some calibration by rotation the device
about the three axes and get a somewhat better result than without
"calibration". The app doesn't ask you to do that, mind. This requires
the Smart Keyboard to be removed. I was able to compare with another
iPad Pro which showed the same behaviour.

Apple were unable to explain the lack of the Compass app on the iPad,
unable to state how to calibrate (my initial question), and their two
suggestions were either a complete re-install of the device (like
re-install Windows!) or to do a "settings reset" which "might help". I
was advised that this would require me to re-enter all the passwords
etc. They also suggested that it /could/ be something to do with the
Wi-Fi making the location wrong on the iPad, however the location is
correct. As I have a work-round which already achieves the sort of
accuracies you report I am reluctant to undertake all this extra work.
I got the distinct impression that no-one had raised this topic before.

Apple did say the the calibration should be unaffected by the magnetic
field from the Smart Keyboard, which (as you commented) would be
surprising, and which is not true when I carry out my own checks.

Thanks to all those who offered helpful suggestions.

[nospam]

In article <ntrcnl$knm$1...@dont-email.me>, David Taylor

<david-...@blueyonder.co.uk.invalid> wrote:

> Apple were unable to explain the lack of the Compass app on the iPad,
> unable to state how to calibrate (my initial question), and their two
> suggestions were either a complete re-install of the device (like
> re-install Windows!) or to do a "settings reset" which "might help".

*apple* didn't say that. a person in a call center did.

> I was advised that this would require me to re-enter all the passwords
> etc.

if you restore from an encrypted backup, all passwords are restored.

> They also suggested that it /could/ be something to do with the
> Wi-Fi making the location wrong on the iPad, however the location is
> correct.

even more evidence that the person you talked to is an idiot.

> As I have a work-round which already achieves the sort of
> accuracies you report I am reluctant to undertake all this extra work.
> I got the distinct impression that no-one had raised this topic before.

because it's a non-issue in normal use.

> Apple did say the the calibration should be unaffected by the magnetic
> field from the Smart Keyboard, which (as you commented) would be
> surprising, and which is not true when I carry out my own checks.

putting any sort of magnet near a compass can affect its accuracy.

[tat...@gmail.com]

The iPad Pro compass is weak. It’s a design flaw. Search Google and you’ll see thousands of disgruntled compass users it’s time for Apple to up their iPad compass game. The iPhone compass in contrast is fine.

[nospam]

In article <e48ad90d-d7aa-4bec...@googlegroups.com>,
<tat...@gmail.com> wrote:

> The iPad Pro compass is weak. It零 a design flaw. Search Google and
> you雍l see thousands of disgruntled compass users it零 time for Apple to up

> their iPad compass game. The iPhone compass in contrast is fine.

user error and lame troll attempt.

[Jolly Roger]

On 2018-01-30, tat...@gmail.com <tat...@gmail.com> wrote:
> The iPad Pro compass is weak.

Nope. I have a couple iPads, and have friends, relatives, and coworkers
with them. No problems with the compass on any of them.

You're trolling - and doing a piss poor job at it.

[David Taylor]

On 31/01/2018 00:29, Jolly Roger wrote:
> On 2018-01-30, tat...@gmail.com <tat...@gmail.com> wrote:
>> The iPad Pro compass is weak.
>
> Nope. I have a couple iPads, and have friends, relatives, and coworkers
> with them. No problems with the compass on any of them.
>
> You're trolling - and doing a piss poor job at it.

So could you advise what the calibration procedure is, specifically for
the iPad Pro 9.7-inch, or where to find it documented.

[nospam]

In article <p4s1kp$jdn$1...@dont-email.me>, David Taylor

<david-...@blueyonder.co.uk.invalid> wrote:

> >> The iPad Pro compass is weak.
> >
> > Nope. I have a couple iPads, and have friends, relatives, and coworkers
> > with them. No problems with the compass on any of them.
> >
> > You're trolling - and doing a piss poor job at it.
>
> So could you advise what the calibration procedure is, specifically for
> the iPad Pro 9.7-inch, or where to find it documented.

should the compass need calibration, it will display the calibration
wheel, where you rotate the device to 'fill' it.

anyone who has used an ios device and an app that uses the compass has
seen that at one time or another.

[Jolly Roger]

It's the same as any other iOS device. It doesn't need to be documented
because the device automatically lets you know (with instructions) any
time it needs calibration. And a simple web search for something like
"iOS calibrate compass" is all that is needed to find out what the
procedure is.

