Table of Contents

Totem Compass User Manual

While the Totem Compass is designed to be simple and intuitive, there is a slight learning curve that comes along with its use.

If you experience any issues or have trouble with the basics, we know exactly how to help you out. Reach out to our team using the Totem Support button—we've got your back!

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Totem Compass User Manual

User Manual > Your Totem Compass > Touch Crystal & Halo

Touch Crystal and Halo

User Manual > Your Totem Compass > Buttons & Ports

Buttons and Ports

User Manual > Your Totem Compass > Vibe Mode

Vibe Mode (vertical)

Available Features

  • Vibe
  • Send SOS Alerts
  • Receive SOS Alerts
  • Adjust Brightness

User Manual > Your Totem Compass > Compass Mode

Compass Mode (horizontal)

Available Features

  • Bonding
  • Navigation
  • Send SOS Alerts
  • Receive SOS Alerts
  • Bond Removal
  • Adjust Brightness
  • Change Crystal Color

User Manual > Get Started > Power On & Off

Power On and Off

  • Power On: click Power Button once
  • Power Off: press and hold Power Button

Power On

Power Off

User Manual > Get Started > Your Totem on Power Up

Your Totem on Power Up

When your Totem powers on, the Halo displays a Battery Level Indicator.

Full Halo = 100%
Half-Filled Halo = 50%
Quarter-Filled Halo = 25%
Red, Flashing Touch Crystal = Low Power Mode

Note: When Totem Compass Battery Level is 25% or less, Touch Crystal functionality is limited.

100% Charged

50% Charged

25% Charged

Low Power

User Manual > Get Started > Establish Satellite Connection

Establish Satellite Connection

  1. Go outside and make sure you have a clear view of the sky overhead with horizon in view
  2. Move away from roofs, walls, and other large metal structures
  3. Wait 15 minutes for Totem Compass to establish Satellite Connection*

*In new locations, it may take up to 30 minutes to establish satellite connection; enable Eco Mode to accelerate this process

searching for satellite

satellite connection nearby

satellite connection successful

(no Bonds)

satellite connection successful

(with Bond)

User Manual > Get Started > Bond Your Totems

Bond Your Totems

  1. Hold two Totems together in Compass Mode.
  2. Press and hold both Touch Crystals simultaneously.

When Bonding is successful:

  1. The blue light on your Totem’s Halo will change to the color of your new Bond.
  2. The Halo will collapse into a single LED and jump into your Touch Crystal.

Note: Your Totem Compass will always remember Bonds unless you remove them.

How to Bond

Bond Successful

Already Bonded

Maximum Bonds

User Manual > Get Started > Smart Groups

Smart Groups

Introducing Smart Bonds: now you can Bond your entire group all at once, instantly.

1. Place all your Totem Compasses close together.

2. On one Totem, press and hold the Touch Crystal for 8 seconds, until the ring of light flashes through a bunch of colors quickly.

3. Then, press and hold the Touch Crystal on each of the other Totems until you see the same flashing colors.

4. Once all Totems are flashing, press and hold the first Totem again.

All the colors will suddenly lock in place—that means your group is Bonded. Your Touch Crystal color now matches the Bond colors on your friends’ Totems.

Watch the tutorial video below!

User Manual > Get Started > Navigate

Navigate

  1. Establish Satellite Connection
  2. Move at least 20 meters away from Bonded peer
  3. Hold Totem in Compass Mode and spin in a full circle to calibrate. A white light around the Halo will flash upon successful calibration.
  4. Follow the direction of the Bond Light on your Halo
  5. As you approach Bonded peer, their Bond Light will get incrementally larger before collecting into the Touch Crystal at close-range

Note: If you or a Bonded Peer are out of peer-to-peer range, your Bond Light will begin to “breathe”, indicating you are no longer receiving real-time location updates

Calibration Success

Bond is over 100 meters away

Bond is within 100 meters

Bond is nearby

User Manual > Additional Features > Send an SOS Alert

Send an SOS Alert

  • Send SOS Alert: Press and hold SOS Button; button will begin blinking red
  • Disable SOS Alert: Press and hold SOS Button until red light stops blinking
  • Receiving SOS Alert: Touch Cyrstal blinks "SOS" in morse code while vertical, SOSing Bond Light blinks rapidly while in Compass Mode

Send SOS

Disable SOS

Receiving SOS

User Manual > Additional Features > Bond Lights and Colors

Bond Lights and Colors

Bond Light colors are automatically assigned to peers based on Bonding order: First Bond= pink
Second Bond= green
Third Bond= blue
Fourth Bond= yellow

To check colors of Bonded peers:

  1. Move Totems together
  2. Touch Crystal will display color of Bonded peer

Check Bonded Peer's Color

User Manual > Additional Features > Remove Bonds

Remove Bonds

  1. Trip-tap Touch Crystal while Totem is in Compass Mode (horizontal)
  2. Single-tap Touch Crystal to cycle between Bonded peers
  3. Press and hold Touch Crystal to remove selected Bond

Note: When you remove a Bond they can no longer track you.

Enter Bond Removal

Cycle Between Bonds

Remove Bonds

User Manual > Additional Features > Brightness Settings

Brightness Settings

Your Totem has 3 brightness settings that impact battery life:

  1. Day Vibe(~10 hours)
  2. Night Vibe(~14 hours)
  3. Eco Mode(~24 hours)

To cycle between brightness settings, click the Power Button once while your Totem is powered on.

