Compass Calibration for Outdoor Handhelds
In order to keep the electronic compass in a Garmin outdoor handheld accurate, we recommend that it is calibrated on a regular basis.
At a minimum, it is recommended to calibrate the compass at first use, when the batteries are replaced or your unit has been charegd if it has built-in battery, and after moving more than 100 miles (160 km), or experiencing a temperature change greater than 68° F (20° C) from the last calibration. However, to ensure the compass is always working properly, you may want to calibrate right before using the device.
Tips
Calibrate the compass outside.
Ensure you hold the device parallel to the ground when calibrating.
Magnetic fields (such as cars, buildings, etc.) can cause poor compass readings, and also interfere with calibrating.
The video below gives an example of calibrating a compass on an Oregon Touch Screen GPS Device.
Non-Touchscreen Handhelds
Press Page until you reach the Compass or Navigation page, or select Compass from the main menu.
Press Menu or select Menu Option Icon.
Select Calibration or Calibrate Compass.
You may have to select Start to begin the calibration. This is highlighted by default, press Enter or the thumb-stick to select it.
Follow the on-screen instructions to calibrate the compass.
A message will appear to indicate when the calibration has been completely successfully. If the calibration fails at any point, select Retry or repeat the above steps to perform the calibration again.
We have many more tips and training videos to get you going with your Garmin Handheld GPS device and Garmin's Basecamp planning software on our Online Training Resource - More info here
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