DRIFT COMPENSATION AND GYROSCOPIC COMPASS

摘要

Apparatus and method for accurately determining the direction of true north or the change in drift of other gyroscopes. The apparatus comprises a single degree of freedom gyroscope (10) driven by a permanent magnet electric motor (15). The gyroscope rotor (12) is spun by the motor at varying speeds and the torque required to maintain the rotor at a null orientation is measured and recorded. The measured torques are processed to produce an accurate indication of true heading or to indicate the change in the level of drift of other gyroscopic instruments.