The Repeaters

A familiar application of the repeater principle is that used in hotels and public buildings, where a number of repeater clocks are operated from one master instrument. Likewise, the repeater used upon the bridge, the bearing repeater, and the one at the after steering station, are all operated by electricity in perfect unison with the Master Gyro-Compass and show the exact reading of the Master at any instant. Repeaters are operated by a small electric motor within each case, controlled by the transmitter at the Master Gyro. In designing the repeaters particular attention has been given to the electrical circuits so as to make all connections water, spray and condensation proof. Stuffing tubes of improved design are used at all outlets and entrances.

A miniature electric lamp within the repeater supplies the necessary illumination of the dial. The illumination can be brightened or dimmed by turning the switch handle on the face of the terminal box.

The repeaters are supplied in three styles:

Special stands or fixtures can be supplied if necessary.

A metal “non-reflection” cover is supplied which can be fitted to either the bridge or the after steering repeaters. The cover has adjustable doors and a hood. Its object is to exclude all light from the top glass of the repeater except at the lubber’s line. No light will be reflected into the eyes of the helmsman. The doors can be closed until a very small sector of the repeater dial appears at the lubber’s line. Experience has proved that it is easier to watch and concentrate when only a small portion of the dial is visible. A magnifying glass can be used in conjunction with the cover so that the repeater indication can be read at a distance.

The bridge and after steering repeaters are mounted on ad­just­able brack­ets. The position of the repeater can be changed so as to allow a full face view of the dial from almost any angle.

The bearing repeater is of great aid to the navigator. The repeater is mounted within the stand and, of course, shows the exact reading of the Master Compass. In taking a bearing on a distant object or a sun azimuth it is not necessary to first set the “dumb” compass to correspond with the main com­pass. A cons­tant true ind­i­ca­tion is af­ford­ed.

Installation of the bear­ing re­peat­er can be made in such a po­si­tion on the up­per bridge so that it may be used for steering from that position as well as for taking bearings. A special pelorus stand cover can be supplied with windows to allow steering with the cover on, so as to protect the repeater from spray and the weather.

The light unsinkable Kayak of the Eskimo.

Figure 15.

Figure 16.

An Ore-steamer of the American Great Lakes.

Figure 17.

Figure 18.

The great painted War-Canoe of Alaskan Indians.

An improved design of azimuth circle is furnished which fits directly over the top of the repeater. Figures 24 and 26, on page 30, show the azimuth circle and bearing repeater in use, taking a bearing on a distant object, and on the sun respectively. This azimuth circle is so constructed as to bring the object, the spirit level and dial within the field of vision concurrently. The bearing can be taken with great accuracy. There is no possibility of the Master Compass changing its position while the pelorus is in use. Such an occurrence is not uncommon when using the ordinary pelorus or “dummy” compass.

An additional graduated ring, Figure 25, is supplied for placing under the azimuth circle so that in case the Gyro-Compass is not operating such, for instance, as when the ship is at anchor, the pelorus can still be used as a “dumb” compass. The main compass setting is made upon the ring, and the azimuth circle used in the usual manner.

The bearing repeater can be furnished with any one of three kinds of azimuth circles. The Ritchie circle is usually supplied. The purchaser also has the option of choosing either the Sperry circle or the Kelvin Azimuth Mirror.