[David Taylor]

On 31/01/2018 18:24, Jolly Roger wrote:
> On 2018-01-31, David Taylor <david-...@blueyonder.co.uk.invalid> wrote:
>> On 31/01/2018 00:29, Jolly Roger wrote:
>>> On 2018-01-30, tat...@gmail.com <tat...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> The iPad Pro compass is weak.
>>>
>>> Nope. I have a couple iPads, and have friends, relatives, and
>>> coworkers with them. No problems with the compass on any of them.
>>>
>>> You're trolling - and doing a piss poor job at it.
>>
>> So could you advise what the calibration procedure is, specifically
>> for the iPad Pro 9.7-inch, or where to find it documented.
>
> It's the same as any other iOS device. It doesn't need to be documented
> because the device automatically lets you know (with instructions) any
> time it needs calibration. And a simple web search for something like
> "iOS calibrate compass" is all that is needed to find out what the
> procedure is.

Except on the iPad Pro 9.7 inches there is no automatic request, and
it's not documented. Even Apple couldn't tell me how to do it or point
me to the documentation.

I am familiar with the procedure on earlier devices ....

[nospam]

In article <p4t4m9$fuj$1...@dont-email.me>, David Taylor

<david-...@blueyonder.co.uk.invalid> wrote:

> >>>>
> >>>> The iPad Pro compass is weak.
> >>>
> >>> Nope. I have a couple iPads, and have friends, relatives, and
> >>> coworkers with them. No problems with the compass on any of them.
> >>>
> >>> You're trolling - and doing a piss poor job at it.
> >>
> >> So could you advise what the calibration procedure is, specifically
> >> for the iPad Pro 9.7-inch, or where to find it documented.
> >
> > It's the same as any other iOS device. It doesn't need to be documented
> > because the device automatically lets you know (with instructions) any
> > time it needs calibration. And a simple web search for something like
> > "iOS calibrate compass" is all that is needed to find out what the
> > procedure is.
>
> Except on the iPad Pro 9.7 inches there is no automatic request,

then it doesn't need calibration, as has been explained.

it only requests *if* it needs to be calibrated. otherwise, it's not
needed. there's no point in calibrating something that's already
calibrated.

> and
> it's not documented.

yes it most certainly is documented.

> Even Apple couldn't tell me how to do it or point
> me to the documentation.

apple has over 123,000 employees (as of sep '17) and whomever you spoke
with was mistaken.

> I am familiar with the procedure on earlier devices ....

it's exactly the same.

[Lewis]

In message <p4t4m9$fuj$1...@dont-email.me> David Taylor <david-...@blueyonder.co.uk.invalid> wrote:
> On 31/01/2018 18:24, Jolly Roger wrote:
>> On 2018-01-31, David Taylor <david-...@blueyonder.co.uk.invalid> wrote:
>>> On 31/01/2018 00:29, Jolly Roger wrote:
>>>> On 2018-01-30, tat...@gmail.com <tat...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>> The iPad Pro compass is weak.
>>>>
>>>> Nope. I have a couple iPads, and have friends, relatives, and
>>>> coworkers with them. No problems with the compass on any of them.
>>>>
>>>> You're trolling - and doing a piss poor job at it.
>>>
>>> So could you advise what the calibration procedure is, specifically
>>> for the iPad Pro 9.7-inch, or where to find it documented.
>>
>> It's the same as any other iOS device. It doesn't need to be documented
>> because the device automatically lets you know (with instructions) any
>> time it needs calibration. And a simple web search for something like
>> "iOS calibrate compass" is all that is needed to find out what the
>> procedure is.

> Except on the iPad Pro 9.7 inches there is no automatic request,

Then it doesn't need to be calibrated.

You cannot calibrate it unless it needs it.

--
"Love is the triumph of imagination over intelligence." - H. L. Mencken

[sms]

On 1/31/2018 1:18 AM, David Taylor wrote:

> So could you advise what the calibration procedure is, specifically for
> the iPad Pro 9.7-inch, or where to find it documented.

Is this an LTE model or a Wi-Fi only model. I have a very accurate
compass on my LTE iPad Pro. It uses the GPS to aid in calibrating the
mangnotometer. Compass calibration is automatic, and is turned on or off
through location services. I would imagine that the iPhone also uses the
GPS to calibrate the magnetometer. But the non-LTE iPads lack a GPS so
they can't calibrate the magnetometer that way. I guess they could use
Wi-Fi hot spots, but that would be horribly inaccurate.

