How often do you calibrate the compass?

[SunnyD]

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[alokbhargava]

1. Usually after each AC FW update.
2. Anytime, you replace / repair the compass
3. Travelled from one country to others.

 

[ianwood]

Let's make this easy, shall we?

1. Just once, during initial setup. NO
2. Only when flying a new area. POSSIBLY
3. Only when the app gives an error. POSSIBLY
4. Once a week. NO
5. Once a month. NO
6. Every flight. NO

 

[Buk]

Compass Calibration, A Complete Primer

 

[N017RW]

My current record holder is my P2-NV, bought in May-14 and last calibrated about 5 mos. after purchase due to swapping control radio gear for Futaba.
Last flown about two weeks ago and as far away as 600miles from cal location.

 

[Meta4]

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The simplest answer is NEVER - except after adding or removing components to your Phantom.
Almost as it says in the manual for all except the Standard which has not had it's manual updated yet.
Don't calibrate during initial setup, after firmware updates, when flying a new area, each week, month or new flight.

And if you think the app gives an error, you still shouldn't mess with the compass.
The correct action is to move away from the magnetic distortion that your compass has detected.
A compass error isn't a fault with the compass that needs to be fixed.
It's a perfectly good compass telling you that it's detected a problem nearby.

Your compass does not lose its calibration and messing with it will not make your flights safer.
But it can cause problems that may end up with you having one less Phantom.

 

[jryser]

I haven't calibrated my compass since the initial one. And I've flown all over the country.

 

[SunnyD]

So they should probably change the warning to "move to another area" rather than suggesting a recalibrate right away in the app?

 

[Meta4]

So they should probably change the warning to "move to another area" rather than suggesting a recalibrate right away in the app?

Yes .... test it yourself to see how this works.
Power up your Phantom (no need for props on)
Put your Phantom on your car roof - see the warning

Then move the Phantom to 5 metres or more away from the car and see how it's back to normal.

 

[Hayabusa1]

I've been calibrating every time I fire her up. Even if at a location already flown. So what I'm getting is, calibrate it and leave it till warned!

 

[AyeYo]

Where's the option for "never"? I have not ever done a calibration on my P4P.