Gyrocompass with rapid north seeking action - has detector signals applied to control motors for ring

摘要

The gyroscope is used in vehicles required for operation without long preparation. Movement in elevation and azimuth planes of the spinning wheel (2) of a gyrocompass are detected by internal detectors (DS, DA). The gyrocompass precesses in these planes by the action of torque motors (MCS, MCA). The output from the azimuth detector (DA) is amplified (17) for application to the azimuth torque motor (MCS) to keep the detector output at zero. It is also applied to the elevation torque motor (MCA) through an amplifier (14) with a potentiometer (16) supplying latitude corrections. Variations in azimuth are amplified (15) for application to an azimuth control motor (8) permitting orientation in geographical north.