If it's a non-LTE model, without a GPS, you may be out of luck. If it's
a defective magnetometer problem then you can't fix it by calibration.

Read
<https://www.pcworld.com/article/2055380/six-iphones-tested-and-they-cant-agree-on-true-north.html>

The compass apps on the App Store warn that they can't fix an inaccurate
magnetometer.

[nospam]

In article <p4toil$uas$1...@dont-email.me>, sms

<scharf...@geemail.com> wrote:

> > So could you advise what the calibration procedure is, specifically for
> > the iPad Pro 9.7-inch, or where to find it documented.
>
> Is this an LTE model or a Wi-Fi only model.

that doesn't matter since both have a compass.

> I have a very accurate
> compass on my LTE iPad Pro. It uses the GPS to aid in calibrating the
> mangnotometer. Compass calibration is automatic, and is turned on or off
> through location services. I would imagine that the iPhone also uses the
> GPS to calibrate the magnetometer. But the non-LTE iPads lack a GPS so
> they can't calibrate the magnetometer that way. I guess they could use
> Wi-Fi hot spots, but that would be horribly inaccurate.

the gps *may* be used if moving (it isn't always), otherwise it won't.

either way, it will still ask the user if necessary.

> If it's a non-LTE model, without a GPS, you may be out of luck. If it's
> a defective magnetometer problem then you can't fix it by calibration.

there is *no* evidence that it's defective.

> Read
>
> <https://www.pcworld.com/article/2055380/six-iphones-tested-and-they-cant-agre
> e-on-true-north.html>

that's a 4 year old article about discontinued iphones and therefore
not relevant.

> The compass apps on the App Store warn that they can't fix an inaccurate
> magnetometer.

obviously an app can't fix a hardware problem, but if it's actually
defective, apple will repair it.

do keep in mind that he never said he *has* a problem with the compass.
he simply asked how to calibrate it, unaware that it likely already is.

you are *assuming* there's a problem when none exists.

*if* the compass needs calibration, it will ask the user to do so.
otherwise it won't. computers are smart, that way.

[Jolly Roger]

On 2018-02-01, sms <scharf...@geemail.com> wrote:
> On 1/31/2018 1:18 AM, David Taylor wrote:
>
>> So could you advise what the calibration procedure is, specifically for
>> the iPad Pro 9.7-inch, or where to find it documented.
>
> Is this an LTE model or a Wi-Fi only model. I have a very accurate
> compass on my LTE iPad Pro.

I've never owned or met an iOS device with a compass that is inaccurate
to any great extent. Anyone who says differently is trolling,
incompetent, or in possession of a defective device.

[David Taylor]

On 31/01/2018 21:07, Lewis wrote:
> In message <p4t4m9$fuj$1...@dont-email.me> David Taylor <david-...@blueyonder.co.uk.invalid> wrote:

[]>> Except on the iPad Pro 9.7 inches there is no automatic request,

>
> Then it doesn't need to be calibrated.
>
> You cannot calibrate it unless it needs it.

.. and how would the compass /know/ it needs to be calibrated? Suppose
you are in a different magnetic environment - moving about on a ship,
for examples? Much more reassuring for the user if they can check the
calibration state and manually calibrate is necessary.

[David Taylor]

On 01/02/2018 00:55, sms wrote:
[]

> Is this an LTE model or a Wi-Fi only model. I have a very accurate
> compass on my LTE iPad Pro. It uses the GPS to aid in calibrating the
> mangnotometer. Compass calibration is automatic, and is turned on or off
> through location services. I would imagine that the iPhone also uses the
> GPS to calibrate the magnetometer. But the non-LTE iPads lack a GPS so
> they can't calibrate the magnetometer that way. I guess they could use
> Wi-Fi hot spots, but that would be horribly inaccurate.
>
> If it's a non-LTE model, without a GPS, you may be out of luck. If it's
> a defective magnetometer problem then you can't fix it by calibration.
>
> Read
> <https://www.pcworld.com/article/2055380/six-iphones-tested-and-they-cant-agree-on-true-north.html>
>
>
> The compass apps on the App Store warn that they can't fix an inaccurate
> magnetometer.

Thanks for your reply. GPS alone cannot tell you the direction in which
the iPad is pointing. It's the iPad Pro 9.7 with 4G I'm talking about,
not the iPhone.

I'm not saying it's wrong on my device, just that there's no way (as far
as I can tell) to know that it's correct, and if it /is/ wrong, how to
invoke a calibration.

