Do I need a compass for DJI Fly?

[Airmaxx23]

FYI .. Every Apple device has a compass sensor and every Android device (except for one strange Samsung tablet) has a compass sensor.

This is not true, there are several Android tablets that do not have a compass. For example the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.4 (2020) is a beautiful little tablet that would be great for flying (even has a high brightness, outdoor setting) but it doesn't have a compass. The Lenovo Smart Tab M8 is another that doesn't have one.

 

[G Randy Brown]

I'd have to know what model that is to say.
You don't seem to have mentioned it in this thread.

I currently have this one and I'm seriously considering sending it back for a used or refurbished ipad 4 or 5.
The one I have apparently does not have a magnet because the icon at the bottom of the screen that shows one's position in relation to the ac doesn't work.

 

[Meta4]

I currently have this one and I'm seriously considering sending it back for a used or refurbished ipad 4 or 5.
The one I have apparently does not have a magnet because the icon at the bottom of the screen that shows one's position in relation to the ac doesn't work.

That's the one.
This website is the best for checking specs.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019) - Full tablet specifications

www.gsmarena.com

It lists the sensors under Features and yours doesn't show a compass or magnetometer

 

[Meta4]

This is not true, there are several Android tablets that do not have a compass. For example the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.4 (2020) is a beautiful little tablet that would be great for flying (even has a high brightness, outdoor setting) but it doesn't have a compass. The Lenovo Smart Tab M8 is another that doesn't have one.

OK ... That's two odd ones that don't have a compass.
Thankyou for the information about the other one.

 

[G Randy Brown]

I wonder why they don't have specs on this one

 

[AMRE2ME2]

I use a Mini 4 and my orientation icon has never worked on the Fly app. I use the same Mini 4 with the GO4 app and that orientation icon has always worked perfect.
That icon is very important if you loose sight of your drone. However, I’ve found that I can switch to the map screen and that shows me the location and orientation of the drone in order to get it facing the correct direction to fly home. Even if the map screen doesn’t show a map, (because you’re out of cell range) it will still show your flight track and correct orientation.
It’s a good idea to try this once before the first time you loose sight and panic.

 

[Meta4]

I wonder why they don't have secs on this one

Looks like that's another odd one:

Lenovo M10 FHD REL - Full tablet specifications

www.gsmarena.com

 

[G Randy Brown]

Looks like that's another odd one:

Lenovo M10 FHD REL - Full tablet specifications

www.gsmarena.com

So the Lenovo was the other odd one I had in mind...that's 3 odd ones so far.
Do you know of one in this price range that would work?

 

[Airmaxx23]

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 10.5 is still a great tablet and was recently updated to Android 10. I'm using it and my Google Pixel 4XL with the DJI Fly app.

 

[G Randy Brown]

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 10.5 is still a great tablet and was recently updated to Android 10. I'm using it and my Google Pixel 4XL with the DJI Fly app.

I'm sure both work great but they're way out of my budget...I have a 6.5" phone that works great too but I'm just looking for a little bigger screen.
If I can't find something under $250 I'll just stick with my phone.

 

[Airmaxx23]

I'm sure both work great but they're way out of my budget...I have a 6.5" phone that works great too but I'm just looking for a little bigger screen.
If I can't find something under $250 I'll just stick with my phone.

You can get a used Tab S4 10.5 in great shape for $250-$275. Swappa is always a good place to find used devices.

 

[Capt KO]

GO 4 warns me if my iPad mini 4 compass needs calibration and shows a cal screen. Rotate (facing screen) full circle.
So far, FLY has not. I just calibrate, before flight, when the pointer is wrong.

 

[Meta4]

I just calibrate, before flight, when the pointer is wrong.

? ? ?
If you mean when the drone icon isn't pointing in the same direction as the drone, there should be no need to recalibrate the compass.
Just powering off and moving away from the source of the magnetic interference is all that's required.

 

[Capt KO]

? ? ?
If you mean when the drone icon isn't pointing in the same direction as the drone, there should be no need to recalibrate the compass.
Just powering off and moving away from the source of the magnetic interference is all that's required.

Yes, that does correct drone compass. Rarely ever need a “compass calibration “ when displayed, just move. Device compass a different story. Big compass screen that has to be rotated full circle.

 

[Meta4]

Yes, that does correct drone compass.

There's nothing wrong with the compass.
It doesn't need correcting.

The problem in your scenario is the magnetic environment and that's easy to fix.
Calibrating the compass cannot do anything to address the problem.

 

[G Randy Brown]

You can get a used Tab S4 10.5 in great shape for $250-$275. Swappa is always a good place to find used devices.

Thanks, you're right I just found a refurbished one for $190...thx again!

 

[Airmaxx23]

Thanks, you're right I just found a refurbished one for $190...thx again!

You're welcome, you'll be more than pleased with it.

 

[Capt KO]

There's nothing wrong with the compass.
It doesn't need correcting.

The problem in your scenario is the magnetic environment and that's easy to fix.
Calibrating the compass cannot do anything to address the problem.

You are totally correct. Some confusion arose on where and when. I should have stayed on original scenario.

 

[COOKIE 1]

what happens when the directional arrow turns red and flashing, bottom center on your phone,
then returns to white
this has happren several times in about an hour of fly time ,

 

[Meta4]

what happens when the directional arrow turns red and flashing, bottom center on your phone,
then returns to white

Nothing happens ... your drone still flies as it should.
It's just the orientation indicator not working properly.