September 23, 2026

Smart Compass Pro (ver 2.8) manual

Hello. I'm Android Boy. Thank you for your visit.

Smart Compass Pro is the 3rd set of Smart Tools suite. It includes 3 tools (Compass, GPS, Metal Detector) and has 4 major features below.
1) Although you turn your device into portrait or landscape, the heading is fixed.
2) A camera view is used for reality.
3) Metal Detector is included to verify the embedded sensors.
4) GPS is supported.


※ Introduction video



Ⅰ. Compass
 1) Standard (default) : camera on/off
 2) Telescope : camera zoom
 3) Night : make screen dim, red/green color
 4) Digital : without center wheel
 5) Map
 6) Map (satellite)

 - Lensatic compass (pitch, roll)
 - Azimuth types : Degree, Mil, Quadrants and Back Azimuth
 - You can turn on/off camera view


※ Background image
  - [Background image] option can show the folders that have images.

  - Select a folder and select an image.

  - To remove the selected image, go back to option and press the [X] icon at the top.


※ If the compass is not accurate ...
- The compass accuracy depends on the performance of your sensors exactly. If the direction is wrong, it means that one of your sensors is poor. Don't blame compass apps.
- Confirm that the magnetic field is normal. It is about 49μT in nature. If it is out of bounds, initialize the sensor. Point your phone up towards the sky and move it in a figure 8 pattern.


- Some view-covers with a magnet or a leather cases with a magnetic snap used to cause unwanted results.

- I had a Galaxy Ace phone that was 6 years old. It was very very inaccurate. To my surprise, it worked perfectly after replacing the battery with new one.



※ Acceleration sensor turn On/Off
- This compass requires many sensors (acceleration sensors, magnetic sensor, orientation sensor) to improve direction features. When this becomes inaccurate, it means that one of your sensors is poor.


※ Find your best calibration
- This compass has several options. If one of your sensors are unstable, some azimuth will be incorrect. I wish that you find your best mode through experience.
   1) Acceleration : On / Off
   2) Screen : Portrait / Landscape
   3) How to hold : Portrait / Landscape / Flat on a desk.
   ※ For example, Motorola's best mode is [Acceleration Off, Portrait, Flat].


※ Sharing feature
- Before taking a screenshot : the share icon can send only your location via email.
- After taking a screenshot : you can share both the screenshot and location via SNS.



Ⅱ. GPS
GPS can support 5 main features:
 1) True north
 2) Various Coordinate types
 3) Qibla finder, Car locator
 4) GPS Speedometer
 5) Share you location


※ True north vs. Magnetic north
  - When you turn on [True North] option, this app will calculate true north with your GPS location.
  - When GPS is available, the app will show "True north : xx˚ ". xx means "magnetic declination". Positive means that magnetic field is rotated east that much from true north.

  - If true north does not appear, please activate GPS hardware.
  - To confirm your magnetic declination, visit this website. File:World Magnetic Declination 2015.pdf


WGS84 vs. Mean sea level
  - On devices running Android 14 or later, altitude based on sea level is displayed.
  - It indicates which altitude reference is being used in Digital mode.


※ Qibla finder / Car locator
- If you are a Muslim, you can use this feature as a Qibla (Mecca) finder.

- Or, you can use it as a car-locator.

- When you park your car in a parking lot, open [input location] menu and click [Here] button so as to save current location. You can use this feature as various destination finders. (home, office, ...)

- The grey icon shows the list of inputted locations.


※ Network GPS ??
- When your device cannot receive your location from GPS satellites in the sky, this compass can get your location from your telecom carrier. It is called as [Network GPS].
- Network GPS is the auxiliary GPS via Wi-Fi, IP-address and 3G/4G. It cannot get the altitude and error tolerance will occur within 150m - 2.5km.
- I have a plan to improve GPS feature with Google Play Location API.



Ⅲ. Metal Detector

This app measures magnetic field values using the embedded magnetic sensor. The magnetic field level (EMF) in nature is about 49μT(micro tesla) or 490mG (milligauss); 1μT = 10mG. If there is any metal in the area, the strength of the magnetic field should increase. Among other uses, it can help you find electrical wires in the wall and a spade under the ground.

