Magnetic & Gyro Compass / Chief Mate

Question (1):
At Gibraltar, H= 0.26, Z=+ 0.32, the deviation due to:
(1) permanent magnetism was 5 W, (2) due to vertical soft iron was 6 E, (3) due
to horizontal soft iron was 8 W. Calculate the deviation due to each cause at
Melbourne where H= 0.22, Z= - 0.56, what inference can be drawn with respect to
(2) above when located at or near the magnetic equator?
Solution:
1) To calculate the deviation caused by permanent magnetism:
Where

and H1 related Gibraltar, and

1 H 2
=
2 H 1

2= 1

and H2 related to Melbourne.

H1
H2

2=5

0.26
0.22

2=5.9 W
2) To calculate the deviation caused by vertical soft iron since the varies directly as
Where

2= 1

, H1 and Z1 related Gibraltar, and

H 1 Z2

Z1 H 2

2=6

Z
H

,H2 and Z2 related to Melbourne.

0.26 0.56

0.32 0.22

2=12.4W

Question (2):
Off Malta (H=0.26) coefficient permanent (B = - 9). Calculate the deviation on: (1)
036 C, (2) 160 C, (3) 327 C.
Calculate also the deviation on 206 C at (a) Freetown (H = 0.30) (b) Halifax, N.S.
(H= 0.16) and (c) off Saigon (H= 0.40).
Solution:
(1) To calculate the deviation on 036 C, 160 C and 327 C
Where
and

1 related to the coefficient and 090 C or 270 C respectively, and

2 are the required deviation and course respectively.

1 sin 1
=
2 sin 2
1)
2)

2= 1

sin 2
sin 1

2=9

sin 36
sin 90

2=5.29 W

2=9

sin 20
sin 90

2=3.08 W

Magnetic & Gyro Compass / Chief Mate

sin 33
2=9
3)
sin 90

2=4.90 E

(2) To calculate the deviation heading 206 C at: (a) H = 0.30, (b) H = 0.16, (c) H = 0.40
Where

,H1 and

respectively, and

1 related to the coefficient, H at Malta and 090 C or 270 C

, H2 and

2 are the required deviation, H at required position, and

the heading respectively.

Thus,

1 H 2 sin 1
=

2 H 1 sin 2

a) Freetown

b)Halifax, N.S

2= 1

2=9

0.26 sin 26

0.30 sin 90

2=3.42 E

2=9

0.26 sin 26

0.16 sin 90

2=6.41 E

2=9

c) Saigon

H 1 sin 2

H 2 sin 1

0.26 sin 26

0.40 sin 90

2=2.56 E

Question (3):
The deviation due to permanent magnetism on a ship when heading north by
compass is 7 E at a position where (H = 0.18), (Z = +0.44). Calculate:
(1) The deviation due to this cause then heading (a) 213 C, and (b) 065 C.
(2) The deviation due to this cause then heading (a) 148 C, and (b) 312 C, where
(H=0.14), (Z=0.29).
Solution:
1) To calculate the deviation due to the changes of course:

= cos
a)

=7 cos 33

=5.87 W

b)

=7 cos 65

=2.96 E

2) To calculate the deviation due to the changes of course and latitude:

2

 1 H 2 cos 1
=

2 H 1 cos 2

Where

,H1 and

H 1 cos 2
2= 1

H 2 cos 1
1 related to the initial condition, and

Magnetic & Gyro Compass / Chief Mate

, H2 and

2 related to

final condition.
a)

b)

2=7

0.18 cos 32

0.14 cos 0

2=7.630 W

2=7

0.18 cos 48

0.14 cos 0

2=6.020 E

Question (4):
The deviation due to athwartship component of permanent magnetism is 9 W, on a
ship heading 051 C in a position where (H = 0.32), (Z = +0.25). Calculate:
(1) The value of coefficient permanent C.
(2) The deviation due to this cause heading 202 C.
(3) The deviation due to this cause heading 073 C at a position where (H = 0.15),
(Z = - 0.26).
Solution:
1) to calculate the value of coefficient permanent C:

= cos

=9 cos 51

=14.3

Magnetic & Gyro Compass / Chief Mate

2) To calculate the deviation on heading 202 C:

1 cos 1
=
2 cos 2

Where

2= 1

and

cos 2
cos 1

1 related to the values at the first position, and

and

2 related

to the values of the second position.

2= 1

cos 2
cos 1

2=9

cos 22
cos 51

2=13.26 E

3) To calculate the deviation due to the changes of course and latitude:

1 H 2 cos 1
=

2 H 1 cos 2

Where

1 , H1 and

2= 1

H 1 cos 2

H 2 cos 1

1 related to the values at the first position, and

2 , H2 and

2 related to the values of the second position.

