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Back to Wayfinder V2020 Product Page
Can my Wayfinder
vehicle compass be used as a handheld compass unit?
Currently, only the Wayfinder V700 is designed to be used as both
a handheld and vehicle compass. Top
How can I be
sure I’m receiving accurate temperature readings?
The Wayfinder Temperature & Compass System allows you to check the
signal strength of your Temp Sensor(s) by simply pressing and holding
the °F/ °C button for 2 seconds. The display will show a number
between 1 and 10 in the OUTSIDE TEMP and INSIDE TEMP sections indicating
your sensor strength. A signal reading of "5" or above indicates
your sensor is working well. Any number below "5" indicates your
signal strength is weak and you should adjust the location of your
sensor. Top
How do PNI digital
compasses work?
PNI digital compasses use a patented magnetic sensor technology
that was developed by PNI Corporation for the U.S. Military. This
technology, called Magneto-Inductive sensor technology, is the greatest
advance in compass technology since the fluxgate was invented 60
years ago. It electronically senses the difference between the earth's
magnetic field and your vehicle's magnetic field, and an on-board
microprocessor electronically subtracts your vehicle's magnetic
field from the total discerned field, resulting in highly accurate
compass readings.
Magneto-Inductive sensor technology
has many advantages over other technologies, including enhanced
performance, less power consumption and lower cost. These advantages
have made Magneto-Inductive sensor technology the choice for many
high-profile users of compass applications including GM, Ford, and
Daimler Chrysler automobiles, Polaris jet skis, Bayliner boats and
Timex watches. Top
What is magnetic
distortion?
Magnetic distortion is the disturbance of accurate compass calculations
caused by a sudden abundance of external magnetic fields. Many objects
can generate an external magnetic field that results in compass
inaccuracy, including railroad track crossings, metal structures
and electronic door openers. PNI digital compasses sense any significant
change in magnetic fields and the associated magnetic distortion
that occurs. Depending on your model, a distortion warning may display
briefly whenever your vehicle is within close proximity to a strong
magnetic field. Once the vehicle has moved away from the source
of the magnetic field, the compass readings will be accurate. If
the distortion warning displays continuously or displays after compass
setup, try setting up the compass again in a location where there
is less magnetic interference.
Top
What is the
difference between magnetic north and true north?
In most places on earth, true or map north is not the same location
as magnetic north. This is because the magnetic fields of earth
are always slowly changing. If you want to find the exact difference
(called declination) between magnetic and true north in your area,
contact the
National Geophysical Data Center in Boulder, Colorado, where
you can get a declination based on the latitude and longitude of
your location. To find out your latitude and longitude in the US,
go to the
US Census Bureau web page that supplies them based on city and
state or zip code. Top
Can I place
my compass system somewhere other than my windshield?
The Wayfinder is designed for windshield installation, though it
is possible to mount it on your dash top using double sided tape
or Dual-Lock™ hook and loop fastener. For greatest accuracy, the
display screen should be facing the rear of your vehicle (not the
driver) so that the compass is aligned with the direction of travel.
In addition, the unit should be mounted at least 6 inches away from
magnetic equipment such as the radio, speakers or the rear view
mirror. This minimizes the number of magnetic fields the compass
needs to calculate and ensures greater accuracy.
Top
Does it matter
where I mount the outside temperature sensor on my vehicle?
Yes, the Outside Temp Sensor should be mounted on the front of your
vehicle if possible – behind the front grill, inside the airflow
cavity, on the spoiler shelf on the bottom inside of your bumper,
or on the front of your grill. Do not place the Outside Temp Sensor
on your back bumper, as the exhaust fumes will distort the temperature
reading. For best results, use cable ties to attach the Temp Sensor
and place it in a location that is at least 3 to 4 inches away from
your engine radiator and does not get direct sunlight. Note that
all vehicles are made differently, so you will need to use your
best judgment in placing the temperature sensor on your particular
vehicle. Top
How can I get
my mounting bracket suction cups to hold more effectively on glass
surfaces?
First, clean the windshield with a glass cleaner that leaves no
residue. Then spread a very small amount of water around the outer
edge of each suction cup. This will provide a better seal when you
push and hold the bracket against the windshield glass.
Top
Can I setup
the compass outside my vehicle?
No, for accurate readings you must install the unit in your vehicle
before setting up the compass. Setting up the compass after it’s
installed enables it to detect the various magnetic fields emitted
by the vehicle itself and subtract these from the compass heading
calculations. Top
What causes
my compass to lose its calibration setting?
Several conditions can contribute to an inaccurate compass reading:
- The batteries have recently been replaced.
- The batteries are starting to lose power.
- The unit has detected temporary magnetic
distortion from nearby power lines, metal framed buildings or
other sources of magnetic interference.
- The compass calibration procedure was not
completed properly.
Try calibrating the compass again. If it still
does not provide accurate readings, replace the battery and calibrate
the compass again. Top
What is compass
setup and why is it necessary?
Setup is the process used with PNI digital compasses to separate
the earth's magnetic field from stray magnetic fields emitted by
your vehicle. Without setup, a PNI digital compass regards the entire
magnetic field as from the earth, including your vehicles magnetic
field, resulting in inaccurate compass readings.
Top
When does my compass need to be setup or reset for
maximum accuracy?