Usage is simple: Just open this app, and move it around; The magnetic field values will constantly fluctuate. That's it!

The accuracy depends entirely on the performance of your magnetic sensor. Note that the magnetic sensor is affected by electronic equipment (TVs, PCs, etc.) due to electromagnetic waves.


 Color grades of chart
① Green : Magnetic field level in nature within tolerance.

② Blue : Too low. The sensor might be weakened because of phone heating and age. You should cool down your phone. Otherwise, replace the battery with new one.

③ Red : Too high. There is a metal object nearby. If the value is very high (+170μT), a vibration occurs. To stop it, click the stop icon. You can turn on/off alarm sound at the settings.


※ Settings
 - Alarm level : Select the threshold value of alert.
 - Beep sound : choose from 4 different sound types.



 FAQ
Q. The compass does not work or says "MAGNETIC Sensor Error".
A. Some devices (like Galaxy J, Moto 4G) have NO magnetic sensor. Please check your specifications carefully. Otherwise, your embedded sensor was out of order.

Q. The compass shows the wrong direction.
A. The reason is that your embedded sensors are unstable and weakened by time. In order to initialize them, point your device up towards the sky and move it in a figure 8 motion.

Q. What is the orange triangle on the wheel?
A. It denotes the topside of your device.

Q. Can the metal detector find a hidden camera and ghost?
A. If they generate magnetic (electric) field, it is possible to search them. Many users used this app to find electrical wires in the wall.

Q. Where is the screenshot stored?
A. /storage/emulated/0/smart-tools/ or /storage/sdcard0/smart-tools/ or /mnt/sdcard/smart-tools/. Surely you can find your screenshots in your Gallery app.


 What's new
 - v2.8 : Support for Android 17
 - v2.0 : Smart Compass Pro released (Oct, 2010)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kr.aboy.compass

If you have any idea to improve it, feel free to contact me. androidboy1@gmail.com
Thank you.

September 9, 2026

Smart Compass (v1.9) manual

Hello. I'm Android Boy.

Smart Compass is a tool to search bearings (direction, azimuth) using a magnetic sensor in your device. You can select either magnetic north or true north.

It has 4 main features.
 1) Although you turn your device into portrait or landscape mode, the heading is fixed.
 2) Camera view for reality.
 3) It shows magnetic field level to verify embedded sensors.
 4) GPS and Maps are supported.


※ Introduction video



※ Compass modes
  1) Standard (default) : camera on/off
  2) Telescope : binoculars, camera zoom
  3) Night : make screen dim, red <-> green toggle
  4) Digital : no center wheel
  5) Maps
  6) Maps (satellite)


※ Wrong direction ???
  - The compass accuracy depends on the performance of your sensors. If the direction is incorrect, it means that one of your sensors is poor or out of order. Don't blame compass apps.

  - Confirm that magnetic field is normal (about 49μT in nature). If it is out of bounds, reset your sensor. Point your device up towards the sky and move it in a figure 8 pattern. Please watch the YouTube video below.

  - Since 2014, Samsung view covers with a magnet or a leather cases with a magnetic snap used to cause unwanted results.

  - The direction may be wrong when the battery level is low. Please charge the battery fully.  I had a Galaxy Ace phone that I used for 5 years. It was very inaccurate. To my surprise, it worked perfectly after replacing the battery.


※ Menu & Settings


※ Background image
  - [Background image] option can show recent 50 thumb nails from your gallery.

  - When the picture you want to select does not appear, rename its name as "compass.png" or "compass.jpg". Then it will appear at the beginning.


※ Acceleration sensor turn on/off
  - My compass requires 2-3 sensors (acceleration sensor, magnetic sensor, orientation sensor) to improve the performance.

  - If your device had unstable sensors, the direction could be inaccurate. I had heard that several Motorola devices had this issue.
  - In this case, turn off [Acceleration sensor] option. This app will use an orientation sensor only.


※ True north vs. Magnetic north
  - When you turn on [True North] at the settings, this app will calculate true north with your GPS location.
  - When GPS is available, the app will show "True north : xx˚ ". xx means "magnetic declination". Positive means that magnetic field is rotated east that much from true north.

