Digital Compass With Super Easy Arduino Library

Details

This is a 3 Axis Digital Compass (aka, Magnetometer), based on the HMC588SL chip.

In short, this device allows you to point it in a direction and determine the compass heading by way of taking a reading of the earth's magnetic field in two perpendicular axes parallel to the earth's surfacce.

This all sounds very complicated right, WRONG, I made it easy for you by writing an Arduino library to do the boring stuff for you, so in effect, this is just how easy it is...
float heading = Compass.GetHeadingDegrees();

Here's the library for you to download with all the details of how to install and use it:
github.com

The board has a 3v3 regulator, and pullups to 3v3, so you can safely use this with your 5v Arduino (or a 3v3 one).

Note that the exact module may differ slightly from picture depending on availability, but exactly the same functionally and usage. Either a GY-273 or a CJ-M49, the only difference is the CJ has a 3v3 output pin if you wanted to draw current from it's onboard regulator for some other nefarious purpose. If it's important, ask and I'll tell you which I have available currently.

Please do note, that just like a real compass, this compass needs to have the 2 axis you are comparing both fairly parallel to the earth's surface. Because there are 3 axis to choose from, you can decide to mount it horizontal (X/Y are parallel to the surface), or vertical (X/Z or Y/Z), but you need to tell the library which way it is mounted. Again my library makes this easy.

Also, just like a real compass, magnets, metal objects, electromagnetism, geological deposits etc... all affect the reading!