292 THE SPERRY GYRO-COMPASS IN SERVICE. 



Figure lo, Plate io6, is the binnacle type of repeater. 



Figure ii, Plate 107, is the energy supply switchboard. 



Figure 12, Plate 107, is the cutout and synchronizing switchboard. 



The perfection of an instrument such as the gyro-compass is seldom, 

 if ever, accomplished through the efforts of one man alone. The master 

 mind who conceives the idea must depend upon his associates for much of 

 the work of development, and the speed and efficiency with which this 

 development is accomplished rests to a large extent on the efficiency of the 

 assistants. In this connection Mr. Sperry wishes me to express his appre- 

 ciation of the efforts of Mr. H. C. Ford, whose efficiency has contributed 

 much to the perfection of the Sperry gyro-compass. 



The first compass was installed on board the Old Dominion Line steam- 

 ship Princess Anne. It was placed at the farthest possible point from the 

 ship's metacenter so as to obtain the maximum effect from the roUing and 

 pitching of the vessel. A voyage was made with the compass from New 

 York to Norfolk and return. During this time the ship rolled as much as 26 

 degrees on each side of an even keel. Close observation of the compass 

 failed to disclose the slightest deviation due to this motion. Tests were 

 made by quickly changing course and speed to ascertain whether or not any 

 oscillations were induced by the acceleration pressures so impressed. 



The results of these tests were very satisfactory and so encouraging that 

 Mr. Sperry began negotiations with the Navy Department with a view to 

 installing the compass on some naval vessel for an official trial. The pro- 

 gressive and far-seeing officers of the Compass Office immediately concluded 

 to install the compass on the U. S. S. Drayton, a torpedo-boat destroyer. 

 The trials on the Drayton served to convince the officers of the Compass 

 Office that the instrument was practicable and that it had a great many 

 advantages. It was then installed on board the U. S. S. Delaware, which was 

 at that time the largest and most modern battleship in the world, the ship 

 which had the honor of representing the United States at the coronation of 

 His Majesty King George V. The author was then the officer in charge of 

 electrical machinery and apparatus on board the Delaware and the compass 

 was placed under his care. This circumstance resulted in the author becom- 

 ing so interested in the work of the Sperry Gyroscope Company that he left 

 the Navy a few weeks ago to become one of the engineers of that company. 



The trials of the first compass on the Delaware extended over a period of 

 three or fourth months, during which time it was found that in spite of the 

 fact that the instrument on the Delaware was the first ever constructed and 

 necessarily somewhat crude, it fulfilled its purpose wonderfully and was of 

 the greatest service not only in target practice and battle maneuvers but 



