Gyro Numericals

ED 2020/REV.
GYRO NUMERICALS
Applied Research International

Prepared by: Prasoon Sinha Verified by: Capt. Saujanya Sinha Approved by: Capt. Pankaj Sarin 1
ED 2020/REV.0
Errors of Gyro Compass

Gyro Error – The difference between the true
bearing and the Gyro reading.
Expressed in degrees East/Low or degrees
West/High
Correction principle-
Error East, Gyro Least
Error West, Gyro Best
Gyro Bearing + E’ly Error = True Bearing
Gyro Bearing - W’ly Error = True Bearing
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Static Errors –
Alignment Error – Misalignment between

compass card, lubber line and ship’s F-A
line.
Transmission Error- Difference between

gyro reading and repeaters’ reading.
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Dynamic Errors - Latitude error
The azimuth error increases by a factor of
Tangent of the latitude (λ) of gyro location.
Sin Az = K Tan λ
Where ,
Az = DE = Damping error or Latitude error
K = Damping Factor or Eccentricity of the ellipse
(default value 1/40)
λ = Latitude of gyro location
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Latitude error- Derivation of formula
We know
Tg = 150 Cos Lat Sin Az and
Dr = 150 Sin Lat
But at settling point
Pd = Tg, and Pc = Dr
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Dividing….
Pd / Pc = 150 Cos Lat Sin Az / 150 Sin Lat
= Cot Lat Sin Az
But, Pd = Pc / 40
(NOTE: Damping precession is a fraction of the
control precession)
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Therefore,
Pc/40 * 1/Pc = Cot Lat Sin Az
Therefore Sin Az = K Tan Lat

where
Az = DE, and
K = 1 / 40 is the eccentricity of the ellipse, called
damping factor.
(Default value of K: 1/40, unless specified)
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Dynamic Errors – LCS or Steaming Error
The gyro compass spin axis settles down
aligned with meridian pointing to true north.
Another observation?....
Spin axis settles down
perpendicular to the
earth’s peripheral
motion.
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SE on any course
Where,
ϴ = SE = Steaming Error;
λ = Latitude;
V = Ship speed
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Example: SE on NE’ly Course
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NUMERICALS ON GYRO
1. A vessel steers 1680 (T) at 15.5 knots in
550 45’ N latitude. Find out what is her
Gyro course in each of the following
cases:
a) Gyro is ‘Damped in Azimuth’.

b) Gyro is ‘Damped in Tilt’.
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NUMERICALS ON GYRO
Case1: Gyro damped in Azimuth
Since damped in Az, no damping error; DE=Nil
Now, we know,
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NUMERICALS ON GYRO
Ans.
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NUMERICALS ON GYRO
Case 2: Gyro damped in Tilt
We know, Sin DE = K Tan Lat.
Therefore,
Ans.
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NUMERICALS ON GYRO
2. Vessel is making good a course of
191º (T) at 23 kts. in latitude 54ºS.
What would be her gyro compass
indicating in following cases…?
a) Gyro is ‘Damped in Azimuth’.

b) Gyro is ‘Damped in Tilt’.
(Self practice)
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NUMERICALS ON GYRO
2. Vessel is making good a course of 191º
(T) at 23 kts. in latitude 54ºS. What
would be her gyro compass indicating in
following cases…?
Ans:
a)When Gyro is ‘Damped in Azimuth’.
191º – 2.4º = 188.6º (G)
a)Gyro is ‘Damped in Tilt’.
191 +1.97 – 2.41 =
190.56º (G)
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NUMERICALS ON GYRO
3. A In latitude 64º 8.9’N, a vessel
steering 018º(T) at 22.0 kts encountered
SE of 3º.
Find the earth’s peripheral speed in kts
at equator.
Hint:
Just use the Steaming Error formula.
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NUMERICALS ON GYRO
 4. Steaming error of a gyro sailing on
equator is 2º. Allowing for the same
speed and course, what will be the
steaming error in latitude 36º 52’ ?
(MMD Nov, 2019, Aug, 2017)

