The Master Compass

The Master Gyro-Compass is contained within a binnacle stand, with glass dome top.

As shown in the pho­to­graphs and sec­tion­al view, the twin gyro-wheels are sup­port­ed from a frame-work which is in turn set in gim­bal rings. The out­er gim­bal ring is at­tached to the bin­nacle stand by means of a num­ber of sup­port­ing springs. The springs are pro­vid­ed for pro­tect­ing the com­pass against sud­den jars and vi­bra­tions. Fig­ure 18 shows a pho­to­graph of the top view, while the wheels are shown from be­low in Figure 16.

A diagrammatic representation of the Sperry Gyro-Compass is shown in plan view in Figure 17. The elevation, or side view, is shown in Figure 15. These drawings show the working parts of the Gyro-Compass. Each of the twin gyro-wheels is enclosed in a case, which is in turn suspended from the main frame and spider.

The wheels are spun at a high speed in unison by means of electricity. The force of the earth’s rotation combines with the force resulting from the rotating wheels. The resultant action of these two forces is that both wheels turn their axes directly into, or parallel with, the earth’s north and south meridian. The compass card, of course, also turns and indicates direction by comparing the stationary “lubber line,” representing the ship’s head, with the compass card.

Figure 6. Control Panel.Figure 8. Master Compass.Figure 9. Storage Battery.
Figure 7. Motor Generator.
Figure 10. Repeater on Steering Stand.Figure 11. Repeater, Bulkhead Type.Figure 12. Bearing Repeater in Pelorus Stand.