Magnetic interference can throw off your azimuth and 3D measurements taken with the TruPulse® 360i. This guide breaks down what to look for, how far to stay from common objects, and how to keep your compass calibrated – so your rangefinder delivers accurate data wherever you work.
TruPulse 360i rangefinders come equipped with internal compass technology that provides users with the highest and most repeatable accuracy when magnetic interference is avoided.
As a TruPulse 360i user, you’ll want to stay alert to what’s around you and what you’re carrying. Here, we outline best practices, including Minimum Distance Guidelines, so you can ensure accurate measurements around common objects and materials that may disrupt your device’s internal compass.
Avoiding magnetic interference is essential for maintaining accurate azimuth and 3D measurement data. Additionally, materials like soft iron, steel, and some stainless steels can alter their magnetic state as they rotate relative to the Earth’s magnetic field. Distancing your 360i unit from potential problem objects and items whenever possible allows you to measure with confidence.
Nonferrous (non-iron) metals and alloys are safe to be near or in contact with your TruPulse 360i. These types of metals include alloys of aluminum, copper, titanium, zinc, nickel, cobalt, tungsten, precious metals, and refractory metals.
Use the minimum distance value provided for each item to keep your TruPulse 360i unit accurate in the field. We have included interference-prone objects and materials our users commonly encounter. Our testing was conducted using inches and feet. The metric values included with each minimum distance section reflect a rounded-up conversion to the 10th of a meter. Metric values are included for users’ convenience.
Keep a six-inch minimum distance between your TruPulse 360i and any cell phones.
Keep an eighteen-inch minimum distance between your TruPulse 360i and any magnet-free GNSS receivers.
Maintain a 15 foot+ distance between your TruPulse 360i and any powerlines.
Data Collectors/Smart devices with magnets
You may want to download our Magnetic Interference sheet as a PDF for offline reference. Along with avoiding magnetic interference, another important practice for TruPulse 360i users is regularly calibrating your compass. We have a variety of web resources ready for you on our TruPulse 360i Compass Calibration: Complete How-To Guide, complete with step-by-step instructions.
With a TruPulse 360i and any brand of GNSS receiver, you can save time and remotely position assets onto your map file at a one-shot-per-asset cadence.
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