Compass error. Calibration does not help.

Kristina · Apr 7, 2018

Hello everybody. Last week I transported my drone in the trunk with a working subwoofer. Then, when the drone is turned on, the compass error appears. The calibration does not help. What to do? To change compasses? Or are there other ways?

sar104 · Apr 7, 2018

It's likely that you have magnetized some components, such as screws, near the compasses, sufficiently that it cannot calibrate out their contribution to the overall magnetic field, and now need to degauss the aircraft.

littlejoe1950 · Apr 7, 2018

If that’s the case, cji needs to change the screws. When you pay almost $2000 for a drone, then up
To make there products safer and reliable

Meta4 · Apr 7, 2018

Kristina said:
Hello everybody. Last week I transported my drone in the trunk with a working subwoofer. Then, when the drone is turned on, the compass error appears. The calibration does not help. What to do? To change compasses? Or are there other ways?

The first thing to check is the compass data in the Sensors section of the app.
A compass error that won't go away can be caused by a disconnected compass.

RunningWithScissors · Apr 7, 2018

Kristina said:
Hello everybody. Last week I transported my drone in the trunk with a working subwoofer. Then, when the drone is turned on, the compass error appears. The calibration does not help. What to do? To change compasses? Or are there other ways?

Someone else posted a nearly identical problem recently. Apparently they solved their compass problem with a degausing tool called a CFixer they bought from Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/CFIXER-DEGAUSSING-TOOL-DJI-DRONE/dp/B077CS9NJ3

xspwhite · Apr 7, 2018

She might try calibrating the compass in a different area too.

Kristina · Apr 8, 2018

Meta4 said:
The first thing to check is the compass data in the Sensors section of the app.
A compass error that won't go away can be caused by a disconnected compass.

Both compasses are connected. readings in the red zone

Kristina · Apr 8, 2018

RunningWithScissors said:
Someone else posted a nearly identical problem recently. Apparently they solved their compass problem with a degausing tool called a CFixer they bought from Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/CFIXER-DEGAUSSING-TOOL-DJI-DRONE/dp/B077CS9NJ3

Wow. Cool. Now I read about this device in detail. CFIXER

Kristina · Apr 8, 2018

xspwhite said:
She might try calibrating the compass in a different area too.

I did not get that. Explain more

xspwhite · Apr 8, 2018

You might have been in an area with high magnetic interference. I douwt that you subwoofer would cause the problem.

Go to an area with no magnetic interference and try calibrating your compass.

sar104 · Apr 8, 2018

xspwhite said:
You might have been in an area with high magnetic interference. I douwt that you subwoofer would cause the problem.

Go to an area with no magnetic interference and try calibrating your compass.

That's definitely a possibility, and worth trying, but I would not discount the effect of the magnetic field from a large driver if the aircraft were in close proximity.

Surferchicusa · Apr 9, 2018

xspwhite said:
You might have been in an area with high magnetic interference. I douwt that you subwoofer would cause the problem.

Go to an area with no magnetic interference and try calibrating your compass.

Def sounds like the drone was magnetized by the subwoofer...... since it acts like a giant electromagnet. Invest in a good Pelican case or something similar to protect your investment.

Kristina · Apr 9, 2018

xspwhite said:
You might have been in an area with high magnetic interference. I douwt that you subwoofer would cause the problem.

Go to an area with no magnetic interference and try calibrating your compass.

Tried it. Does not help

Kristina · Apr 9, 2018

I decided to buy this device. I already ordered it. I will get this Cfixer - I will write a review. Thank you for your advice.

xspwhite · Apr 11, 2018

Let us when you get it.

RunningWithScissors · Apr 13, 2018

This thread just popped up from someone else with a similar situation who had a compass error that couldn't be resolved. He bought a CFixer and apparently that resolved his problem. It's encouraging and it sounds like degaussing could be a recommendation if all else fails...

Compass error message solved - I think.....

xspwhite · Apr 13, 2018

You can buy a degausser tool from Amazon for around $10.00. They do the same thing. Personally I think the Cfixer is an over price gimmic. You can also degausser a compass with a small magnet.

Take a look at this thread:

Compass calibration and degaussing

xspwhite · Apr 13, 2018

Here's an electric one I found on ebay for $10.00. It's a very simple tool used in watch and compass repair.

Watch Repair Screwdriver Tweezer Electrical Demagnetise Demagnetizer Useful Tool 838242608827 | eBay

sar104 · Apr 13, 2018

xspwhite said:
Here's an electric one I found on ebay for $10.00. It's a very simple tool used in watch and compass repair.

Watch Repair Screwdriver Tweezer Electrical Demagnetise Demagnetizer Useful Tool 838242608827 | eBay

I have one of those - it works just fine. It will take the level of magnetism of ferrous materials down to around the detectable level for typical magnetometers.