[nospam]

In article <p4uv54$eci$1...@dont-email.me>, David Taylor

<david-...@blueyonder.co.uk.invalid> wrote:

> []>> Except on the iPad Pro 9.7 inches there is no automatic request,
> >
> > Then it doesn't need to be calibrated.
> >
> > You cannot calibrate it unless it needs it.
>
> .. and how would the compass /know/ it needs to be calibrated? Suppose
> you are in a different magnetic environment - moving about on a ship,
> for examples?

the device will alert the user if there is any interference and if
necessary, it will request to be calibrated.

<https://www.safaribooksonline.com/library/view/geolocation-in-ios/97814
49309572/httpatomoreillycomsourceoreillyimages1337205.png.jpg>

> Much more reassuring for the user if they can check the
> calibration state and manually calibrate is necessary.

it knows better than you do what its calibration state is.

[nospam]

In article <p4uvfa$gft$1...@dont-email.me>, David Taylor

<david-...@blueyonder.co.uk.invalid> wrote:

> > Is this an LTE model or a Wi-Fi only model. I have a very accurate
> > compass on my LTE iPad Pro. It uses the GPS to aid in calibrating the
> > mangnotometer. Compass calibration is automatic, and is turned on or off
> > through location services. I would imagine that the iPhone also uses the
> > GPS to calibrate the magnetometer. But the non-LTE iPads lack a GPS so
> > they can't calibrate the magnetometer that way. I guess they could use
> > Wi-Fi hot spots, but that would be horribly inaccurate.

...

> Thanks for your reply. GPS alone cannot tell you the direction in which
> the iPad is pointing. It's the iPad Pro 9.7 with 4G I'm talking about,
> not the iPhone.

gps can be used if the user is moving and the specific ios device does
not matter.

> I'm not saying it's wrong on my device, just that there's no way (as far
> as I can tell) to know that it's correct, and if it /is/ wrong, how to
> invoke a calibration.

stop micromanaging it.

the device knows more about its current state than you do.

[sms]

On 2/1/2018 3:59 AM, David Taylor wrote:

<snip?

> Thanks for your reply.  GPS alone cannot tell you the direction in which
> the iPad is pointing.  It's the iPad Pro 9.7 with 4G I'm talking about,
> not the iPhone.

Right, when you're standing still it could not know the direction from
the GPS, but when you're moving with an iPhone or 4G iPad, it knows the
direction it's moving in and can calibrate the magnetometer.

> I'm not saying it's wrong on my device, just that there's no way (as far
> as I can tell) to know that it's correct, and if it /is/ wrong, how to
> invoke a calibration.

How could the device tell you if the compass is incorrect? You need to
use an external compass or go to a perfectly N/S or E/W street to know this.

If it is incorrect it would calibrate itself and there is no need for it
to tell you that it's doing this. If the magnetometer is in a non-4G
iPad, which does not have a GPS, then you would need a way to manually
calibrate it.

[nospam]

In article <p4va8s$fjb$1...@dont-email.me>, sms

<scharf...@geemail.com> wrote:

> > I'm not saying it's wrong on my device, just that there's no way (as far
> > as I can tell) to know that it's correct, and if it /is/ wrong, how to
> > invoke a calibration.
>
> How could the device tell you if the compass is incorrect? You need to
> use an external compass or go to a perfectly N/S or E/W street to know this.

it can.

> If it is incorrect it would calibrate itself and there is no need for it
> to tell you that it's doing this.

sometimes it does exactly that.

> If the magnetometer is in a non-4G
> iPad, which does not have a GPS, then you would need a way to manually
> calibrate it.

4g has nothing to do with it.

stop talking about things you know nothing about.

once again, if the compass needs to be calibrated, it will ask the
user. if it doesn't need to be calibrated, then it won't. why is this
concept so difficult for people to understand?

[David Taylor]

On 01/02/2018 15:03, sms wrote:
[]

> Right, when you're standing still it could not know the direction from
> the GPS, but when you're moving with an iPhone or 4G iPad, it knows the
> direction it's moving in and can calibrate the magnetometer.

[]

> How could the device tell you if the compass is incorrect? You need to
> use an external compass or go to a perfectly N/S or E/W street to know
> this.
>
> If it is incorrect it would calibrate itself and there is no need for it
> to tell you that it's doing this. If the magnetometer is in a non-4G
> iPad, which does not have a GPS, then you would need a way to manually
> calibrate it.

There's no suggestion anywhere in the documentation that movement (over
a large enough distance/time) is required to calibrate the compass.

