Originally posted by Tjompen1968 So, please tell why you so strongly want me to ignore the environmental impact on the GPS. Cellphones, powerlines etc. I guess you are some kind of engineer?
Why is it impervious to outside influence?
All I have said is that IMO you don't have to shut off your phone to use the astro tracker, that's it. I have not said anything about ignoring power lines etc. And yes, I'm some kind of engineer.
The phone has a magnet in the speaker that might influence the compass in the camera if it's close enough. But you can't shut off that magnet, it's there even if you shut the phone off. So, don't hold the phone against the camera while tracking or calibrating. But if kept in your pocket the distance will be far enough to not (probably) influence the camera at all.
I just thought it's getting a bit too much with all the precautions to use the tracker. It's not that sensitive. it's a normal GPS, some accelerometers and a compass. Sure, avoid strong magnetic fields, but that's about it.
Edit:
I did the same test as GSWayne, and the magnet in my phone is surprisingly strong. it could be a problem if you have the phone in a front pocket and hold you camera close to it while calibrating. Shutting it off will not help though, move the phone to a rear pocket or hold the camera away from the phone while calibrating.