  - If true north does not appear, please activate GPS hardware.
  - To confirm your magnetic declination, visit this website. File:World Magnetic Declination 2015.pdf


WGS84 vs. Mean sea level
  - On devices running Android 14 or later, altitude based on sea level is displayed.
  - It indicates which altitude reference is being used in Digital mode.


※ How to save battery
  - Turn off [Camera] and [GPS] at the settings.
  - Select [Slow] in sensor response option
  - Never use the Home button to exit the app. To close the app completely, use More menu > Exit



※ FAQ
Q. The compass does not work or says "Magnetic Sensor Error!!".
A. Some new devices (Galaxy J, Moto G4, Micromax ...) have no magnetic sensor. Please check the specifications of your device.

Q. The compass works, but it points in the wrong direction.
A. I guess that your embedded sensors are unstable and weakened. Reboot your device and reset it. https://youtu.be/cCMVQ5hxrRM

Q. GPS information does not appear.
A. GPS is not activated yet. Check location settings on your device.

Q. True north does not appear.
A. The app can calculate true north after GPS is activated.

Q. How to run auto-focusing and camera zoom?
A. Press volume buttons on the side of your device.

Q. Why does this app require internet connection?
A. The connection is required for Maps and ads.

Q. What is the orange triangle?
A. It denotes the topside of your device. No matter how you hold the compass in portrait or landscape or even cross but it should be in vertical condition.

Q. How to mute video ads?
A. Turn off [Sound effect] at the settings.


※ Pro version additional features:
 1) No ads
 2) Direction (Qibla finder, car locator) features
 3) Sharing your location and screenshots
Get it on Google Play


 What's new
 - v1.9 : Support for OS 17
 - v1.8 : Sensor stabilization with filter enhancements
 - v1.0 : Smart Compass released (Aug. 2010)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kr.sira.compass

If you have any idea to improve the app, feel free to contact me at androidboy1@gmail.com. Thank you.

September 1, 2026

GPS coordinate converter (v1.2) manual

Hello. I'm Android Boy, a chief developer of Smart Tools co,.

10 years ago, I developed a GPS coordinate API for my Smart Compass app.  It was hard to understand and code  with UTM / MGRS. So I needed something that would allow me to reuse this API. That's why I released this app.


※ Introduction video



※ Main tabs
The app is based on the widely used WGS84 system. Coordinates are displayed in six formats: (DD.dddddd˚, DD˚ MM.mm', DD˚ MM' SS.ss", UTM, MGRS and Address). It also includes Google Maps for your convenience.

① WGS84 : Coordinate conversion and entering new coordinates. First select a coordinate type. To copy, double-tap the coordinates.
② Map : The location on the map of the entered coordinate. Long-click to make a new location.
③ History : This is a list of saved coordinates.


※ Location permission
The app requires permission to access your location. We are well aware that this is a personal and sensitive permission. If you need to check your current location, please grant this permission.


※ Menu & Settings
- Text size : small, medium, large and huge
- Sound effect : on/off
- Button position : specifies the position of the RED floating button.
- Map types : default, satellite and terrain
- Map lock : disables the ability to swipe left or right on the map.


※ How to find coordinates using an address or building name?
1. Select 'Address' at the bottom of the coordinate input screen.
2. Click the red input icon to open the pop-up window.
3. Try entering an address or a building name, into the text box.
4. Verify that the entered address or building name is correct, then click the 'OK' button.


※ FAQ
Q. How to remove the ads?
A. Go menu > ad-free. Please pay for the ad removal option. It is a one-time payment, not a subscription.

Q. How to copy coordinates to the clipboard?
A. Double-tap on the coordinates.

Q. I need w3w (what3words).
A. To support this, the app must spend a monthly fee. Would you like to subscribe (2 Euro / month)? Probably not.

Q. I need another local coordinate system.
A. It is common for countries to use their own systems. Since this app is designed for global users, support for other systems is difficult.


 What's new
 - v1.2 : Android 17 support
 - v1.0 : GPS converter released (May, 2018)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kr.sira.gps

If you have any idea to improve the app, feel free to contact me at androidboy1@gmail.com. Thank you.

