Kestrel 5500 - Compass Reading Varies

[fxdrider]

I have a Kestrel 5500. It's set to read Magnetic North, and I've calibrated the compass, out on a range - maybe 30 yards from any magnetic object. Once calibrated, holding it verticle and facing any given direction, the reading never stabilizes. It swings rather wide , sometimes as much as 20 degrees. For instance, if facing North (0), I get readings anywhere from 350 to 10. And it seems to display a fresh reading about every second. This can't be normal, can it? Has anyone else had this issue?

 

[azred33]

That is not normal and thus the lack of replies, maybe. My Kestrel takes about 4 seconds to find and hold the DOF. 20 degree swings don't make sense. I suggest you re-calibrate in a different place and see if you get the same results. For reasons unknown to me, re-calibration is a regular event for some, Making sure your you app is v.1.146 and Kestrel fw is 1.22 certainly won't hurt. If no change, contact the manufacturer for help.

 

[fxdrider]

That is not normal and thus the lack of replies, maybe. My Kestrel takes about 4 seconds to find and hold the DOF. 20 degree swings don't make sense. I suggest you re-calibrate in a different place and see if you get the same results. For reasons unknown to me, re-calibration is a regular event for some, Making sure your you app is v.1.146 and Kestrel fw is 1.22 certainly won't hurt. If no change, contact the manufacturer for help.

Thanks. I suspected as much. It seemed to work fine when I bought it in February. Just started this about a month or so ago.
I contacted Kestrel. They agreed it didn't sound right. I'm sending it to them today for an evaluation. Hopefully something they can fix and turn around quickly.

 

[fxdrider]

UPDATE:

I heard from Kestrel Tech Support today. The email reads as follows: "unrepairable: Replaced compass. Readings still seem somewhat erratic. Further evaluation needed. Replaced unit."

Tracking number indicates I should have it Friday.

 

[fxdrider]

Update #2 - Received replacement unit today. Compass working as it should after calibration. All is right with the world again.

Well, as right as it was anyway.