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Can I add a compass without navigation system?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by srlandis, Nov 24, 2006.

  1. srlandis

    srlandis New Member

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    Is is possible to add a compass that works with the battery? The small one I bought doesn't work because the battery or electronics interfere with it. I don't have the navigation system, but I sure would like a basic, plain 'ole compass.

    thanks,
    susan
     
    #1 srlandis, Nov 24, 2006
  2. windstrings

    windstrings Certified Prius Breeder

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(srlandis @ Nov 24 2006, 10:45 AM) [snapback]353700[/snapback]</div>
    Unless its digital, a compass shouldn't need power unless its only to light up an illumination light inside.

    What kind did you get that getting interference?.. Usually its nearby metal that does that.

    Some will come with a calibration to help offset that effect, but if you put it dead center right in front of that speaker grate, I don't think you will get accuracy no matter what.

    I would find true north by standing outside away from the car "and your wrist watch" and then go back to the car and see if you can find a suitable spot that shows the same.
     
    #2 windstrings, Nov 24, 2006
  3. Seagull6

    Seagull6 New Member

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    I use the PNI Co-Pilot Digital Compass V100 from JC Whitney for$24.99 plus shippang. It runs on 2 AAA batteries, calibrates very easily (by making two 360 turns in the cars while in the CAL mode) and works great. It sticks to the inside of the windshield with three suction cups and I hang it so that it is just in my line of view below the rear view mirror. I have a Magellan GPS that I use occasionally in the car and have checked the V100 and found it to be right on.
     
    #3 Seagull6, Nov 24, 2006
  4. srlandis

    srlandis New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(windstrings @ Nov 24 2006, 11:59 AM) [snapback]353705[/snapback]</div>

    Thanks. We did get one that calibrates, but I ended up driving north or east all the time, regardless of the true direction. Maybe it was too close to the metal.

    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Seagull @ Nov 24 2006, 04:34 PM) [snapback]353769[/snapback]</div>
    Thanks! I will look into it.

    susan
     
    #4 srlandis, Nov 27, 2006
  5. tochatihu

    tochatihu Senior Member

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    Info from the classic model Prius which may differ from yours. I started with a conventional compass, the kind with two compensating magnets. The only place I could install it with even partial accuracy was high center near the rear view mirror. As indicated above for the new model. Not sure what is the main interference nearer to the 'engine room', but conventional compass did not like it.

    Yesterday I saw a wayfarer flux gate compass at radio shack for $10 and got it on a whim. So far I have not gotten a good calibration anywhere along the windshield roofline, but will keep trying. Or, maybe this is why they were selling for only $10??
     
    #5 tochatihu, Nov 28, 2006
  6. srlandis

    srlandis New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Seagull @ Nov 24 2006, 04:34 PM) [snapback]353769[/snapback]</div>
    :D I wanted to thank you for your suggestion. Bought it, installed it and it works great. Now I know where I'm going, and sometimes I know where I am!

    thanks,
    susan
     
    #6 srlandis, Dec 4, 2006
  7. Seagull6

    Seagull6 New Member

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    Susan, Glad the compass worked for you. Occasionally you'll find the suction cups pop off; just wet them and stick them back in place and you shouldn't have to recalibrate.

    The compass is one of the four modifications I have made to my Prius. The others are...
    - inverting the rear view morror
    - over inflating the tires; 42 lbs front and 38 rear
    - adding a 2" Coastal receiver hitch for my bike rack

    As you can see, I'm living on the edge with the modifications.

    Have fun!

    seagull
     
    #7 Seagull6, Dec 4, 2006
  8. bastcat8

    bastcat8 New Member

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    Seagull,
    Why did you invert the rear view mirror?
     
    #8 bastcat8, May 19, 2007
  9. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Bastcat8 @ May 19 2007, 03:20 PM) [snapback]445837[/snapback]</div>
    so that the light sensor is higher up (and not blocked by the rear spoiler). If it's higher up, it can sense the headlights better and dim earlier.
     
    #9 Tideland Prius, May 20, 2007
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