2= 1

H 1 cos 2

H 2 cos 1

2=9

0.32 cos 73

0.15 cos 51

2=8.920 W

Question (5):
Analyze the following list of deviations into the approximate coefficients A, B, C, D
and E and Calculate the deviation on the courses 112 C and 292 C.
HDG
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW

DEV
8E
12 E
0
17 W
12 W
7E
12 E
5E

A
+8
+12
0
-17
-12
+7
+12
+5

Coff . A=

( N + NE+ E+ SE+ S+ SW +W + NW )
8

Coff . B=

( EW )
2

C
+8

E
+8

+12
0

0
-17
-12

-12
+7

+12

+12
+5

Coff . A=+7.5 E

Coff . B=6 W

Magnetic & Gyro Compass / Chief Mate

( NS)
Coff .C=
2

Coff . D=

Coff . E=

( NE+ SW ) ( NW + SE)
4

( N + S )(E+W )
4

Coff .C=+10 E

Coff . D=+7.75 E

Coff . E=4 W

Magnetic & Gyro Compass / Chief Mate

1) At course 112

= A+ B sin co .+C cos co .+ D sin 2co .+ E cos 2 co .

0

=( 7.5 ) +(6)sin 112 +(10) cos 112 +(7.75)sin 224 +(4 )cos 224
=4.3 W
2) At course 292

= A+ B sin co .+C cos co .+ D sin 2co .+ E cos 2 co .

=( 7.5 ) +(6)sin 2920+(10)cos 2920 +(7.75)sin224 0 +(4) cos 224

=+14.3 E
Question (6):
From your study of magnetic compass explain the following:
1) the nature of coefficient B.
2) Cause of coefficient B.
3) Effect of changing latitude and course.
4) How to correct it.
Solution:
1) It is that part of ships deviation which varies as Sin co.
Thus contributing maximum deviation when heading East & West and Zero deviation
when heading North & South.
2) It caused by:
a- Permanent magnetism (Force P).
b- Induced magnetism (Rod C).
3) Effect of changing latitude and course:
a-Permanent

1
H

2 H 1
=
1 H 2

b-Induced

2 Z2 H 1
=

1 H 2 Z1

Z
H

or

or

tan

2 Tan 2
=
1 Tan 1

4) Correction:
a)Permanent (Force P): By using fore and aft magnets (hard iron) with opposite polarity.
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Magnetic & Gyro Compass / Chief Mate

b) Induced (Rod C): By using Flinders bar (soft iron), Fwd. and Aft of the compass.

Magnetic & Gyro Compass / Chief Mate

Question (7):
When heading S 44 W (C) the deviation due to coefficient induced B is 4W in a
position where the dip is -66. What deviation may be expected when heading S
86 E (C) where the dip is +24?
Solution:
TO calculate the deviation heading S 86 E (C) in a position where the dip is + 24

1 Tan 1 Sin 1
=

2 Tan 2 Sin 2
Where
and

1 ,

2= 1

1 and

related to the values at the first position, and

2 ,

related to the values of the second position.

tan 2 sin 2

tan 1 sin 1

2=4

tan(+24) sin 86

tan(66) sin 44

2=1.139 W
Note: When the hemisphere is changed the sign of coefficient induced B changes, this
provides for an induced (- B) under the new condition, the name of deviation is then obtained
diagrammatically as shown.

Question (8):
Permanent B is (+8) and induced B is (-4), at a position (1) where H= 30 A/m and
Z= 40 A/m, find the deviation due to these coefficients when heading 255 (C) at a
position (2) where H= 20 A/m and Z= -30 A/m?
Solution:
At Position (1) we have permanent (+B)
At Position (1) we have Induced (B)
This varies as

Z
H

This varies inversely as H

2 H 1
=
1 H 2
2=12

2 30
=
8 20

2 Z2 H 1
=

1 H 2 Z1
2 30 30
=

4 20 40
2=4. 5

Magnetic & Gyro Compass / Chief Mate

Note: At position (2) Z is negative so that the polarity in the ships vertical soft iron is
reversed with the change from Northern to Southern hemisphere and the sign of induced B is
also reversed.
At Position (2) total coefficient B = Permanent B + Induced B
= 12 + 4.5 = 16.5
Deviation due to coefficient (B) on 255 = B Sin 255
= 16.5 x Sin 75
= -15.9 or (15.9 W)

Magnetic & Gyro Compass / Chief Mate

Question (9):
If the deviation due to hard iron in a ship is 10 W, when heading 090 (C), at a
position (1) where H= 20 amperes per meter (A/m), find the deviation due to the
same iron:
(a) when on the same heading at a position (2) where H= 16 A/m.
(b) when heading 315 (C) at a position where H= 30 A/m.

