Ordnance Pamphlet 1063 (January 1944) is the U.S. Navy’s complete technical manual for the Stable Element Mark 6 and Modifications. The Stable Element is located adjacent to the Computer in the Plotting Room and performs two major functions: it measures Level and Cross Level angles caused by variation of the ship’s deck position with respect to the horizontal, keeping the lines of sight of the telescope and rangefinder automatically on target as the ship pitches and rolls — and it provides the means for firing the guns.
The gyroscope is the heart of the instrument, providing a horizontal reference plane about which Level and Cross Level angles are measured. A pair of follow-up coils mounted on one of the gimbals are kept in alignment with a magnet on the gyro case by an electronically actuated motor-driven follow-up mechanism. As the follow-up mechanism acts, the angle generated by each gimbal is indicated on dials calibrated in minutes of arc and transmitted to other instruments via synchro generators and mechanical output shafts.
The pamphlet covers all twelve sections: Terminology, Function, Fundamentals (gyroscope theory, synchro systems, electronics), Application of Fundamentals, Construction, Installation, Operating Instructions, Maintenance, Disassembly and Reassembly, Adjustments, Casualties, and Information (spare parts, charts, exercising procedures). Data on associated Control Panels Marks 7 and 8 are included throughout. Although written primarily for the Stable Element Mark 6, occasional notes indicate wherein the Mark 5 differs.
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