June 16, 2026

Vibration Meter (v1.6) manual

Hello. I'm the chief developer of Smart tools co.,

Vibration Meter is in the 4th set of Smart Tools collection. It uses your acceleration sensor to measure vibrations or Earthquakes, and shows a reference.
The result is related to Modified Mercalli Intensity scale (MMI). Most embedded acceleration sensors are very unstable. Just use this app as an auxiliary tool.


※ Introduction video



 Effects of MMI earthquake scale
  I  : Instrumental. Felt by animals
  II : Weak. Felt indoors by a few people
  III : Slight. Felt indoors by several people
  IV: Moderate. Hanging objects swing
  V : Rather Strong. Some dishes broken
  VI : Strong. Heavy furniture moved
  VII : Very Strong. Difficult to stand
  VIII : Destructive. Fall of walls
  IX : Violent. Noticeable cracks in ground
  X  : Intense. Almost destroyed
  XI : Extreme. Rails bent greatly
  XII : Cataclysmic. Total destruction


 Features
 ① Alarm sound on / off : you can specify the level at the settings
 ② Reset : otherwise you can tap the paper for sound effect reduction
 ③ Line-chart / Reference toggle

 ④ Brightness toggle : to save battery, make the screen dim.
 ⑤ Play / Pause


 Menu


 How to calibrate

Most acceleration sensors are weakened easily, so that calibration is required once a year.

① Go calibrate menu.

② Shake your device as possible as you can. Increase / decrease its sensitivity so that max value reaches about 10-11.
③ Check for your unnecessary values when there is no movement (Zero-point correction).
④ Click [Cut Baseline] button and select an number.

⑤ Repeat ②-④ several times.


 FAQ
Q. Can the app alert Earthquake?
A. It is possible but I don't recommend it. Within 2-3 days, your device will be heated and the sensor will be damaged.

Q. Though my phone did not move, the app showed 2-3.
A. Most sensors show meaningless data. Please cut off unnecessary value with [cut baseline] option.

Q. How to save the data?
A. It is free version. How about getting pro version? It can export 24 hour data to a CSV file.

Q. What is the unit of vibration?
A. It has no unit, just the scale for reference.


 Pro version added features
 1) Sound meter is integrated
 2) Screen capture
 3) Statistic menu (chart saving, CSV exporting)
 4) No ads
 Get it on Google Play


 What's New?
 - v1.6.10 : Support for OS 11
 - v1.6 : Line-chart, Sound effect add
 - v1.5.4 : Alarm on/off icon on app bar
 - v1.5.0 : Sound effect
 - v1.5 : Material design
 - v1.4 : Actionbar, alarm level added
 - v1.3 : 12+ languages support
 - v1.1 : Calibrate menu with cut baseline
 - v1.0 : Vibration Meter released (Nov, 2010)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kr.sira.vibration

If you have any idea to improve the app, feel free to contact me at androidboy1@gmail.com. Thank you.

June 1, 2026

Smart Protractor (ver 1.6) manual

Hello. I'm Android Boy.

After releasing [Smart Ruler] for length measurement, I had to develop an app for angle measurement. This app has 3 protractor modes below (touch, plumb, camera).


※ Introduction video



Ⅰ. Touch mode

Ⅱ. Plumb mode

Ⅲ. Camera mode


※ How to lock the plumb?
In plumb and camera mode, touch anywhere on the screen. The red "Holding..." text will blink.


※ Menu & Settings




※ Orientation sensor ??
Most protractor apps are using only an acceleration sensor. But this way has restriction. When the slop is bigger than 60 degrees, the result can be inaccurate.

I tried to find a good solution with an orientation sensor!! It calculates tilt using both magnetic sensor and acceleration sensor. The result becomes more reliable. I recommend that you turn on the option [Orientation sensor] if possible.

Several custom ROM and devices without a compass sensor cannot activate orientation sensor. Please check the specifications and turn off this option.


※ Pro version additional features:
 1) 6 tools (ruler, level, thread) are integrated
 2) More Tilt units
 3) More languages supported
 4) No ads
Get it on Google Play


 What's new
 - v1.6.3 : Support for OS 16
 - v1.0 : Smart Protractor released (Sep, 2010)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kr.sira.protractor

If you have any idea to improve the app, feel free to contact me at androidboy1@gmail.com. Thank you.