The deviation due to this iron comprise coefficient permanent B and since Westerly deviation
is caused on an Easterly course it is named negative. The deviation varies inversely as hard
directly as the Sin Co.
Solution:
a) Comparing the deviation at position (1) & (2)

2 H 1 sin 2
=

1 H 2 sin 1
2=12.5

2 20 sin 90
=
10 16 sin 90

2=10

20 1

16 1

or (12.5 W)

a) Comparing the deviation at position (1) & (3)

3 H 1 sin 3
=

1 H 3 sin 1
3=10

3=4.7

3 20 sin 315
=
10 30 sin 90

20 0.707

30
1

or (4.7 E)

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Magnetic & Gyro Compass / Chief Mate

Question (10):
From below table obtain a list of deviations, (1) analyse them into the approximate
coefficients and, if the swing took place on the magnetic equator, (2) state how the
various correctors should be adjusted. It was discovered that the azimuth mirror
with which the bearings were taken introduced coefficient apparent A=-1.
Head
True Bearing
Compass
Bearing

N
109

NE
109.5

E
110

SE
111

S
111

SW
111.5

W
112

NW
114

110.5

112.5

111.5

111.5

117.5

124.5

122.5

117.5

Solution:
(1) To find and analyse the deviations:

Variation=C . error 8

Variation=(40 ) 8

Variation=5
Actual Variation=VariationCoeff Apparent A

Actual Variation=5(1)

HDG

T. Brg.

C. Brg.

N
NE
E
SE
S
SW

109
109.5
110
111
111
111.5

110.5
112.5
111.5
111.5
117.5
124.5

112

122.5

NW

114
Total

117.5

Actual Variation=4(4 W )
C.
Error
1.5 W
3W
1.5 W
0.5 W
6.5 W
13 W
10.5
W
3.5 W
40 W

Variati
on
4W
4W
4W
4W
4W
4W
4W

Deviati
on
2.5 E
1E
2.5 E
3.5 E
2.5 W
9W
6.5 W

4W
0.5 W
Coefficient =

(A)
2.5 E
1E
2.5 E
3.5 E
2.5 W
9W
6.5 W
0.5 W
1W

(B)

(C)

(D)

2.5 E

(E)
2.5 E

1E
2.5 E

2.5 E
3.5 E
2.5 W

2.5 W
9W

6.5 W
4.5 E

6.5 W
2.5 E

0.5 W
3W

1E

2) To adjust the correctors:

(A) Thea fault detected in the azimuth mirror may be rectified by a thin brass liner inserted in
the bearings of the prism holding device to achieve equal values for arrow up and arrow
down observations of distant object.
(B) The fore and Aft magnets are under compensating and should be raised in the binnacle to
alter the deviation by 4.5 when heading 090 (C) or 270 (C). This correction is appropriate
to coefficient permanent B which alone exists on the magnetic equator.
(C) The athwart magnets are under compensating and should be raised in the binnacle to
alter the deviation by 2.5 when heading 000 (C) or 180 (C).
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Magnetic & Gyro Compass / Chief Mate

(D) The soft iron spheres are over compensating and should be moved further from the
compass to equal distances each side in order to change the deviation 3 on any one of the
four intercardinal compass heading.
(E) Because coefficient E is small and unlikely to embarrass the navigator, it is, in this case,
justifiably ignored.

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Magnetic & Gyro Compass / Chief Mate

Question (11):
Explain Damping Error?
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 observers latitude, Sin (error) Tan (latitude).

At equator, the error is nil. The error is eastward in all northerly 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.

Question (12):
What are the gyro's errors?
1. Latitude or (Damping error).
2. Steaming error (Co., Speed, and Lat. Error).
3. Ballistic deflection and Ballistic tilt.
4. Rolling error.

Question (13):
Explain the steaming error with sketch?
The gyro compass settles in the N/S direction by sensing Earths spinning motion. Same gyro
compass when placed on a ship also senses the ships motion. The axis of gyro compass
settles in a direction which is perpendicular to the resultant of the Earths surface speed and
the ships velocity. The direction in which the compass settles is different to the direction of
the True North and depends on ships course, speed and latitude of the observer. This error
also increases as the observers latitude increases. The error is westward on all Northerly
courses and vice-versa.
In exactly E-W courses, the error is nil. In exactly N-S courses, the error is maximum.
To compensate for steaming error, a speed rider is provided, which in association with the
latitude rider, shifts the lubber line equal to steaming error in the appropriate direction.

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Magnetic & Gyro Compass / Chief Mate

Question (14):
Explain the gravity control in gyroscope with sketching the explanation?
The gyro spin axis can be made meridian-seeking by the use of a pendulum acting under the
influence of earth gravity. The pendulum causes a force to act upon the gyro assembly
causing it to process. Precession, the second fundamental property of a gyroscope, enables
the instrument to become north-seeking. As the pendulum swings towards the center of
gravity, a downward force is applied to the wheel axle, which causes horizontal precession to
occur.

