Compass calibration corrects your Headset’s magnetometer orientation with a few guided motions. Digital compasses are sometimes affected by magnetic waves, environmental interferences and radio waves. Calibrating readjusts the compass when those events occur.

Calibrating the compass

Starting with Magic Leap OS 1.4.0, compass calibration can be performed from the Settings menu by going to "Settings > Perception". You'll be guided step-by-step to start the process.

You'll be prompted to follow a set of motions to calibrate the headset.

• With the lens facing in front, the Headset should rotate vertically up and around until it returns to its original position.
• Next, perform a full rotation horizontally in one direction.
• Next, perform a full rotation vertically down.
• Finally, perform a full rotation horizontally in the other direction.

Note: If you're using RX inserts, please make sure you've inserted them before performing calibration.

The below video showcases the motions.

Why these motions?

The set of four motions allow the Headset to cover points within a spherical area that readjust the compass’s direction.

Resolving temperature-related magnetometer issues

With Magic Leap OS 1.10.0, it's possible to make the magnetometer data powering compass calibration more robust using ADB. This reduces the impact of internal temperature changes.

1. Update your device to 1.10.0
2. Shutdown the device and let it cool to room temperature 
3. After the device is cooled, turn on the device and, while connected to and recognized by a computer, immediately run the following command via ADB to clear all calibration:

mag_temp_comp_tool --reset="true"

The expected result should be similar to the following:

demophon:/ # mag_temp_comp_tool --reset="true"                                                                                                                                                            

System reset successful.

4. Keep the headset in a static position. To start the temperature calibration of the left magnetometer, execute the following command:

mag_temp_comp_tool --initiate="true"

Wait for the program to return "success" or "failure". This could take between 30 minutes to an hour.

The expected result should be similar to the following:

System initialization started. Will poll system status every minute until either success or failure.

System active for right headset magnetometer.

System active for left headset magnetometer.

You can now calibrate the device's compass.