Modern tablets are replacing many devices - media players, laptops, mobile phones and even a compass. But, oddly enough, the latter option is quite difficult to implement, and the digital version of such a simple device may simply not work. So what if the compass doesn't work on the tablet?
Reasons for a malfunctioning compass on a tablet
Before getting into digital technology, let's remember how the classic compass works. This device was invented many centuries ago, and its main task is to show the correct position of the North and South. An ordinary compass consists of a magnetized needle, which, depending on the strength of the magnetic attraction of the earth's field, points in the right direction.
The principle of operation of a compass on a tablet can be based on two systems:
- In the first, the tablet receives location data from GPS satellites, processes it, connects it with the accelerometer indicators and displays the result in the form of a corresponding picture;
- In the second, the tablet system provides for the presence of special magnetometers that measure the earth's magnetic field, combine data with an accelerometer, and, based on the position of the gadget in space and the amount of radiation, indicate the desired direction.
The reason that the compass does not work in the first case is a malfunction of the GPS module, accelerometer, or poor signal quality from satellites.
In the second situation, in most cases, the compass needs to be calibrated. Although the tablet receives all the data it needs, it doesn't know how to use it. Calibration is simple enough:
- go to any convenient application that has a compass, for example, Google Maps;
- stretch the tablet in front of you and make an eight-fold movement;
- repeat this procedure several times until the compass begins to point in a normal direction.
It is advisable to carry out this procedure in an open area, so that there are no powerful sources of electricity nearby and various devices that can emit magnetic waves that interrupt the natural radiation of the earth.
COMPASS 3D - a popular program designed for the development of design and project documentation. The brainchild of the Russian company "Ascon", the program has long won the respect of users.
One of the advantages of the system is the ability to purchase additional libraries to expand the program's capabilities. For example, a library of standard parts that you can add to your working 3D assemblies ready-made - bearings, seals, piping elements, fasteners, etc.
How to connect the library in the KOMPAS 3D program?
In order for the downloaded library to "work", you need it correctly to plug... To do this, you will have to perform several operations:
- Make sure that the downloaded library files are in the correct folder (it is called Libs);
- After opening the program, in the "Service" menu, find the "Library Manager" command;
- After clicking, a list of files will appear, among which we select the necessary one - for this, there is a "Connect" button in the context menu;
- If the library is not in the list, click "Add" and specify the location;
- Connected libraries are marked with check marks in the list.
For the program KOMPAS-3D Portable (not requiring installation) libraries are connected as follows:
- Menu Service - Library Manager - PCM - Add Description - Applied Library;
- Select the required file;
- Repeat for each link library
It should be borne in mind that library files have the extension * dll or * rtw. * Tlm files refer to templates and are connected through the "Template Manager".
What if the libraries are not linking?
This error can be caused by various reasons. What can be done to improve the situation?
We are surrounded by a huge number of very interesting things that were invented many centuries ago and have practically not changed in terms of functionality. One of these items is a compass or, in other words, a device with a built-in magnetized needle. Almost every one of us has at least once thought about how a compass works and what is its principle of operation.
Who Invented the Compass?
This device, which is still popular today, was invented in ancient China. There are several versions of its appearance:
- Three thousand years before our era, the then Chinese lands were ruled Huang Di... The emperor is credited with creating the first navigational aids that helped him save his army in the desert. However, there is no exact data on this fact;
- According to another version, at the turn of the 1-2 century BC, the ancient Chinese already used a round-shaped object with a magnetic stick inside;
- Historically, it is known that already in the 13th century, during the reign of the Song dynasty, the empire massively used devices for orientation during the crossing of deserts.
As for the European part of the continent, the compass appeared here in the middle of the 12-13 centuries. Outwardly, he looked very simple and laconic. In a small container filled with water, a plug was installed, and a pointer was attached on top.
