This Compass Module made exclusively by Parallax is a dual-axis magnetic field sensor built around the Hitachi HM55B IC. Parallax has made this compass IC accessible by providing Hitachi’s surface mount sensor chip with a 3 V onboard voltage regulator and resistor protection, all in a 0.3” wide 6-pin DIP module. The Hitachi HM55B Compass Module is compatible with all Parallax microcontrollers (including the BASIC Stamp microcontroller’s 5 V supply and signal levels). Acquiring measurements from the module is made easy with a synchronous serial interface, and even easier with the BASIC® Stamp 2 commands SHIFTIN and SHIFTOUT.
Features:
- Sensitive to microtesla (µT) variations in magnetic field strength.
- Simplifies direction by resolving magnetic field measurements into two components axes.
- 6-bit (64-direction) resolution after calibration
- Only 30 to 40 ms between start measurement and data-ready with simple synchronous serial interface.
- Built-in resistor protection for data pins eliminates bus conflict risks.
- Compact and breadboard-friendly 0.3 inch, 6-pin DIP package.
- Compatible with most microcontrollers including BASIC Stamp, Javelin Stamp, SX, and Propeller.
Application Ideas:
- Mobile and walking robot direction sensor
- Handheld electronic compass
- Weathervane indicator for remote weather stations
- Audible compass for the vision impaired.
- Automotive electronic compass.
Key Specifications:
- Power: 5 VDC
- Communications: Asynchronous
- Dimensions: 0.4 x 0.5 x 0.45 in ( 10.2 x 12.7 x 11.4mm)
- Operating temp range: -4° to +185° F (-20° to +85° C)
Alternate viewing angle:
Click through for a close-up.
Contact Hitachi Metals America (choose MEMS sensor from the pull-down menu) for inquiries on the magnet compass sensor alone; Parallax only offers the module format.
Downloads & Resources:
Hitachi HM55B Compass Module Package Insert (.pdf)
Hitachi HM55B Compass Documentation (.pdf)
Hitachi HM55B Compass Module Source Code (.zip)
Hitachi HM55B Integrated Circuit Datasheet (.pdf)
Graphical viewing software and BS2 example code (.zip)
Javelin Stamp Example Code (.zip)
Free Graphical Viewer for Hitachi HM55B Compass (off site)
Sensor Objects for Propeller Programmers