Improvement of Fixed Error of Gyrocompass by Integrator

Abstract

The term “integrator” means a device which applies around the gyro's horizontal axis certain torque proportional to time integral of angle between the gyro spin axis and a horizontal plane. The author invented an integrator which has simple construction and high accuracy, and which is suitable for use with Sperry type gyrocompasses, This report, after describing the construction and the action of this integrator, discusses north-seeking movement of a gyrocompass with the integrator, when the equipment is installed on the ship moving along a fixed course on the earth at a constant speed. The results obtained theoretically and experimentally are as follows; a constant torque around the horizontal axis does not cause fixed error if the integrator is attached to the gyrocompass, the gyrocompass is free from latitude error, and the spin axis settles horizontally regardless of latitude. It is demonstrated that the use of this integrator greatly minimizes the fixed error in gyrocompass.