Compass Calibration

#1

Hi. I am a relatively new user and I am trying to perform a compass calibration. I have the mBot system and purchased separately the compass and gyro. I updated the mBot firmware using mBlock and a USB connection. I have had no trouble viewing compass and gyro output (using both ports 1 and 4 interchangeably). The compass output is mostly garbage though as I think it really needs a calibration. I pushed the calibration button as the instructions indicated and the blue calibration indicator lamp would never flash.

I moved to the Arduino IDE to perform the calibration. I attempted to follow the calibration instructions in the meCompass user manual although it’s really not clear. The steps I followed are below:

Does anyone see any problems with the process or recommendations?

EDIT: I think I have a bad compass indicator light. I kept the USB cable hooked up to it and used the serial monitor to watch values and it was correctly entering calibration and correctly exited calibration. Now I am having some trouble connecting again via mBlock but figure there is operator error somewhere…

EDIT2: Was able to reconnect through mBlock by rebooting computer, resetting default program through USB. However, now it will not recognize the compass and gyro through mBlock. It still recognizes the compass at least through arduino (haven’t tested the gyro).

#2

Hello! I also just started using the mecompass module, and am struggling with it. Did you ever find a resolution to your issue? For me, I’m unable to exit calibration mode. The D2 calibration indicator just keeps blinking, even after I follow the instructions in the User Manual to rotate it 360 degrees then press the calibration button. No code after Compass.begin() appears to execute. Any suggestions?

#3

The Me Compass did not work for me either.

In mBlock, the compass is just returning garbage data. It might as well be a random number generator.

The company’s directions for calibration don’t make any sense.

#4

Same issue.

#5

@Sigtrygg showed me that the operation of the compass is influenced by the buzzer on the Orion board (tiny white switch next to Port 8). If I have the buzzer turned on, the meCompass won’t exit calibration mode (D2 light is blinking). With the buzzer turned off, the compass goes into measurement mode (D2 light solid), but no code after Compass.begin() will execute. Any chance anybody else has figured out the way around this? Thanks!

#6

Oh, never mind–I think I got it, with @AlfredSchenk’s help! I was plugged into Port 7, which only has a yellow one-way digital interface. Switched over to Port 3 (with blue dual digital interface) and I think we’re up and running! Now I just have to see if its output is any better than a random number generator :slight_smile:

#7

Could anyone successfully connected to Me Compass from MBot?
I have red light on compass whatever I do.

#8

I don’t suppose anyone could point me to this manual for the Me Compass that people mention please?

My module came without any instructions whatsoever, and I am struggling to find them.

Many thanks in advance.

#9

@ProfX,

At the bottom of the MeCompass page, there is a link to “Download User Manual”.

Mike

#10

Doh! Should have spotted it.

Huge thanks, that’s a great help.

Compass even seems to have calibrated using the button! (I’m using Mega Pi board for reference and am on V3.3.6).

#11