Watch standing equipemt Flashcards
What are the 2 main types of compass?
Gyrocompasses and magnetic compasses
What is a compass?
An instrument that tells you the direction you are heading. It also tells you where north is so you can measure all other direction from that one fixed point or direction
How does the gyrocompass work?
On the gyro principle of a spinning wheel
What compass is affected by Earth’s magnetic field?
Magnetic compass
How are directions taken from the compass card?
In degrees or in terms such as north, south, southwest
Hoe does the Navy express direction?
In degree, saying the direction or course is 000, 180 or 225, instead of north, south, southwest
When in proper running order, where does the gyrocompass point?
Constantly to true north, rather than magnetic north
What does a typical shipboard installation of a gyrocompass consist of?
Master gyros whose indications are sent electrically to repeaters located at the conning station, on the bridge wings, and at other necessary points.
What is one advantage of the gyro?
Its repeaters may be set up at any angle nearly vertical for the convenience of helmsmen, or horizontal for taking bearings.
Why is the magnetic compass still standard equipment used aboard ship?
Because the gyrocompass is powered by electricity, it would be useless in a power failure.
