Intercardinal error in a gyro compass refers to the deviation from true north that occurs at the intercardinal points (northeast, southeast, southwest, and northwest) due to various factors such as gyroscopic precession and mechanical misalignment. This error can affect navigation accuracy, especially in maritime and aviation applications. It is essential for navigators to account for this error to ensure precise heading information. Regular calibration and maintenance of the gyro compass can help mitigate intercardinal errors.
This error is present in a compass which is damped in tilt. A compass damped in tilt always settles east of the meridian and above the horizon in NH, and vice-versa. Its magnitude depends on the observer's latitude, Sin( error ) α Tan( latitude ) At equator, the error is nil. The error is eastward in all northernly latitudes, and vice-versa. For the purpose of damping error, a latitude rider / adjuster is provided with the gyro compass which shifts the lubber line equal to the amount of error in the appropriate direction.
The error of a gyro compass can be determined by comparing its indicated heading with a known reference, such as a magnetic compass or celestial navigation. This involves taking readings from both instruments under stable conditions and noting any discrepancies. Additionally, the gyro compass error can be assessed by performing calibration procedures, which may include adjusting for factors like latitude and ship's speed. Regular checks and adjustments help ensure accurate heading readings and minimize error.
Elmer Ambrose Sperry was the inventor of the gyro compass and gyroscope.
For synchronising the magnetic and gyro compass elements For synchronising the magnetic and gyro compass elements
Gyro repeater is an instrument used for taking bearings by the use of a gyro compass. It displays the heading information provided by the gyro compass, allowing for accurate and reliable navigation on a vessel.
Rather than type a long answer - see the related link from Wikipedia for their entry on a gyro-compass.
A gyro compass is powered by electricity, typically from the ship's electrical system. The gyro compass relies on the principle of a continuously spinning gyroscope to maintain its orientation and provide accurate heading information.
The 16 points on a compass are called cardinal and intercardinal (or ordinal) directions. The cardinal directions are North, East, South, and West, while the intercardinal directions are Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, and Northwest. Additionally, each cardinal and intercardinal direction can be further divided into secondary intercardinal points, resulting in North-Northeast, East-Northeast, South-East, South-Southwest, and so on, for a total of 16 distinct points.
When a force is applied to a gyro compass, it will try to maintain its alignment in space and resist external influences due to its gyroscopic properties. The gyro will precess in response to the force, causing the compass card to tilt or rotate. Ultimately, the gyro compass will seek to stabilize itself and align with the true north once the external force is removed.
A gyro compass consists of a spinning gyroscope, a compass card, and a correcting mechanism. The spinning gyroscope maintains its orientation in space and serves as the reference point for navigation. The compass card aligns with the gyro's axis to indicate the heading of the vessel. The correcting mechanism adjusts for errors due to the vessel's motion to provide accurate heading information.
Most notably, the gyro compass.
All the directions on a compass make up the Compass Rose.Cardinal Directions are North, South, East and West. Cardinal in this sense means main or major.The directions halfway between these Cardinal directions are Northeast, Southeast, Southwest and Northwest. These are called Primary InterCardinal directions. Between the Cardinal and Primary InterCardinal directions are the Secondary InterCardinal directions, such as North-Northeast.