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NUMERICALS ON GYRO
The spin axis of a gyro compass settles
with respect to a false meridian
(perpendicular to resultant vector of earth’s
peripheral vector and ship’s motion vector)
This happens only if the ship’s velocity has
northerly or southerly component.
 Such velocity will produce a false tilting of
the spin axis.
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NUMERICALS ON GYRO
This tilting is equitable with the N/S’ly component
of the ship’s motion.
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NUMERICALS ON GYRO
In the false meridian the conditions are…
Tilting (minutes per hour)
= N-S Component of ship speed (kts)
Tg (min/hr) = V Cos Co (kts)
900 Cos Lat Sin Az = V Cos Co
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NUMERICALS ON GYRO
Since the azimuth error (Az = SE) is very small, Sin
Az (in degrees) is equal to Az (in radians).
Therefore,
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NUMERICALS ON GYRO
Coming back to the problem,
2º = V Cos Co / 5ᴫ Cos 0º
V Cos Co = 10ᴫ………………(i)
SE for 36º 52’ Lat
SE = V Cos Co / 5ᴫ Cos 36º 52’
= 10 ᴫ / 5 ᴫ (0.8) = 2.5º Ans
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NUMERICALS ON GYRO
5. A vessel sails along the meridian from
60º S to 53º S in 21 hours using her
'Damped in Tilt' Gyro Compass & a day
later returned back to her original
location steaming back in 15 hours using
her 'Damped in Azimuth' Gyro compass.
Find the Gyro course she steering on
each leg.
(MMD April, 2017)

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NUMERICALS ON GYRO
Case1: Sailing from 60ºS to 53ºS / Gyro damped in tilt
Given, Course = 000º (T)
Distance done = 7º x 60 = 420’
Time taken = 21 hrs
Therefore, Speed of ship = 420 / 21 = 20 kts
And M’Lat = (60+53)/2 = 56.5 º
We know, Sin DE = K Tan m’Lat
= 1/40 Tan 56.5º = 1.5108 / 40
= 0.03777
DE = Sin-1 (0.03777) = 2.16º West/High
(Since in southern hemisphere)
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NUMERICALS ON GYRO
Calculating Steaming Error:
We know,
∴ G. Course
Ans. (Leg1)
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NUMERICALS ON GYRO
Case2: Sailing from 53ºS to 60ºS / Gyro damped in Az
Given, Course = 180º (T)

Distance done = 7º x 60 = 420’
Time taken = 15 hrs
Therefore speed of ship = 420 / 15 = 28 kts

M’Lat = (60+53)/2 = 56.5 º
Since gyro is damped in Az, Damping Error (DE) = Nil
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NUMERICALS ON GYRO
Steaming Error SE
∴ G. Course
Ans. (Leg2)
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NUMERICALS ON GYRO
6. A ship with gyro compass uncorrected
for Damping and Steaming errors steers
240º (T & G) from position ‘A’ in latitude
58º S to position ‘B’ in latitude 62º S.
Determine the speed of the ship and the

course to steer from position B to A with
gyro compass uncorrected. (Pc : Pd =
1/40).
(MMD Feb, 2018)
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NUMERICALS ON GYRO
Case1: Sailing from 58ºS to 62ºS
Gyro damped in tilt- uncorrected
Given, Course – 240º (T & G)
M’Lat = (58+62)/2 = 60º S
Now, True and Gyro course being same implies that
DE = SE (equal & opposite)
We know, Sin DE = K Tan M’Lat
= 1/40 Tan 60º = 1.7320 / 40
= 0.043301
DE = Sin-1 (0.043301) = 2.48º West/High
(Since in southern hemisphere)
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NUMERICALS ON GYRO
Therefore, DE = 2.48º W, and
SE = 2.48º E
Part- 1: Calculating speed of the ship

We know,
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NUMERICALS ON GYRO
19.532 = V ( 0.5 + 0.0375 )
∴ Speed of the ship (V) = 19.532 / 0.5375
= 36.33 Kts Ans. (Part1)
Part–2: To find CTS (G) on reverse passage B to A

True Course for the passage 240 º - 180º = 60º (T)
DE = 2.48º West/High (Passage between same lats)
Applying SE formula
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NUMERICALS ON GYRO
SE = Tan-1(0.03766)
= 2.15º West / High

(Since the course is northerly)
Therefore, Gyro CTS= TC + DE (W) + SE (W)
= 60 + 2.48 + 2.15 = 64.63º (G)
Ans. (Part2)
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NUMERICALS ON GYRO
7. If DE of a gyro is 3º in 60ºN latitude,
what will be the DE in 45º S? Find
direction of the axle in 59ºS when
making 060º at 18 kts.
(Self practice)
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NUMERICALS ON GYRO
7. If DE of a gyro is 3º in 60ºN latitude, what will
be the DE in 45º S? Find direction of the axle in
59ºS when making 060º at 18 kts.
HINTS:
Calc DE for 45º S latitude using formula:
DE2 / DE1 = Tan Lat2 / Tan Lat1
Calc DE and SE for Lat. 59º S with TC 060º, Spd 18
kts.
Calc GC by applying the DE and SE to TC.
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NUMERICALS ON GYRO
8. A vessel does 270º (T) when her gyro
reads 265º (G) while steaming in 54º45’N
latitude. What will be her gyro reading if
she wants to do 170º (T) at speed of 19
kts in 50º south latitude?
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NUMERICALS ON GYRO
8. A vessel does 270º (T) when her gyro reads 265º (G) while steaming
in 54º45’N latitude. What will be her gyro reading if she wants to do
170º (T) at speed of 19 kts in 50º South latitude?
To solve:
TC = 270º (T) & GC = 265º (G)
Course is Westerly>> SE is NIL, Total Error = 5º E’ly/Low
Calc DE for 54º45’ S latitude using formula:

