compass does not work?! radiation fear anyone?

What kind of radiation? We all live on a giant magnet... I think the built-in compass feature is an electronic device based on micro neodymium magnets, something like magnetometers used in handheld GPS receivers or so... no fear at all.

 

I have just tried with my trekking magnetic compass (fluid). Approached the vehicle, then I took my driver's seat. I see only the usual compass deviation caused by the presence of reasonable amount of ferromagnetics an electromagnetic field (which in hybrid car should be higher than in conventional vehicle). Nothing unusual. The magnetic compass deviation from true North is about 10-12 degrees (in my case). We - mariners - deal with it by establishing magnetic compass deviation card to know always where are we going to (in case of gyro failure).

I'm guessing that you tried to compare the handheld compass with car navigation indications (?)

 

Is this 'cheapie compass' built for automobiles, or is it meant only for hiking?

Hiking compassing have always had problems with the steel chassis and frames in cars, generations before today's hybrids existed. When I was a kid, I remember dad putting an automotive unit in his pickup, then having to follow the calibration procedure to adjust a couple bias magnets built into the unit to cancel out the magnetic field of the car.

Have you tried this 'cheapie compass' in a regular car?

 

Yep! Right now And the deviation is even more, almost 20 degrees. Perhaps my Mitsubishi van is built from more steel. My compass is not the "cheapie" one, carefully selected years ago... you know - I'm a navigator

Forgot to ask - what type is your compass?

 

I understand - magnet compass - not the electronic one... whatever - whenever you'll get lost - to obtain a true indications always keep clear from iron or steel constructions. Eventually look at the sky - the North is so easy to find
Besides - in some future all magnet-based devices may become not trustworthy anymore...
Earth's Magnetic Field Made Quick Flip-Flop : Discovery News

 

As you are discovering, any car has the same effects, even junkyard cars that have not operated in years.

This thread use real measurements to debunk many fears of 'radiation' My 2008 Prius, and other things, EMF Measurements! | PriusChat