Using GPS for Azimuth

[DavidMonkman]

I bought Dishpointer AR because my hiking compass was usually mislead by iron in caravans, vehicles as well as my dish.

It was disappointing to then find that this AR app also relied a magnetic compass.

Are there any plans to upgrade it to eliminate this reliance on an old-fashioned compass ?

[AlanSH]

Using GPS for azimuth is no good when standing on a ladder trying to install a dish. GPS always requires you to be moving in one direction in order to find your heading. You would need to move at least 5 meters in order for it to work.

[DavidMonkman]

Using GPS for azimuth is no good when standing on a ladder trying to install a dish. GPS always requires you to be moving in one direction in order to find your heading. You would need to move at least 5 meters in order for it to work.

Thanks Alan, I get the picture.
I did mentioned "caravan" so walking 5 metres on a camp-site would be possible for me.
However I do realise that AR Pro would be mostly used by people installing up a ladder.
Don't they, like me, also get magnetic deviations due to ferrous metals in the dish, clamp & pole ?

[AlanSH]

You just need to stay away a little bit from the dish and it'll be ok. Follow these instructions to get good readings:

1. Don't use the device in a case, especially a case with magnetic closure buttons.
2. Calibrate the compass each time you use it like in this video

Best Compass Calibration Method (iPhone/G1/etc.) - YouTube

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(You do this while the DP app is running, just swing the phone).
3. Stay away from anything electrical or metallic.
4. On most devices, the compass generally works better when the device is held flat. Position the device correctly, then lock the compass (button right) and then lift the device without shifting the device.

Back to using GPS: It's really not an option, walking 5 meters would give you a heading, but it won't be accurate since GPS accuracy is limited to 5 meters. The compass is a much better option.