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  #1  
Old 02-13-2003, 01:21 PM
gschabel
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Question Electronic Compass ???

Ok, we understand and got past EZ Pass problem now.............

I just installed a Gentex auto dimming mirror with that nice compass reading in the upper right hand corner. These things are not cheap, but I need / like the compass feature since one was not stock on the SVX.

The unit worked fine outside of the vehicle. Now that I have gone through the trouble and effort of installing it (nicely I might add) I found that the compass feature DOES NOT WORK!! It stays at one reading (SE) all the time!!

Has anyone else installed one of these and got it to work sucessfully?

Is the windshield causing this problem too?

I probably should have asked here before attempting this project!

Thanks to all for your input here!!


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  #2  
Old 02-13-2003, 01:50 PM
LarryIII LarryIII is offline
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I have an electronic compass as part of my radar detector. The coating in the windshield messes it up. Go to Pep Boys and buy yhe old plastic spining egg type with a suction cup on the bottom. Stick it on your dashboard.
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  #3  
Old 02-13-2003, 02:39 PM
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Larry, third of three, is correct. The tinting in the SVX's glass pretty effectively blocks or interferes with radio signals. GPS, radar detectors, 2-way radios...all are affected by the car's glass.
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Old 02-13-2003, 03:22 PM
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It is not necessarily the windshield that prevents electronic compasses from working properly. These devices are very sensitive to magnetic interferrence from nearby metal objects, like the mirror mount or the roof line. I also have one of those integrated compass/radar detectors and it works fine. I have it mounted with the suction cup mounts just to the left of the mirror. If your compass has a calibration function, try running it after the unit has been mounted.

KuoH
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  #5  
Old 02-13-2003, 03:56 PM
gschabel
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The one I am using is a Gentex unit, with compass built into the mirror. It is self calibrating.

Currently, it is not picking up direction, just reading out SE no matter where the car is facing.
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Old 02-13-2003, 04:00 PM
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Quote:
Originally posted by gschabel
The one I am using is a Gentex unit, with compass built into the mirror. It is self calibrating.

Currently, it is not picking up direction, just reading out SE no matter where the car is facing.
Windshields on base models (in '92, at least) did not have the "sun protection" (I believe that's what they called it in the brochure).
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Old 02-13-2003, 04:44 PM
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Given the fact that the reading never fluctuates, I'm more inclined to believe that it is being affected by magnetic interferrence from nearby dense metal objects, i.e. the factory mirror arm. Our windshields may be effective at blocking RF waves, but I don't think it's effective enough to block the Earth's magnetic field. Have you tried unmounting it and seeing if you can get a reading elsewhere in the car, like half way between the windshield and the roof? Or maybe try placing it near a window and see if the reading changes when you raise or lower it.

KuoH
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Old 02-13-2003, 05:39 PM
LarryIII LarryIII is offline
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Kuoh,

I tested my 'electronic compass/radar detector' by using the SVX and my Outback which does not have the windshield coating. I drove both cars over the same course many times. The compass only got messed up in the SVX. I hypothosized that it must be the coated winshield.

The unit was mounted on the dash at the base of the winshield in each car. The Outback is a few inches higher but that shouldn't make a difference.
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'08 Harvest Gold Outback 3.0L. L. L. Bean...."AIJOU"
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  #9  
Old 02-13-2003, 08:23 PM
gschabel
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Talking

Got the compass working!!!

I connected a power line from the cig lighter to the unit, and did a force calibrate from the center of the car with the roof and windows open (yes it was cold) and the calibrate amazingly took. I disconnected the power and quickly mounted the mirror and connected the wiring harness and boom, we are in business!!

Seems to be working fine now!!

Thanks to all for your input!
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  #10  
Old 02-13-2003, 08:40 PM
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re: 92's

so 92's don't have the "windows protection" randy?
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Old 02-14-2003, 09:12 AM
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Re: re: 92's

Quote:
Originally posted by Noir
so 92's don't have the "windows protection" randy?
Some of the 92's don't have the "sun protection" (titanium), in them. It was included in the LS-Ls, but I don't think it was on the lower models. Again, I'll have to look at my brochure (forgot to, last night).

My digitraveller works great in my wife's minivan, but, will not pull in a signal in the SVX, unless I open the sunroof and hold it up, or, hold it out the window.
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Old 02-14-2003, 02:03 PM
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Quote:
Originally posted by LarryIII
The coating in the windshield messes it up. Go to Pep Boys and buy yhe old plastic spining egg type with a suction cup on the bottom. Stick it on your dashboard.
I got one of those. It always pointed southeast, just like the expensive electronic ones.

Boy, did I get lost a lot until I figured that out.
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