Only two hundred years later, thanks to the efforts of Flavio Joya, the predecessor of the navigator underwent changes. The Italian modernized the design by installing an arrow on the vertical axis, and placed a non-magnetic circular contour with divisions around it.
Since that time, the design features have constantly changed, but the principle and meaning remained the same.
How does a compass work?
The principle of operation of the device depends on its type. Known three main types of compass:
- Magnetic;
- Gyro-compass;
- Electronic.
The classic magnetic compass consists of a round plastic or brass box with a steel spire in the center. At the end of the spire perpendicular to its axis is located magnetic pointer ... Also, some models have a special brake (fuse), and the top of the body is covered with glass.
It works very simply. The magnetized pointing axis interacts with the natural magnetic field of the Earth and rotates parallel to the lines of force of our planet. Accordingly, according to the direction of the line to the north, the arrow will be directed in the same way.
As for the gyrocompass, it is widely used in navigation systems of ships as a geographic direction indicator and determines the azimuth and heading. It consists of a gyroscope placed in the middle of the ball. The ball itself floats freely in a vessel with liquid. Its center of gravity is located at the bottom.
The electronic version of the device works on the principle of calculating the location using satellite data. It constantly receives and receives a signal from a navigation satellite, and thereby determines the direction of movement, as well as coordinates and speed.
How to determine the sides of the horizon?
For orientation on the terrain, first of all, set the compass as even as possible relative to the horizontal plane, and then release the brake. The arrow will begin to rotate and then indicate the direction of the light. Its sharp part will be directed to the north. Most often it is colored dark blue, and the lower part is red. The opposite side will be south, and on the right and left there will be east and west, respectively.
There are markings on the bottom of the structure on the inside. The circle can be divided into four equivalent sectors by two perpendicular diameters, at the ends of which the letters C, Yu, Z and B are marked. Also on the dial is a scale from 0 to 360 degrees with a division step of 10-15 degrees.
It should be clarified that the readings of the magnetic pointer may be wrongif you determine the direction of light near high-voltage power lines or railway tracks.
It is also necessary to periodically check the compass. To do this, at rest, excite the arrow with a short-term influence of a foreign metal object. If, after exposure, it returned to its previous position, then the device is operational. After finishing work with it, it is recommended to always press the safety lever and carry it in a case or case.
How to make a compass yourself?
It is noteworthy, but such a tourist assistant can be made with your own hands at home. For this:
- Choosing the material for the instrument needle. As it we can take a pin, paper clip, hairpin, or an ordinary sewing needle;
- We magnetize the selected structural element. It is advisable to do this with an ordinary magnet, passing it along our pointer at least 40-50 times. If the magnet is not at hand, use a woolen or silk cloth, but it will take a little longer to rub;
- In addition to the above components, it is necessary to prepare a jar or a small bowl of water, as well as a cork or foam plastic with a diameter of about 2 cm. Next, insert the pointer horizontally symmetrically into the cork;
- It remains only to assemble our gadget. To do this, simply insert a handicraft swivel mechanism into a jar or bowl of water.
Thus, by rotating, the needle will indicate in which direction the north. This method determines only an approximate direction, and it is best to do this in still water and in the absence of wind.
GPS advantages and disadvantages
In the digital age, more and more travelers are moving away from paper maps in favor of electronics. We will compare what is better and more convenient, and what to give preference to.
Of advantages GPS should be highlighted:
- Perfectly orientates in conditions of poor visibility, fog, snow, accurately determines the path;
- Support for local regional maps;
- Loading already laid routes with all the necessary marks;
- Visualization of traversed tracks, uploading them to the Internet.
Of cons note the following:
- Skills and ability to work with the map are dulled;
- Dependence on power supply;
- Signal loss probability.
The technique is constantly evolving, and every day something new and better appears. The same applies to orientation and navigation devices. And whatever they are, the basic foundation is the principle of how and by what means the compass works.
Compass video
In this video, Arkady Pushnoy will tell you how the compass works, how to use it correctly and how you can make the device yourself from available tools:
