The repeater compasses are operated electrically from the master compass through a transmitter and a pinion meshing with the circular rack on the phantom. The pinion is journalled on a pin depending from the lubber ring, and therefore transmits to the repeaters not only the relative movement between the phantom and the binnacle, but, as we have before explained, any movement of the lubber ring relatively to the binnacle which may be made to correct the reading of the master compass for the latitude and north steaming errors. In this way the repeater compasses always indicate true north both for course-setting purposes and for the purpose of taking bearings on passing objects. It is regarded as outside the scope of this discussion to describe the mechanical features of the repeater compasses. It may, however, be remarked that the fact that they may be fitted in any number and in any position, and that automatic course recorders and similar devices may also readily be linked up with the gyro-compass, forms a very strong reason in itself for recommending the adoption of the gyroscopic rather than the magnetic compass on board ship.
CHAPTER XVI
THE BROWN COMPASS
The Brown compass is the invention of Mr. S. G. Brown, F.R.S., of North Acton, with Professor John Perry, F.R.S., in association as technical adviser and co-patentee. It has been evolved after five years of laborious experimental work, and is claimed to be the only British gyroscopic compass so far constructed and applied on board ship.
Fig. 47. The Brown Compass Removed from Binnacle.
Fig. 48. The Brown Compass Removed from Binnacle.
Fig. 49. The Brown Compass.