Sin Az = K Tan Lat ; {K= 1/40} (Ans 2.04º W’ly)
Total Er 5º - DE 2.04º = 2.96º E’ly is Index (fixed) Error.
Calc DE and SE for Lat. 50º S with TC 170º, Spd 19 kts.

Calc GC by applying the DE, SE and IE to TC.
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NUMERICALS ON GYRO
8. A vessel does 270º (T) when her gyro reads 265º (G) while
steaming in 54º45’N latitude. What will be her gyro reading
if she wants to do 170º (T) at speed of 19 kts in 50º South
latitude?
Ans.
(At 50º S Latitude) DE = 1.70º W’ly/High (South Lat)
(For 170º(T), Spd- 19 kts in 50º S Lat)
SE = 1.84º E’ly/Low (S’ly Co.)
GC = TC + DE (W) – SE (E) – IE (E)
= 170 + 1.70 – 1.84 – 2.96 = 172.37º (G)
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NUMERICALS ON GYRO
9. The axle of gyro compass damped in
tilt, uncorrected for damping and
steaming error points due north in 61ºS
when making good 169º at 20.6 kts.
What will be the direction of axle when
making good 342º at 13.3 kts in 74º
north? Estimate the direction in which
axle of this gyro points when on above
voyage in 74º south.
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NUMERICALS ON GYRO
9. The axle of gyro compass damped in tilt, uncorrected
for damping and steaming error points due north in 61ºS
when making good 169º at 20.6 kts. What will be the
direction of axle when making good 342º at 13.3 kts in
74º North? Estimate the direction in which axle of this
gyro points when on above voyage in 74º south.
Hints:
•DE and SE are equal and opposite in the given case.
•Calculate SE first, then equate DE with calculated SE.
•Calculate DE for 74ºN, Then SE.
•Apply the errors and calculate gyro course.
•DE is of opposite name when in 74° S latitude.
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NUMERICALS ON GYRO
10. On a voyage from 30º~36º N, latitude
input knob on the “Damped in Tilt” gyro
compass on your ship was non-functional.
Average speed of the vessel during
voyage was 14 Kts, course 030º (T), gyro
error NIL. Estimate total error of this gyro
that may be expected when steering 050º
at 17 kts in 45º south latitude.
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NUMERICALS ON GYRO
10. On a voyage from 30º~36º N, latitude input knob on the
“Damped in Tilt” gyro compass on your ship was non-functional.
Average speed of the vessel during voyage was 14 Kts,
course 030º (T), gyro error NIL. Estimate total error of this gyro
that may be expected when steering 050º at 17 kts in 45º south
latitude.
Hints:
• DE and SE are equal and opposite in the given case.
• Calculate SE first using M’Lat, then equate DE with SE.
• Calculate DE for 45ºN, then SE (speed-17 kts. Course-
050º(G)).
• Calculate total gyro error. (Algebraic sum of DE and SE)
• Indicate true course of the ship.
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11. Damping error in 40º S was observed to
be 1.2º W. Calculate the damping error in
lat 25º N.
(10 marks)
Hint:
• DE2 / DE1 = Tan Lat2 / Tan Lat1
(MMD May, 2019)

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NUMERICALS ON GYRO
12. A vessel fitted with gyro ‘damped in tilt’ steers
240º (G) at a speed of 15 kts in 30º S latitude.
What will be the total gyro error? Given that
damping ratio is 1/40.
(15 marks)
Hint:
• When true heading is not available, gyro heading may
be used in calculation of SE formula.
(MMD Aug, 2019)

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NUMERICALS ON GYRO
13. A ship sails at 1400 hrs from position 43ºN
058º30’W to pick pilot at 1900 hrs in position
44ºN 060ºW.
The current has been setting due south at 1.5
kts, throughout. The ship is fitted with Sperry
gyro compass uncorrected for damping and N-
S speed error.
If the damping factor is 1/40, calculate the gyro
course and ship speed which needs to be
maintained to reach the pilot station in time.
(MMD Feb, 2019)
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NUMERICALS ON GYRO
Steps to follow
•Calc. DTG (A-B)