- All PNI digital compasses need to be setup
after initial installation in your vehicle, when moved to a
different location in the same vehicle, when moved to a different
vehicle, or when the battery is changed.
- All PNI digital compasses require resetting
when there has been a change to your vehicle, such as the installation
of a new stereo.
- Setup the PNI digital compass after your
selected power source is installed (battery or 12-Volt power
cord).
- Before setting up your compass, be sure you’re
in an area where you can easily drive in a complete circle,
such as an empty parking lot or cul-de-sac.
- Be sure that you are not near railroad tracks,
metal-framed buildings or power lines, and that your display
unit is at least 6 inches away from audio speakers and other
sources of magnetic interference.
- If you typically drive with your headlights
and stereo on, turn these on prior to compass setup.
Top
Why am I getting
incorrect directional headings after setting up my compass?
Your compass may be affected by magnetic distortion from electronic
or metal objects within your vehicle (such as your radio speakers
or rear view mirror), or from the surrounding area. First, be sure
the unit is mounted in a location that is at least 6 inches away
from any magnetic equipment in your vehicle. If the unit is properly
mounted, check to see if the magnet icon is flashing in the upper
left corner of the display screen. If so, it indicates that the
unit is picking up magnetic distortion. If the icon does not disappear
after several minutes of driving, you will need to set up the compass
again. Incorrect compass headings can also indicate that the compass
has not been set up correctly. If you receive incorrect or missing
compass headings without the magnet icon flashing, try setting up
the compass again, using the instructions in the users guide.
Top
How will I
know when my batteries are low?
A Battery Low icon will appear on your display to indicate that
your battery is losing power. If your display unit battery is low,
the battery icon will appear in the COMPASS section of your display.
If your Inside Temp Sensor battery is low, the icon will appear
in the INSIDE TEMP section of the display. And if your Outside Temp
Sensor battery is low, the battery icon will appear in the OUTSIDE
TEMP section of the display.
Top
What does it
mean when all segments on the display are turned on and won’t turn
off, even when I press OFF?
This occasionally happens when one of the display buttons is pressed
during battery installation. For instance, if you set the unit face
down on a tabletop to insert the battery, it’s likely that one of
the buttons on the display face will depress, causing the display
to become "stuck" in startup mode with all segments turned on. To
correct the situation, remove the battery, wait 5 minutes and then
reinsert the battery. If the display becomes stuck again, replace
the battery with a new battery. Again, be careful not to press any
buttons during battery installation.
Top
What should
I do when there’s no power in the display unit after inserting the
battery?
Sometimes a new battery will not immediately register with the Wayfinder
unit. Remove the battery, wait 5 minutes and then reinsert the battery.
If this happens again, replace the battery with a new battery.
Top
Why does my
compass shut off when I am driving?
If the compass does not detect a magnetic change in direction of
15 degrees or more in a 10 minute period, the "auto shutoff" feature
switches off the unit to conserve battery power. The lack of a magnetic
change usually means that the vehicle is parked, though it can also
result from driving on a long, straight road or sitting in traffic.
When using the 12-volt power cord, the "auto shutoff" function does
not take affect until your vehicle engine is turned off. The unit
will automatically turn off 10 minutes after vehicle shut-off.
Top
Why does my
Wayfinder vehicle compass display an error code?
An error code message is an indication of a low battery, or a bad
battery connection. Please replace the battery with a new one. If
this does not correct the problem, and the error message continues
to appear, please contact our customer service department at 1-505-292-3602,
Monday through Friday between 9-5pm (MST).
Top
Can I hardwire
my unit to my vehicle using the 12 volt adapter?
We do not recommend using the 12-volt adapter to hardwire your unit,
as hardwiring may require the removal of the fuse that protects
the unit from exposure to power surges. Altering the 12-volt adapter
or the unit voids your warranty.
Top
Do I still
need the batteries if my 12 volt adapter has continuous power?
The unit must have a battery in it at all times. When the unit is
shut off, the settings are stored via the battery (even if you have
continuous power to your 12 volt adapter).
Top
What is the
icon that sometimes appears in the OUTSIDE TEMP section of my display?
This is the Ice Alert warning, telling you that outside temperatures
have reached 35° or lower. Top
What would
cause the temperature to read incorrectly?
The outside temperature sensor may be too close to your engine radiator.
Also, if it is placed in direct sunlight (such as on the outside
of your front grill or on a luggage rack), the reading will typically
be 3-5° higher than the actual temperature. If these are the only
locations available for placing your outside temperature sensor,
simply be aware that the outside temperature will consistently run
slightly high. (Click on Temp Sensor Installation to view additional
options for installing the Temp Sensor on your vehicle.) The inside
temperature sensor can also be affected by direct sunlight, so be
sure it is placed in a shaded area of your vehicle.
Top
Why are my
temperature readings inaccurate when I first start my vehicle?
The outside temperature sensor needs to receive airflow in order
to accurately read the residual air temperature. You’ll notice that
the outside temperature will gradually move to an accurate reading
once your vehicle has been moving for several minutes. The inside
temperature sensor will accurately reflect the high heat conditions
common inside a vehicle when it has been parked for a period of
time. Top
Why doesn't
the display on my compass screen ever change?
Please ensure that you have removed the protective film that covers
the face of the compass. Top
Why is my compass
LCD displaying two screens?
Please ensure that the protective film that covers the face of the
compass has been removed. Top
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