Ardupilot Compass Setup Pro Tips: Avoid 'toilet-bowling' and how to fix

[@1FelixTheCat]

Great subject! Been flying arduplane for several years. The compass has proven to be the hardware that demands the most attention. It's the first consideration in a new build, not an afterthought .

[@allisterschreiber9920]

I agree with the basics, distance is best. But MOT can be very helpful, especially when distance isn’t an option. Also, using MAGFIT in the Ardupilot Webtools can really dial in a solid calibration that takes into account actual flight data.

[@Painless360]

Talking to the devs, poor compass position, bad calibration and poor setup/use of compassMOT are the most common issues they see... Happy flying

[@mikekelly6774]

Another nice feature of a compass is if you use a paved runway, you can configure the ground steering parameters so that your model tracks a magnetic heading during the ground run on takeoff. Great for us beginners who have not mastered offsetting torque with rudder.

[@MCsCreations]

Thanks a bunch for all the info, Lee! 😊 I need to get a new compass... Mine I forgot over my camera's protector thingy... It has a magnet... And now it points south. 😬 Anyway, stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@ZipovUA]

thanks for your video! I had a lot of problems with toilet mode. Today I will check your advices

[@jamesemery1]

I don't use the compass mot for all the reasons Lee states. I 'll generally use a mast on quads to get it high up and away from interference, fixed wings there is more room in the wings etc. one of my models was of a boeing 707 with a round puck compass/gps so it stuck on a mast a with a bit foamboard glue and paint so it now looks like an boeing E3 AWAC

[@Painless360]

Talking to the devs, CompassMOT seems to cause more problems than it fixes! It can be useful if the process is followed perfectly, and the model and power setup never changes. Happy flying!

[@jamesemery1]

@@Painless360 I often fly different voltage packs and different payloads and props depending on what I'm doing. If you don't change any of the above I can see it being useful

[@sarahdaviscc]

Thanks for another great video Lee!

[@drabberfrog]

I'm planning on building an Ardupilot plane and I'm going to be heavily relying on the GPS and compass, is using an extension cable a good idea to get the GPS module farther away from the other electronics? I think I'm going to mount it on top of the tail section so there should be nothing but foam and the pushrods near it.

[@Painless360]

Usually 5 to 6 inches seperation is enough. Using CANBus GPS units allows you to put the GPS puck further away... Happy flying

[@BlakeSkyPyro]

Great tips. Which helicopter is that you were using as a demonstration article?

[@Painless360]

OMPHobby M4

[@DFEUERMAN]

Field calibration: throttlefull/yaw-right + pitch back

[@Vitaliy250]

Do power lines have significant impact on compass when you fly?

[@Painless360]

Even the metal reenforcement in concrete can affect the compass calibration if it's too close. This is a common issue the devs see with 'outside' compass calibrations that aren't good enough. Keep this stuff in mind, and you should be fine... Happy flying

[@JoeyscustomRC]

I know you’re discussing using Ardupilot here, but is it safe to assume you should exercise these measures using Betaflight or INav also?

[@Painless360]

If you're using a compass for flight, absolutely, happy flying!

[@rckeith]

Great information, thanks for sharing 👍

[@FarAway-Farm]

First