If you discover the device is incorrect (e.g. by using one of the AR
programs to see ships or aircraft, or when using a star chart), there is
no way to tell the device to perform a manual calibration as you could
on earlier devices. You are left with an incorrect compass and no way
to correct it.

[nospam]

In article <p4visr$jti$1...@dont-email.me>, David Taylor

<david-...@blueyonder.co.uk.invalid> wrote:

>
> There's no suggestion anywhere in the documentation that movement (over
> a large enough distance/time) is required to calibrate the compass.

nobody said movement is *required* for compass calibration.

if the user is moving, the device may (but not always) use gps data for
calibration. it's completely invisible to the user, as it should be.

> If you discover the device is incorrect (e.g. by using one of the AR
> programs to see ships or aircraft, or when using a star chart), there is
> no way to tell the device to perform a manual calibration as you could
> on earlier devices. You are left with an incorrect compass and no way
> to correct it.

has this actually happened?

or are you just making up stories again?

[Jolly Roger]

On 2018-02-01, David Taylor <david-...@blueyonder.co.uk.invalid> wrote:
> On 31/01/2018 21:07, Lewis wrote:
>> In message <p4t4m9$fuj$1...@dont-email.me> David Taylor <david-...@blueyonder.co.uk.invalid> wrote:
> []>> Except on the iPad Pro 9.7 inches there is no automatic request,
>>
>> Then it doesn't need to be calibrated.
>>
>> You cannot calibrate it unless it needs it.
>
> .. and how would the compass /know/ it needs to be calibrated?

Who cares how? It *does* do that, as you have been repeatedly told.

> Suppose you are in a different magnetic environment - moving about on
> a ship, for examples?

"Suppose the Earth's axis tilts?!?!" : D

> Much more reassuring for the user if they can check the calibration
> state and manually calibrate is necessary.

That would only be helpful to obsessive compulsive idiots who like to
micromanage their electronics rather than actually using them
productively. Such people are *excellent* candidates for Android.

[nospam]

In article <fdh34g...@mid.individual.net>, Jolly Roger

<jolly...@pobox.com> wrote:


> > Much more reassuring for the user if they can check the calibration
> > state and manually calibrate is necessary.
>
> That would only be helpful to obsessive compulsive idiots who like to
> micromanage their electronics rather than actually using them
> productively. Such people are *excellent* candidates for Android.

they are accustomed to less capable devices, where frequent calibration
is needed because it goes out of whack all the time, and for some
reason, they assume that all devices must be like that.

[Jolly Roger]

Sounds like a personal problem.

[Lewis]

In message <p4uv54$eci$1...@dont-email.me> David Taylor <david-...@blueyonder.co.uk.invalid> wrote:
> On 31/01/2018 21:07, Lewis wrote:
>> In message <p4t4m9$fuj$1...@dont-email.me> David Taylor <david-...@blueyonder.co.uk.invalid> wrote:
> []>> Except on the iPad Pro 9.7 inches there is no automatic request,
>>
>> Then it doesn't need to be calibrated.
>>
>> You cannot calibrate it unless it needs it.

> .. and how would the compass /know/ it needs to be calibrated?

It's smart.

> you are in a different magnetic environment - moving about on a ship,
> for examples? Much more reassuring for the user if they can check the
> calibration state and manually calibrate is necessary.

Maybe reassuring to *you*. No one else cares.

--
"I used to hate the sun, because it'd shone on everything I'd done. Made
me feel that all that I had done was overfill the ashtray of my life."

[Lewis]

I'm sensing this is the usual idiot.

--
And, while it was regarded as pretty good evidence of criminality to be
living in a slum, for some reason owning a whole street of them merely
got you invited to the very best social occasions.

[nospam]

In article <slrnp77dg0....@Snow.local>, Lewis

<g.k...@gmail.com.dontsendmecopies> wrote:

> >> There's no suggestion anywhere in the documentation that movement (over
> >> a large enough distance/time) is required to calibrate the compass.
>
> > nobody said movement is *required* for compass calibration.
>
> > if the user is moving, the device may (but not always) use gps data for
> > calibration. it's completely invisible to the user, as it should be.
>
> >> If you discover the device is incorrect (e.g. by using one of the AR
> >> programs to see ships or aircraft, or when using a star chart), there is
> >> no way to tell the device to perform a manual calibration as you could
> >> on earlier devices. You are left with an incorrect compass and no way
> >> to correct it.
>
> > has this actually happened?
>
> > or are you just making up stories again?
>
> I'm sensing this is the usual idiot.

it isn't.

