What the heck is this?

[glafaille]

This widget is in a 1967 F model, looks like an RMI but I doubt that an RMI would be in a 1967 Mooney.  I think I've figured out that it is a remote compass, but having never seen or used one before, I'm not sure what it's used for.  The aircraft has a recent "all in one" King ADF with built in fixed card and needle, part of it visible to the right.

So what is it, what does it do, why is it there?

Does the card turn?

What does the knob do?

Do the needles move, do they point to the VOR?

Why do I need this thing if I already have a whiskey compass mounted in the cockpit?

Seems like a waste of panel space and useful load but Mooney thought it was a good idea in 1967, I wonder why?

 

Thanks gents.

 

 

Edited January 22, 2016 by glafaille

[Marauder]

It looks like an old Sperry or Aeronetics RMI. The knob may be to change the compass card underneath or to select which one of the signals it will display on which needle. Where did you see it posted? Anything in the description for the plane it is in?

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[BDPetersen]

Looks like a remote compass indicator. Sensor located elsewhere. 

[BDPetersen]

Let me add " magnetic" to that description. Remote magnetic compass. 

[glafaille]

I saw one on a 66 C model that was for sale, the listing showed a remote compass which I guessed was this device.  I can't find anything online that describes how it's used or why it is sometimes found in old Mooneys.  From what I've read it seems it was more stable than the whiskey compass but it's not clear why they felt the need to install it.  

Could it be related to the steel tube structure of the Mooney?  Hmmmm

[BDPetersen]

That's the idea. Seemed to be a gizmo to have in '50's and apparently '60's. Stick it in wing or tail away from the Superhomer, lights, etc.

[Guest Mike261]

Old school RMI.

the double needle is your bearing to station (ADF)

the single needle is your heading. makes it so you don't have to look at the ADF and DG and interpret, its all right in front of you.

 

mike

[drapo]

Still have mine! I often use it on long flights to double check my SIRS compass and correct my DG.

You can see it in the lower right corner.

[ArtVandelay]

Still have mine! I often use it on long flights to double check my SIRS compass and correct my DG.

You can see it in the lower right corner.

FYI I can see the sky thru your door, was it closed?

[wishboneash]

One has to be careful when one posts pictures here

[Piloto]

It is a goniometer indicator. Used to indicate remotely the bearing to station (ADF) or as heading indicator (magnetic or gyro). Commonly used during WWII.

José

Edited January 22, 2016 by Piloto

[glafaille]

There are 2 needles and a knob.  Does the knob turn the card?  What do the needles point to?  One to the magnetic heading?  And one to what?  

 

Thanks everyone for the info.

[carusoam]

One VOR and one ADF or other VOR...

It was a nice way of displaying two Nav radios using one head.

Realistically it has been far superceded by the magenta line.

Best regards,

-a-

[BDPetersen]

I would go along with the RMI (2 radio) idea but for the fact it is labeled DIRECTION. Do a search for remote compass and you will find identical examples of magnysn compasses, the double needle being adjustable with the knob to set your desired magnetic heading which is displayed by the single needle. Line them up and all is well.

[drapo]

5 hours ago, teejayevans said:

FYI I can see the sky thru your door, was it closed?

Yeah, I know, the story on another post...

[Guest]

It also known as a Gyrosyn remote compass system.  My 66 E model had one as well, the flux detector/ gyro was in the right wing and the indicator in the panel.  I removed it with the panel make over, so I don't know how it worked.

Clarence