Day Vibe

(up to 10 hours)

Night Vibe

(up to 14 hours)

Eco Mode

(up to 24 hours)

User Manual > Additional Features > Touch Crystal Colors

Touch Crystal Colors

Touch Crystal colors are for aesthetic purposes only and do not correlate to Bond Light colors, unless you enable special settings through the Totem App (coming soon).

To change your Touch Crystal color:

  1. Enter Compass Mode
  2. Single-tap Touch Crystal to change color
  3. Continue tapping Touch Crystal to cycle through 12 different colors

Blue

Indigo

Magenta

Hot Pink

Orange

Yellow

Yellow-Green

Green

Blue-Green

Teal

White

Aqua

User Manual > Device Information > Software Updates

Software Updates

Totem is constantly releasing free Software Updates, downloadable straight to your Totem Compass. Remember to update your Totem before you leave for any outdoor event to get the latest and greatest!

User Manual > Device Information > Support

Support and Troubleshooting

If you encounter an issue with your Totem Compass, ensure you have updated your device to the latest software version. For all Totem Compass Resources & Support, click this link.

User Manual > Device Information > Care and Maintenance

Care and Maintenance

Handling & Storage

  • Handle with care and store in a soft pouch or case when not in use
  • Avoid placing the device in pockets or bags with sharp objects

Water Resistance

  • The Totem Compass can withstand rain and splashes of water, but should not be submerged in water
  • Dry immediately if exposed to moisture

Charging

  • Ensure the charging port is free of dirt or moisture before connecting

Cleaning

  • Fingerprints and smudges may appear on the surface. Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth to gently wipe the device
  • For deeper cleaning, use a slightly damp cloth with water or mild soap. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials

Environmental Care

  • Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures may affect battery performance and device longevity
  • Keep the device away from excessive dust, sand, or debris, especially in outdoor environments

User Manual > Device Information > Conditions for Use

Conditions for Use

  • Use the device outdoors in open areas with a clear view of the horizon to maintain a reliable Satellite Connection
  • Keep the device at least one foot away from smart phones, iron-based objects  or heavy metal structures, as these can interfere with accuracy and satellite connection
  • Protect from shock or hard impact
  • Do not modify or disassemble
  • Do not expose to open flames, submerge in water, or use underwater

User Manual > Device Information > Battery Life and Range

Battery Life and Range

Maximum Battery Playtime*

  • Day Vibe: ~10 hours
  • Night Vibe: ~14 hours
  • Eco Mode: 20+ hours

*Battery Playtime may vary based on environmental conditions and usage. Battery Life is subject to ongoing improvement through new Software Updates.

Charging Time

  • Charges in ~45 minutes via standard USB-C
  • Charging Light turns green on full charge

Range

  • Peer-to-Peer max range: ~1000 meters
  • Unity Mesh NetworkTM automatically extends range for all Totems within range of the network

User Manual > Device Information > Performance Variables

Performance Variables

The Totem Compass leverages Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) to provide accurate positioning and navigation. However, several factors can influence its performance.

Environmental Obstructions: Physical obstructions such as dense foliage, tall buildings, or mountainous terrain can cause signal reflection or blockage, leading to multi-path errors and decreased positional accuracy.

Atmospheric Conditions: Variations in the Earth’s ionosphere, particularly during solar flares and geomagnetic storms, can disrupt GNSS signals.

Solar Activity: Elevated solar activity can induce scintillation events in the ionosphere, degrading the quality of satellite signals. In standard GNSS receivers, mild scintillation can reduce position accuracy by several meters, while severe scintillation can cause signal loss.

Weather Conditions: Adverse weather can have minor effects on the strength and quality of GNSS signals, potentially impacting the device’s performance.

Electromagnetic Interference: Proximity to strong electromagnetic sources or environments with high radio frequency interference can disrupt GNSS signal reception, leading to potential inaccuracies.

User Manual > Device Information > Technical Specifications

Technical Specifications

Model: Totem Compass Gen 1

Power Adapter Charging Voltage: 5V

Max Charging Current: 1A

Battery Type: LiPo ion

Battery Capacity: 1000 mAh

Wireless Frequency/Protocol: 2.4GHz

Charging Port: USB type C

Operating Temperature: -10°-60°C / 14°-140°F

Housing Material: MABS

Size: 58x58x24 mm/ 2.28x2.28x0.95 in

Weight: 54.17g/0.119lb

Safety Features: Over-voltage and under-voltage protection to ensure safe operation within the specified voltage range. Thermal shutdown prevents the device from overheating during high-stress conditions, and the design includes safeguards to prevent damage from short circuits.

Lanyard Material: 100% polyester braided around a core of 10 natural latex threads

Lanyard Relaxed Size: 360 x 2.5 mm

Lanyard Stretched Size: 620 x 2.5 mm

USB-C Cable Type: Type A to C

USB-C Max Input: Max 2A

User Manual > Device Information > Warranty Information

Warranty Information

Your limited warranty starts on the date of your purchase and lasts for ninety (90) days. The Warranty Period is not extended if we repair or replace a warranted product. We may change the availability of this limited warranty at our discretion, but any changes will not be retroactive.

This limited warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship in products purchased from the Website. For more information, please visit our Terms of Sale.

User Manual > Device Information > Return Policy

Return Policy

Except for any products designated on the Website as non-returnable, we will accept a return of undamaged products for a refund of your purchase price, less the original shipping and handling costs, provided such return is made within fourteen (14) days of delivery* and provided such products are returned in their original condition and packaging. For more information, please visit our Terms of Sale.

*Return window subject to extend based on reason for return

User Manual > Device Information > FCC Compliance

Rich text

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules.

Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

(1)This device may not cause harmful interference, and

(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Totem could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

FCC ID: 2BMQS-1