Question (15):
What is the effect of Top heavy in gyroscope and used for?
Gyrocompasses to be effectively top-weighted and use an anticlockwise spinning rotor. But
adding a weight to the top of the rotor casing produces a number of Undesirable effects.
These effects become pronounced when a ship is subjected to severe movement in heavy
weather. To counteract unwanted effects, an 'apparent' top weighting of the compass is
achieved by the use of a mercury fluid ballistic contained in two reservoirs or ballistic pots.
Question (16):
What is the use of bottom heavy in gyro scope (make your explanations by
sketching)?
This action causes the north end of the spin axis, of a gravity-controlled undamped gyro, to
describe an ellipse about the meridian. Because it is un damped, the gyro will not settle on
the meridian. Shows this action for a gyro with a clockwise rotating spinner. The ellipse
produced will be anticlockwise due to the constant external influences acting upon the gyro.
The extent of the ellipse will, however, vary depending upon the initial displacement of the
gyro spin axis from the meridian and from the earth's horizontal. The term 'north-seeking' is
given to the undamped gravity controlled gyro mechanism because the northeast end of the
spin axis describes an ellipse around the North Pole but never settles. Obviously such a gyro
is not suitable for use as a precise north reference compass aid
Question (17):
Explain with sketching in brief the procurer to make gyroscope north seeking?
By top or bottom heavy. Bottom-heavy control and a clockwise rotating gyro. top heavy
system with an anticlockwise rotating spinner.
With bottom-heavy control, tilting upwards of the south end produces a downward force on
the other end, which, for this direction of spinner rotation, produces a precession of the north
end to the west. In a top-heavy control system, tilting upwards of the north end of the gyro
produces a downward force on the south end to causes a westerly precession of the north
end.
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Magnetic & Gyro Compass / Chief Mate

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Magnetic & Gyro Compass / Chief Mate

Question (18):
Explain the damping settling error in north & South hemisphere by sketching only?

Question (19):
Explain the ballistic deflection error and causes of it?
This condition arising from changes in speed or course whereby an acceleration or
deceleration force is set up which always acts on the pendulous mass of the gyro as well as
on the damping fluid. This force no matter how small, acting on the pendulous mass, will
cause the gyro to precess.
Results from changes in ship's south north component of velocity and speed changes.

Question (20):
From your study of gyroscope describe the following:
1. gyroscope inertia. (Rigidity in the space:( it is the ability of a free gyroscope to
remain with its spin axis pointing in the same fixed direction in space regardless of how
the gimbal support system may
2. Drift: - is the direction in which spin axis points relative to the true north.
3. Tilt: -is the angle of elevation or de-prerecession of the spin axis above or below the
horizontal.
4. Precession: - is the movement at right angles as a reaction of applying a torque to a
spin axis at right angle. It is proportional directly to the torque and inversely to the spin
speed and gyroscope moment of inertia.

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Magnetic & Gyro Compass / Chief Mate

Question (21):
What do you understand from the items?
Tilting: - is the rate of change of the tilt of the spin axis. Tg = 15 cos lat. X sin Az.
Drifting is the rate of change of the drift (Az.) of the spin axis. Dg = 15 sin lat.
Question (22):
Explain how a free gyroscope can be made north seeking by the use of gravity
control?
By placing top/heavy weight on top on the rotor casing, such that when the spin axis is
horizontal the vertical through the center of gravity of the weight passes through the center
of the rotor.
g This achieved by means of gravity control in all lats. (N-S), the north end of the gyro spin
axis will tilt up if it is to east of the meridian and fall if it is to the west of the meridian this tilt
causes the precession in the required direction by top weight. (the south end rotating
anticlockwise, otherwise will be bottom weight)

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Magnetic & Gyro Compass / Chief Mate

Question (23):
State the effect of damping to make gyroscope as gyro compass with sketch as
need to explain?
Damping, in order to respond to the drift, tilt and precession which makes it north seeking,
the suspension of gyroscope must be virtually frictionless and a gravity controlled gyroscope,
would then oscillate indefinitely on either side of the meridian.
Damping in tilt means that when the north seeking end of the gyroscope axis is tilted a
damping torque is applied in a horizontal plane.

Question (24):
Calculate the course, latitude and speed error of a gyro compass when steering
160 (T) at speed 21.2 kts. In lat 43 S. If the course is altered to 180 (T) and speed
id reduced to 15 Kts. Find the two successive errors.
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= - 1.73 Low

Magnetic & Gyro Compass / Chief Mate

To calculate when altering course

To calculate when change speed

On Southerly courses error is Low // On Northerly courses error is high

Question (25):
In what lat. Will the course, lat and speed error not exceed 5 when steaming at 20
Kts.
Cos 180 or 000 = one

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