The ideal reference for this subject. Discusses how & why gyros work, control & damping gyro compass errors & correction, & more.

Marine Gyro-Compasses and Automatic Pilots, A Handbook for Merchant Navy Officers: Volume Two, Automatic Pilots is a reference book describing automatic pilots and ancillary equipment that are normally used in British Merchant Ships. This handbook discusses the uses, types, and advantages of automatic steering, including the different kinds of equipment and compasses found in many merchant ships. The text explains in detail the components of the Automatic Two-unit Gyropilot, the Gyro-Hydraulic Steering Control, the Tiller Pilot, and the Gyro-Electric Steering Control (all Sperry brand). This book outlines how each device is operated and maintained, as well as any possible equipment troubles that can be encountered. This handbook addresses all the different types of the Brown Automatic Steering systems, the general arrangements, principles of operation, trouble-shooting, and maintenance of the equipment. For smaller ships, the Sperry Magnetic Compass Pilot can be used because a transmitting magnetic compass bypasses the need for a gyro compass required in bigger automatic pilots. This book describes the methods of operation of the compass through the use of a chain and sprocket drive, a hydraulic power unit, or electrically operated switches, thus saving on costs. This handbook also notes the components, controls, and working principles of the Arkas Automatic Pilot, and the types of ancillary equipment such as the Course Recorder and Off-Course Alarm. This handbook provides useful information for Merchant Navy Officers, officers and personnel of the British Merchant Fleet, as well as other officers of sea-going vessels.

This book is a pamphlet for the public, intended to introduce them to a new product made by the Sperry Corporation: The gyrocompass. It is a type of non-magnetic compass which is based on a fast-spinning disc and the rotation of the Earth (or another planetary body if used elsewhere in the universe) to find geographical direction automatically. The use of a gyrocompass is one of the seven fundamental ways to determine the heading of a vehicle.

Ship Stabilizers: The Design and Operation in Correcting the Rolling of Ships presents the working principles and operation of various types of gyrocompasses and automatic pilots. This book discusses the fundamental principles of synchro systems and servomechanisms. Organized into 12 chapters, this book begins with an overview of the problem of the reduction of rolling. This text then explores the means of resisting rolling, which have been used or are still being used, including bilge keels, oscillating weights, anti-rolling tanks, gyroscopic stabilizers, and tilting fin systems. Other chapters consider the anti-rolling tanks that are divided into three types, including diversified tanks, free surface tanks, and U-tube tanks. This book discusses as well the small oscillations of a vessel in still water, which are simple harmonic in character. The final chapter deals with the stabilizing gear for smaller ships. This book is a valuable resource for marine engineers and naval architects.

In this handy little book, George Reid describes the numerous causes of compass error: variation, deviation, misalignment, lazy compass, frozen compass, and intermittent deviation.