Description:
- Object ID: ALSA 2009.08.02
- Made by: Wild Heerbrugg Switzerland
- Model: Number: GAK 11
- Serial Number: 3383
- Date Made: Unknown
- Approximate size: Height: 38 cm. diameter of lower barrel: 8.5 cm, of upper barrol 0.4 cm.
- Accessories: Metal bomb type case
- Condition: Good
Commentary:
This instrument is not a true compass in that it doesn’t point to magnetic north. A gyrocompass determines true north by detecting and aligning with the Earth’s rotational axis. As the Earth rotates, the gyrocompass senses this movement and establishes true north.
It is used for underground (mining and tunnel) applications. The Wild GAK11 gyrocompass unit sits above a Wild T1A, T16, or T2 and allows definition of an azimuth referenced to the astronomic meridian through the point of occupation.
Gyrocompasses are still in use because GPS is useless for underground applications.
Source of Object: Donated by Irwin Maltais ALS.
Notes: This is the only gyrocompass in the Societies collection.
References:
Description by: Gordon Olsson on November 8, 2025.