•Calc. CMG & Speed
•Calc. DE with m’Lat

•Calc. SE with CMG
•Calc. total gyro error
•Calc. CTS (GC)

•Apply gyro error.
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MORE ABOUT SETTLING OF GYRO COMPASS

During the settling process of the gyro compass, the
amplitude of the oscillations keeps on reducing
successively till it becomes zero, as it finally settles down.
DAMPING FACTOR
At any instant, the ratio of the given amplitude to the one
amplitude just before, during the settling of a gyro
compass is called “Damping Factor”.
Let “A”, “B” and “C” be the three consecutive amplitudes of
the spin axis during the settling process of the gyro
compass. Then,
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DAMPING PERCENTAGE
Damping factor alone does not provide measure of settling
clearly. This factor, represented as a percentage gives a
very clear picture of the level of settling. When the gyro is
settled, the damping percentage will be 100%. Meaning,
damping precession is neutralizing the tilting or drifting by
100%.
Where, f = damping factor
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THEORITICAL SETTLING POSITION (TSP)
In preceding example, after A, B and C, let us assume that

the gyro compass settled at next extreme reading at “X”. In
this case,
Then it must be that,
“X” would be theoretical Settling Position (TSP).
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Theoretical Settling Position (TSP) can be calculated as

follows:
Where, A, B. and C are three successive amplitudes.
Having given some time to freshly started gyro, say about

1-2 hours, one can predict the TSP within an accuracy of
about 1º.
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Theoretical Settling Position (TSP) can be calculated as

follows:
Where, A, B. and C are three successive amplitudes.
Having given some time to freshly started gyro, say about

1-2 hours, one can predict the TSP within an accuracy of
about 1º.
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Q14. During the settling of a gyro compass, following

readings were observed;
1st maximum easterly: 040º at 1433 hrs

1st maximum westerly: 350º at 1519 hrs
1st maximum easterly: 005º at 1558 hrs
The compass settled finally at 1602 hrs. Calculate,

a) Damping factor
b) Damping percentage
c) Theoretical Settling Position
d) Period of gyro
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Q15. During the performance test of a gyro compass,

following readings were observed;
At 1320 hrs, 1st maximum reading was 303º

At 1400 hrs, minimum reading showed 253º
At 1430 hrs, 2nd maximum reading was 272º
Finally at 1447 hrs, the compass settled on a ship’s head of

267º.
Calculate the damping factor, damping percentage, period

of gyro and state if the settling position of compass is
satisfactory as found by the test.
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NUMERICALS ON GYRO
16. For a Gyro damped in tilt find the
total gyro error, Course 60(G) Lat 30ºS,
speed 15 knots ?
17. If the damping error is 1º E in Lat.

35°N, calculate the combined
damping and course and speed error when
steering 346° (T) at 16 knots in Lat. 52º S.
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18. Explain what is Steaming error, why it is

caused; how it affects the settling position of a
gyro compass?
19. In latitude 32°N, the Damping error is 1.2°E.

Calculate the total error of the same gyro
compass when making good a course of 315º (T) at
a speed of 18 knots in latitude 48ºs.
20. A vessel is making good a course of 200(T) at 15

knots in latitude 4030’ S. Calculate the total
error for a gyro compass damped in tilt with
the damping ratio of 1:40.
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21. A gyro damped in azimuth had the corrector for

speed and latitude set at 0 (zero). The ship at 18
knots in latitude 32° South was on course 321'
(G). What is the Gyro transit bearing of a set of
lights, if the charted transit bearing was 177º
(T).
22. A vessel on a certain course on equator has

steaming error of 1º high. In another latitude
when the ship was on same course,
speed gyro bearing of two object in transit give
an error of 2º high. Find the latitude of 2nd
island?
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23. A ship with gyro compass uncorrected for damping

and steaming bear 200º(T) & (G) from position A
lat 60º S to B lat 64º S ? Determine speed of ship &
co to steer from B to A with gyro compass
uncorrected?
24. In latitude 71N, a vessel steering 045o (T) and 042

