Can I build a real-life Minecraft compass?

Yes. MCompass uses an ESP32-C3 microcontroller, a magnetometer, and a GPS module to recreate the Minecraft compass in a physical device.

How does MCompass reproduce lodestone targeting?

MCompass obtains its current coordinates through GPS and uses a magnetometer to calculate the bearing toward the target coordinates, the real-world equivalent of a lodestone. A pointer animation recreates the movement seen in the game.

How long does GPS positioning take?

A cold-start fix usually takes more than 30 seconds in an open area. Once the module has acquired satellites, subsequent updates are much faster.

What does a green 'x4' on startup mean?

It indicates an I2C communication failure, usually caused by a poor solder joint on the QMC5883 sensor or pin header.

Does it support charging with a USB-C to USB-C cable?

The PCB needs the appropriate CC1 and CC2 pull-down resistors to detect a USB-C to USB-C connection.

Minecraft Compass IRL: Building and Using MCompass | Chaosgoo | Do You Find IT?

Building and using MCompass, an ESP32-C3 and GPS-based Minecraft compass with lodestone targeting, overshoot animation, firmware setup, and a bill of materials.

Build a real-life Minecraft compass (MCompass)! This project is based on ESP32-C3 and GPS modules, and has now perfectly reproduced the Lodestone magnet pointing function in the game.

OSHW Hub PCB Project

GitHub Source Code Repository

1. Hardware preparation and bill of materials (BOM)

MCompass structural member (3D model)

If you have a 3D printer (Bambu Lab series is recommended), you can directly go to MakerWorld to download the project file with the consumable parameters configured.

Official model address: MakerWorld - MCompass (The Lost Compass)
Print Recommendation: It is recommended to use PLA or PETG material. A black shell with an appropriate fill rate can give you a better texture.

Electronic bill of materials (BOM)

Category	Name	Specifications	Remarks
Master	ESP32-C3-MINI
Magnetometer	QMC5883L/P	LGA-16 3x3	L Discontinued and mostly refurbished, it is recommended to use P Model
GPS	ATGM336H-5N71	13.1x15.7mm	Requires matching ceramic antenna
LED	WS2812B 0807	1.7x2.0x0.85mm	Requires 42 pcs, fog LEDs recommended
Battery	213455 Lithium battery	500mAh	The size must strictly match the housing space

Key supporting originals

LDO power supply: AP2112K-3.3 or ME6211 (saving model)
Charging Management: MCP73831
USB interface: GT-USB-7010ASV (USB-C 16P)
Structural Hardware:
- Knurled nut: M2x3x3.2 (for hot melt insertion into housing)
- Screw: M2x4 hexagon socket

2. Flashing and Compilation Guide

How to obtain firmware

If you do not plan to modify the source code, you can directly download the compiled binary file (Firmware).

2.1 Automatically build and download from GitHub Actions (recommended)

This project has been configured with GitHub Actions for automatic compilation. Go to the Actions page of the GitHub project, find the “Build Firmware Workflow” record of the latest successful build, and download the corresponding version of .bin in the Artifacts area. file.

2.2 Manual compilation (PlatformIO)

Firmware: Based on the Arduino framework, the dependent libraries are located in the local lib folder.
Web resource: Enter the Server folder, execute npm i and npm run build, and copy the contents of the out directory to the data folder of the firmware.

Flashing Guide

Download Flash Download Tool:

Chip Select: ESP32-C3, Download Mode: USB
File selection: Load the .bin file to the address 0x0.
Parameters: SPI SPEED: 40MHz, SPI MODE: DIO.

If you want to use your phone to burn, you can use ESPFlash (Android) developed by the author:

3. Interactive usage instructions

Button operation

Number of operations	Function description	Remarks
Click 1 time	Switch mode	Switch between “Spawn Point Mode” and “Compass Mode”
Click 4 times	Query status	In web mode, the IP address of the current device will be displayed
Click 6 times	Geomagnetic calibration	After the countdown is over, you need to hold the compass firmly and draw an “8” in the air to rotate smoothly
Press 8 times	Factory settings	Clear all configurations and restart
Press and hold for 3 seconds	Special functions	Spawn point mode: reset the coordinate point; compass mode: enter Nether mode (random rotation)

Backend configuration

Bluetooth background: Search for connection through WeChat applet “Compass Console”. Pointer color and map point selection can be customized.
Web backend: Connect to hotspot The Lost Compass, visit 192.168.4.1 for WiFi configuration and sensor debugging.

4. Important Statement (Copyright & Safety)

Material Statement: Minecraft visual materials are copyrighted by Microsoft/Mojang. This project only provides dot matrix open source design and does not distribute the original game resources.
Commercial Use Restrictions: Use of for commercial profit is strictly prohibited. Please delete the standard Galaxy letter screen printing on the back of the PCB if it involves commercialization.
Manufacturing Suggestions: This device involves lithium batteries, please have common sense in electronic production.

Changelog

2025.09.17: Introduce pointer overshoot physical effects; optimize startup fault tolerance; add smart GPS power strategy.
2024.12.14: Initial version released, supporting magnet positioning.

Minecraft Compass IRL: Building and Using MCompass