Compasses & Binnacles

The magnetic compass was invented during the Chinese Cao Wei Dynasty between the 3nd century CE and 4th century AD, and was used for navigation by the 11th century. The compass was introduced to medieval Europe 150 years later, where the dry compass was invented around 1300. This was supplanted in the early 20th century by the liquid-filled magnetic compass. [Source: Wikipedia]

A gyrocompass is similar to a gyroscope. It is a non-magnetic compass that finds true north by using an (electrically powered) fast-spinning wheel and friction forces in order to exploit the rotation of the Earth. [Source: Wikipedia]

The first self north adjusting gyrocompass was invented in 1906. [Source: Wikipedia]

A ship's gyrocompass typically drives one or more repeaters in which the compass card position is controlled by a servo motor.

Large magnetic compasses will typically be found in a ship's binnacle, however smaller ones may be mounted in a wooden box.