Smart Protractor (v1.6) 각도기 사용설명서

안녕하세요. 본 각도기앱이 많은 국내 사자들에게 사랑받고 있어 한국어 설명서를 따로 작성합니다.

길이측정을 위한 Smart Ruler를 출시하고, 각도측정에는 수평계냐 각도기냐 고민하다가 일단 각도기를 개발했습니다. 각도기 앱에서는 3가지 모드를 지원합니다 (터치, 무게추, 카메라).


※ Introduction video



Ⅰ. 터치 모드

Ⅱ. 무게추 모드

Ⅲ. 카메라 모드


※ 무게추를 고정하려면
측정중 화면 아무곳이나 누르고 있으면 "Holding..." 메시지가 깜박이면서 각도가 고정됩니다.


※ 메뉴 및 설정




※ 방위센서가 왜 필요한가 ??
대부분의 각도기앱은 가속도센서만 사용합니다. 그런데 이 센서에는 한계가 있습니다. 경사가 60도보다 크면 측정값이 매우 부정확해 집니다. 즉, 0도를 맞추는데는 좋지만 기울기 측정에 불리합니다.

이 앱에서는 방위센서 옵션을 추가해서, 나침반센서를 같이 사용하는 방식으로 해결했습니다. 이 옵션은 가능한 켜 놓기를 추천합니다. 혹시 추가 움직이지 않거나, 자연스럽게 않다면 이 옵션을 꺼 보세요.


※ 프로버전에 추가된 기능
 1) 6개의 도구 (눈금자, 3개의 각도기, 쓰레드)가 통합
 2) 기울기 단위 추가
  3) 광고 없음
Get it on Google Play


 새로운 기능
 - v1.6 : 안드로이드 16 지원
 - v1.0 : 각도기 출시 (2010년 9월)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kr.sira.protractor

앱에 관련된 아이디어가 있으면 언제든지 이메일을 보내주세요. androidboy1@gmail.com 
감사합니다.

May 31, 2026

Smart Level (v1.3) manual

Hello. I'm Android boy, a chief developer of Smart Tools co.,

A level is a basic tool, but for a long time, I never considered releasing one. That’s because I had already released a protractor app with similar features.

It wasn’t until five years later that I received feedback pointing out that when users want to level a picture frame, they search for a “level” rather than a “protractor”—so I rushed to release it. 


※ Introduction video



※ Main features
 1) Surface level
 2) Vertical / Horizontal spirit level

 3) Zero calibration
 4) Reset calibration
 5) Alarm sound on/off


※ Tile units
 ① Degree (˚)
 ② Percent (%)
 ③ Radian (rad)
 ④ Roof pitch : for US carpenters, 5½/12"


※ Menu & Settings
 - Tilt Units, Sound effect, Alarm
 - Text size, Text Color, Background color, Ball color
 - Show calibration, Orientation sensor


※ Alarm on/off
Go to "Settings" and turn on the [Alarm] option. A speaker icon will appear at the top of the home screen. You can use this to turn the sound on or off.


※ How to lock / hold
Tap anywhere on the screen. A message saying "Holding..." will blink.


※ Orientation sensor
Most level apps rely solely on the accelerometer. However, this sensor has its limitations. When the incline exceeds 60 degrees, the measurements become highly inaccurate. In other words, while it’s great for leveling, it’s not suitable for measuring slopes like those found on inclines.

This level app uses the compass sensor to provide solutions. Enabling the compass sensor improves the accuracy of the tilt measurement. We recommend keeping this option turned on. If your device does not have a compass sensor or if the ball does not move smoothly, please turn this option off.


※ FAQ
Q. The surface level isn't working.
A. There is a problem with one of the sensors. First, try restarting your phone. If not resolved, turn off the [Orientation sensor] option in settings.

Q. You cannot calibrate the level with zero-calibration.
A. Click the reset icon (the circular arrow) at the top. You can reset all settings. Go menu > Reset settings.


 Pro version additional features :
 1) It includes 6 tools (ruler, 3 protractors and thread).
 2) No ads
 Get it on Google Play


※ What's new
 - v1.3.0 : Support for OS 16
 - v1.0 : Released (Jul, 2015)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kr.sira.level

If you have any ideas on how to improve the app, feel free to contact me at androidboy1@gmail.com. Thank you.