(G) at 15 knots, sees another vessel right ahead
approaching exactly head-on at a speed of 10 knots.
What is the course of the other vessel if the gyro
compasses of both vessels are damped in tilt and of
same make and type, with both errors uncorrected.
(Assume no other errors are present.)
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25. The spin axis of a gyro compass damped in tilt

uncorrected for damping & steaming errors
pointing due north in Lat 61' S, while making good a
course of 165º (T) at 20.6 Kts. What will be the
direction of axis when making good a course of 345 (T) at
13.3 Kts in Lat 61' N.
26. Assuming that the peripheral speed of the Earth is
540 knots in 54° N latitude, find the error of
the gyro compass when making good a course of 175°
(T) at 21 knots in the Indian Ocean (latitude 29° 42' S),
if the gyro compass was…
a) Damped in Azimuth
b) Damped in Tilt
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27. A vessel leaves a port located near the equator

on a straight rhumb line course steaming at 24
knots. The vessel’s Anschutz gyro compass has
Course speed and latidude error of 1.5º (Low).
Few days later in the voyage, still steaming the
same course but at 20 knots, the charted transit
bearing 177 (T) of two hill tops was read at 1750
on this gyro compass. Assuming that gyro has
no other errors, estimate the latitude of the
vessel.
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28. Ship sails at 1200 hrs from position 43°N 0580

30 W. to pick up pilot at 1700 hrs in position
44°N, 0600W. The current has been setting 180°
(T) at 1.0 knot, throughout. The ship is fitted
with Sperry gyro, which is uncorrected
for damping and N-S speed error. If the damping
ratio is 1/40, calculate the gyro course and the
ship's speed, which need to be maintained, to
reach the pilot station in time.
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29. A vessel sails along the meridian from 44º S to

75ºS in 86.06 hours using her Damped in tilt
Gyro compass (eccentricity being 1/36) and five
days later returned back to her original location
in 77.97 hours using her Damped in Azimuth
gyro compass. Find the gyro course steered in
each leg?
30. A vessel sails along meridian from 60S to 53 S in

21 hours using her damped in tilt Gyro . A day
later returned to original location steaming back
in 15 hours using her damped in AZ gyro .Find
the Gyro course of each leg?
ED 2020/REV.0
Thank You
Questions?

Gyro Numericals

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ED 2020/REV.

Applied Research International

Errors of Gyro Compass

Errors of Gyro Compass

Alignment Error – Misalignment between

Transmission Error- Difference between

Errors of Gyro Compass

Errors of Gyro Compass

Tg = 150 Cos Lat Sin Az and

Dr = 150 Sin Lat

But at settling point

Errors of Gyro Compass

Errors of Gyro Compass

Therefore Sin Az = K Tan Lat

Errors of Gyro Compass

Errors of Gyro Compass

Errors of Gyro Compass

Errors of Gyro Compass

Errors of Gyro Compass

Errors of Gyro Compass

a) Gyro is ‘Damped in Azimuth’.

a) Gyro is ‘Damped in Azimuth’.

(MMD Nov, 2019, Aug, 2017)

(MMD April, 2017)

Given, Course = 180º (T)

Therefore speed of ship = 420 / 15 = 28 kts

Since gyro is damped in Az, Damping Error (DE) = Nil

Determine the speed of the ship and the

Part- 1: Calculating speed of the ship

Part–2: To find CTS (G) on reverse passage B to A

= 2.15º West / High

Calc DE for 54º45’ S latitude using formula:

Total Er 5º - DE 2.04º = 2.96º E’ly is Index (fixed) Error.

Calc DE and SE for Lat. 50º S with TC 170º, Spd 19 kts.

(MMD May, 2019)

(MMD Aug, 2019)

•Calc. DTG (A-B)

•Calc. DE with m’Lat

•Calc. total gyro error

•Calc. CTS (GC)

MORE ABOUT SETTLING OF GYRO COMPASS

Where, f = damping factor

THEORITICAL SETTLING POSITION (TSP)

In preceding example, after A, B and C, let us assume that

Then it must be that,

“X” would be theoretical Settling Position (TSP).

THEORITICAL SETTLING POSITION (TSP)

Theoretical Settling Position (TSP) can be calculated as

Where, A, B. and C are three successive amplitudes.

Having given some time to freshly started gyro, say about

THEORITICAL SETTLING POSITION (TSP)

Theoretical Settling Position (TSP) can be calculated as

Where, A, B. and C are three successive amplitudes.

Having given some time to freshly started gyro, say about

Q14. During the settling of a gyro compass, following

1st maximum easterly: 040º at 1433 hrs

The compass settled finally at 1602 hrs. Calculate,

Q15. During the performance test of a gyro compass,

At 1320 hrs, 1st maximum reading was 303º

Finally at 1447 hrs, the compass settled on a ship’s head of

Calculate the damping factor, damping percentage, period

17. If the damping error is 1º E in Lat.