Gyro compasses use north-seeking gyroscopes mounted on two gimbals to determine heading, relying on gyroscopic inertia, gravity, and precession. On ships, primary gyro compasses are oriented north-south for navigation and handling, while auxiliary gyros are east-west for combat systems. Gyro repeaters display heading information on the bridge and centerline, while gyro inputs are also used for command and control systems and weapons fire control computers. Gyro compasses are subject to inherent errors from factors like friction, ship motion, electronics, and power fluctuations that must be accounted for through adjustment.

1. Navigation Equipments
Gyro Compass

2. Gyro Compass Theory
•North-seeking gyroscope
•two gimbals Electronically
Stabilized

3. Gyroscope

4. Gyro Compass Theory
•North-seeking Gyroscope
Gyroscopic Inertia
Gravity
Precession

8. Gyro Applications
Shipboard Use - two gyros placed
deep in the ship on the centerline.
Primary- (Master gyro) oriented
to north/south, used for
navigation & shiphandling.
Auxiliary- (Back up gyro) oriented
east/west, used for combat
systems.

9. Gyro Applications
Bridge - gyro repeaters are located
on the bridge wings, navigation
table, captain’s chair & center line
which is referred to as “centerline
pelorus.”
CIC - Command and Control
System.
Weapons - gyro inputs (i.e..
pitch/roll), are used by fire control
computers

10. Gyro repeater

11. Gyro Error in Navigation
A gyro compass is an electronic/mechanical
device with inherent error…. the key is
knowing the error and adjusting for it
Causes of Error
• Friction
• Ship’s Motion
• Electronic Malfunctions
• Power Fluctuations.