Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Gyro Compass

Hi Dan,

I really do not have a good source for an electrical gyro. I have in the past purchased items from Wag-aero with good success. They have rebuilt items but they are still $600-700.

I also found a couple used on ebay, but they are also vacuum driven.

I have some friends at the airport who might have an idea and I will check into it. more.

I did talk to one friend who had good luck with wentworth aircraft as salvage yard. I think they are in minnesota.

If I learn more I will let you know.

Best Regards,

Jim K

----- Original Message -----

From: Dan. H.

To: PSUBS

Sent: Wednesday, April 02, 2008 7:15 AM

Subject: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Gyro Compass

I'm looking for help.

Aviation guys and surplus hunters!

I've been playing around with a vacuum powered gyro compass to install in my sub. The compass works great but the vacuum pump has it's problems.

I rigged a vacuum pump to a 12VDC motor to try it. For continuous use, the motor needs to be large to supply sufficient vacuum. It's a continuous 12amp draw. The pump is also noisy, although much of that can be dampened by creating a continuous loop with a return air line and sound abatement padding. Also, the bulky pump unit is cumbersome in a tight sub.

The solution is a electrical driven compass. From my understanding, they are replacing the older vacuum units in small aircraft. I'm told they are available, aircraft certified, for around $1200. That's to steep for the small amount of time I will actually use it, and I sure don't need it certified.

I was wondering if anyone out there can point me to a source for yellow tagged or red tagged units that will still operate, and at a better price then a new one. If It could keep a heading within 30 degrees for twenty minutes, it's all I need and would be far better then the magnetic compass I have now.

Thanks, Dan H.

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