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 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 all BASIC Stamp, Javelin Stamp, and SX microcontrollers.
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.
Downloads:
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 utility software and BS2 example code (.zip)