This 3 axis digital compass is based on Honeywell HMC5883L sensor.The magnetometer or digital compass sensor is used to measure the heading angle (angle from the north), This is done by measuring both the direction and the magnitude of Earth’s magnetic fields, from milli-gauss to 8 gauss. Communication with the HMC5883L is simple and all done through an I2C interface.  Voltage of 2.16-3.6VDC should be supplied.

Features

• Simple I2C interface
• 2.16-3.6VDC supply range
• Low current draw
• 5 milli-gauss resolution

Dimensions: 17.78x17.78mm

How to use compass with arduino?

Connect the compass as shown in figure below

Upload and run this arduino code, click here

Note: for the code above, the connections MUST be :

Arduino GND ---------> HMC5883L GND

Arduino 3.3V ---------> HMC5883L VCC

Arduino A4 (SDA) ---> HMC5883L SDA

Arduino A5 (SCL) ---> HMC5883L SCL

For another tutorial on how use triple axis digital compass, please click here

Watch how to use video below