Regularly performing a TruPulse 360i user compass calibration is crucial for maintaining high-accuracy azimuth measurements. A best practice is to perform a compass calibration at every new location you measure from. We’ve put this resource together to help you master the routine.
TruPulse 360i User Compass Calibration: Instructional Video
Not much of a reader? Check out our instructional video and follow along as our Senior Product Manager takes you through each step. Along with an instructional narration, the video also includes:
What you’ll see in the rangefinder’s display throughout the entire process
Graphics that show you which buttons to press along the way
Static images that show you each of the 12 calibration positions
Video from the user’s point of view, that shows you how to rotate through the 12 calibration positions
TruPulse 360i Compass Calibration: Full Instructions
First Steps
To begin the routine, you should be holding the TruPulse facing towards Magnetic North. Always perform outside and away from magnetic interference. The user compass calibration allows the unit to discover its own magnetic fields and to mathematically correct for them.
See our Magnetic Interference Guidelines for more information on TruPulse 360i magnetic interferences and minimum distances for different objects.
The compass is susceptible to magnetic interference and should be kept away from all ferro-magnetic materials and strong magnetic fields when performing the compass calibration. Do not perform the calibration inside a building, or in or near vehicles. The user calibration for the compass merely compensates for the magnetic changes of the unit itself.
Menu Navigation
From the ready-to-measure display, short-press the Menu button to enter the Settings menu.
Continue to short-press the Menu button and scroll to the User Calibration option, where you’ll see “USr CALbrt” (user calibrate) in the display, with a blinking check mark icon.
Start at the TruPulse 360i’s ready-to-measure display.
The TruPulse 360i’s “Menu” button is indicated by a three-line icon.
When you see this display, you’ve reached the TruPulse 360i User Compass Calibration option
Press the Select Button to enter the User Calibration options.
Press either Navigation Button until you see “Yes 360 Calbrt” in the display, then press the Select button.
The TruPulse 360i’s “Select” button is indicated by a check mark icon.
The TruPulse 360i’s navigation buttons are indicated by arrow icons.
Once you see “Yes” and “360” flashing in the display, press the select button and get ready to progress through 12 calibration positions.
TruPulse 360i User Compass Calibration Sequence and Positions
At each step, wait approximately 1 second before pressing the Fire button, then wait another second before moving to the next position. Hold the unit steadily when pressing the Fire button. Face North (+/- 10 degrees) and hold the unit at chest-level with your arms extended.
Hold the unit in Position 1 and press the Fire button.
Hold the unit in Position 2 and press the Fire button.
Hold the unit in Position 3 and press the Fire button.
For position one, hold your 360i upright so that the eyepiece and battery door, or the back side of the unit, faces you.
For position 2, rotate the 360i unit so that the bottom side of the unit faces you, with the eyepiece pointed up and the laser lenses pointed down.
For position 3, rotate the unit so that the laser lenses face you with the unit upside down.
Hold the unit in Position 4 and press the Fire button.
Hold the unit in Position 5 and press the Fire button.
Hold the unit in Position 6 and press the Fire button.
For position 4, rotate the unit so that the top side faces you with the eyepiece pointed down and the laser lenses pointed up.
For position 5, rotate the unit so that the back side of the unit faces you and turn the unit sideways with the battery door to your left and the eyepiece to your right.
For position 6, keep the battery door to your left and rotate the unit so that its right side faces you with the eyepiece pointed up and the laser lenses pointed down.
Hold the unit in Position 7 and press the Fire button.
Hold the unit in Position 8 and press the Fire button.
Hold the unit in position 9 and press the Fire button.
For position 7, rotate the unit so that the front side faces you and hold the unit sideways with the 360i logo on your left.
For position 8, rotate the unit so that its left side faces you with the laser lenses pointed up and the eyepiece pointed down.
Position 9 is the same as position 1. Rotate the unit so that the back side faces you in its upright position.
Hold the unit in position 10 and press the Fire button.
Hold the unit in position 11 and press the Fire button.
Hold the unit in position 12 and press the Fire button.
For position 9, rotate the unit so that its right side faces you in its upright position, with the eyepiece to your left and the laser lenses to your right.
For position 11, rotate the unit so that the front side faces you in an upright position, with the 360i logo on the lower part of the unit.
For position 12, rotate the unit so its left side faces you in its upright position, with the laser lenses to your left and the eyepiece to your right.
If a Fail Message appears, press either the Fire or Select button and repeat the procedure. The previous compass user field calibration is restored.
If a Pass Message appears, the new calibration is saved. Press either the Fire or Select button to return to the measurement screen.
If you see a Fail code, restart the calibration routine and try to hold your unit very steady while progressing through the 12 positions.
If you see a Pass code, your calibration was successful, and you are ready to measure.
TruPulse 360i User Compass Calibration Fail Codes
You might see either a Fail 2, 4, or 6 code on your rangefinder display after pressing the Fire button at position 12. Here is what each different fail code means:
FAiL2: Magnetic saturation error. Local magnetic field too strong. User should move to a more suitable location and remove metallic and electronic objects from their person.
FAiL4: Calibration convergence error. User should move to a more suitable location and remove metallic and electronic objects from their person.
FAiL6: Orientations were wrong during the calibration.
If the calibration fails, the previous calibration is restored.
TruPulse 360i User Compass Calibration Tips
Always recalibrate your compass whenever the Calibration icon (✔️) flashes. This will flash whenever:
Large temperature variations have happened since your last calibration.
The unit has been exposed to magnetic fields, which may subtly magnetize the unit and its batteries.
The battery voltage has changed since the last calibration
Don't want to miss out on future updates? Subscribe to our blog for the latest news, trends, and expert insights from LTI. Head on over to our subscription page to sign up today!
