[Maemo 5] [request] Digital Compass

[pthomas22]

I have seen a few threads on this but none seem to answer my question.
Does the N900 lack the hardware needed for a digital compass or can an application be develped to create one?
How difficult would it be?

[ysss]

It lacks the hardware.

No, there isn't a practical way to simulate one (derives the information a digital compass gives, from the other sensors present within the N900).

[aligatro]

GPS can be used for this. But there is one problem: it doesn't work properly when you are standing still. And you need to be outside.

[efekt]

Its impossible to add software for a non-existent hardware...

[festivalnut]

not quite digital but...

solution 1, check time of day on n900, plant it in ground and use position of shadow to gauge north.

solution 2, float your stylus in a pool of water, then place a magnetised needle on top, it'll face north.

voila! :)

[MaxJP]

Or maybe stick a small compass to your N900...

[ysss]

Er..

Digital compass on smartphones are mainly used for augmented reality (AR) apps where you overlay information/graphic elements over a live video feed from its camera. These kind of apps are practically not possible without a digital compass.

Using them just to tell where north is... is kinda... under-utilizing its true potential ;)

[festivalnut]

Er..

Digital compass on smartphones are mainly used for augmented reality (AR) apps where you overlay information/graphic elements over a live video feed from its camera. These kind of apps are practically not possible without a digital compass.

Using them just to tell where north is... is kinda... under-utilizing its true potential ;)

non digital solution for augmented reality:

carry a bunch of semi-transparent stickers with arrows, exclamation marks and other iconography as required. stick to real life objects you feel should be augmented. :)

[pthomas22]

oh well. Thanks guys
It would have been nice to have but it's not a must have

[noctule]

I've looked at building a small board containing two digital compasses and having it communicate via bluetooth, but I ran into two problems:
1) I never seem to have the time to work on the devs that I really want to
2) Battery life would be nearly non-existent

I will post the eagle files, etc if I ever manage to get it working though.

That said, one of the PUSH entries for a belt with an arduino and a digital compass for interfacing with the N900.

http://blogs.nokia.com/pushn900/category/the-haptic-guide/