[sms]

On 2/1/2018 9:31 AM, David Taylor wrote:

> There's no suggestion anywhere in the documentation that movement (over
> a large enough distance/time) is required to calibrate the compass.
>
> If you discover the device is incorrect (e.g. by using one of the AR
> programs to see ships or aircraft, or when using a star chart), there is
> no way to tell the device to perform a manual calibration as you could
> on earlier devices.  You are left with an incorrect compass and no way
> to correct it.

Some people say that turning location services on and off will force a
recalibration.

[nospam]

In article <p50ecf$mqb$1...@dont-email.me>, sms

<scharf...@geemail.com> wrote:

>
> Some people say that turning location services on and off will force a
> recalibration.

still not needed.

[Jolly Roger]

Lewis <g.k...@gmail.com.dontsendmecopies> wrote:
> In message <010220181238099332%nos...@nospam.invalid> nospam <nos...@nospam.invalid> wrote:
>> In article <p4visr$jti$1...@dont-email.me>, David Taylor
>> <david-...@blueyonder.co.uk.invalid> wrote:
>
>>>
>>> There's no suggestion anywhere in the documentation that movement (over
>>> a large enough distance/time) is required to calibrate the compass.
>
>> nobody said movement is *required* for compass calibration.
>
>> if the user is moving, the device may (but not always) use gps data for
>> calibration. it's completely invisible to the user, as it should be.
>
>>> If you discover the device is incorrect (e.g. by using one of the AR
>>> programs to see ships or aircraft, or when using a star chart), there is
>>> no way to tell the device to perform a manual calibration as you could
>>> on earlier devices. You are left with an incorrect compass and no way
>>> to correct it.
>
>> has this actually happened?
>
>> or are you just making up stories again?
>
> I'm sensing this is the usual idiot.

Oh you aren’t alone.

[nospam]

In article <fdi7a5...@mid.individual.net>, Jolly Roger

<jolly...@pobox.com> wrote:

> >> In article <p4visr$jti$1...@dont-email.me>, David Taylor
> >> <david-...@blueyonder.co.uk.invalid> wrote:
> >>> There's no suggestion anywhere in the documentation that movement (over
> >>> a large enough distance/time) is required to calibrate the compass.
> >
> >> nobody said movement is *required* for compass calibration.
> >
> >> if the user is moving, the device may (but not always) use gps data for
> >> calibration. it's completely invisible to the user, as it should be.
> >
> >>> If you discover the device is incorrect (e.g. by using one of the AR
> >>> programs to see ships or aircraft, or when using a star chart), there is
> >>> no way to tell the device to perform a manual calibration as you could
> >>> on earlier devices. You are left with an incorrect compass and no way
> >>> to correct it.
> >
> >> has this actually happened?
> >
> >> or are you just making up stories again?
> >
> > I'm sensing this is the usual idiot.
>

> Oh you arenšt alone.

he definitely is not the nymshifting troll.

[David Taylor]

On 02/02/2018 00:51, Lewis wrote:
[]>>> If you discover the device is incorrect (e.g. by using one of the AR

>>> programs to see ships or aircraft, or when using a star chart), there is
>>> no way to tell the device to perform a manual calibration as you could
>>> on earlier devices. You are left with an incorrect compass and no way
>>> to correct it.
>
>> has this actually happened?
>
>> or are you just making up stories again?
>
> I'm sensing this is the usual idiot.

You've just lost the argument. Of course this has happened, otherwise I
wouldn't be asking!

[nospam]

In article <p51h9k$gps$1...@dont-email.me>, David Taylor

<david-...@blueyonder.co.uk.invalid> wrote:

> >>> If you discover the device is incorrect (e.g. by using one of the AR
> >>> programs to see ships or aircraft, or when using a star chart), there is
> >>> no way to tell the device to perform a manual calibration as you could
> >>> on earlier devices. You are left with an incorrect compass and no way
> >>> to correct it.
> >
> >> has this actually happened?
> >
> >> or are you just making up stories again?
> >
> > I'm sensing this is the usual idiot.
>
> You've just lost the argument. Of course this has happened, otherwise I
> wouldn't be asking!

then your device may be defective. take it to an apple store and have
it checked out.

manual calibration cannot fix defective devices.

[Jolly Roger]

>> Oh you aren¹t alone.

>
> he definitely is not the nymshifting troll.

They’d get along just fine then.