Canadian C-1 NAVAID

Mike Cecil · #1 02-12-12, 19:40

Gents,

In the early 1960s, the Canadian Army developed a gyro compass navigation aid for Centurion, the C-1 NAVAID. It is referred to in Don Dingwall's book on the CDN Centurion (Service Publications).

Does anyone have a manual or any documents specific to that system that I could copy, please? I'm interested in the map position plotter in particular, and the system's power requirements (24V, but what was the amperage draw when the gyro was operating?)

Any suggestions or assistance gratefully received.

Mike C

jason meade · #2 15-12-12, 16:11

I have an actual one in the museum collection however not much info in it, but I do know it was 24 volt as the bulb in it is 24/28 volt.
jason

Mike Cecil · #3 15-12-12, 16:14

Thanks, Jason,

Any chance of some images of the 'bits', please? Particularly the plotter.

Regards

Mike C

BCA · #4 15-12-12, 21:16

If this gizmo is similar to the WW2 odograph then I have one buried in the warehouse. I don't recall a manual because another collector in Quebec has one and needed a manual also. All I remember is that mine was missing a gear drive that, at the time, seemed important to make it work.
I had assumed it worked using a compass and distance travelled (like the Land Odograph) but maybe it actually used a gyro. It is buried deep but may getto it in the New Year.
.... Brian

Mike Cecil · #5 15-12-12, 22:05

Thanks, Brian,

You'd know if you had the Gyro: it was a weighty monster a couple of feet square.

No hurry: I'm just trying to piece some info together without any particular end date in mind.

Mike C

BCA · #6 15-12-12, 23:13

Yes Mike, the unit with all it's parts fills a box about 3'x3'x3 if I recall correctly.
...Brian

jason meade · #7 16-12-12, 00:32

I will try and dig it out monday and get some pics off to you !
Jason

Ed Storey · #8 17-12-12, 22:22

This wiring diagram may help,

ED

Mike Cecil · #9 18-12-12, 00:19

Jason and Ed,

All helps, thank you. Looking forward to the pics.

I see the 'IHP' on the diagram: wonder what 'bit' that is.

Rest seems reasonably straight forward.

Again, thanks.

Mike C

jason meade · #10 18-12-12, 00:28

Ah Son of a bit@#, in the morning!

Mike Cecil · #11 18-12-12, 00:57

Sorry Jason, that one went past me.....

Mike C

jason meade · #12 18-12-12, 03:40

I forgot the damn pictures,I sent myself an email to remind myself.

Alex Blair (RIP) · #13 18-12-12, 15:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Cecil

Jason and Ed,

All helps, thank you. Looking forward to the pics.

I see the 'IHP' on the diagram: wonder what 'bit' that is.

Rest seems reasonably straight forward.

Again, thanks.

Mike C

Probably "In house printer"..Hewlett Packer..??
Mike I'm guessing..but that is the fun of it all.
Alex

Ed Storey · #14 18-12-12, 18:29

I.H.P. = Indicator, Heading and Position

Mike Cecil · #15 18-12-12, 19:11

Thanks, Ed, that sounds like it is probably it.

If the wiring diagram you posted is Fig 12, do you have the rest of the manual that it came from, and if so, am I able to obtain a copy of it from you please?

Thanks

Mike C

jason meade · #16 18-12-12, 23:22

Mike here are a few photos of the computer and plotter board.

jason meade · #17 18-12-12, 23:25

few more pictures of the plotter

Mike Cecil · #18 18-12-12, 23:40

Thanks, Jason, they certainly help. I now know more about the item, such as the manufacturer, and the NSN, Excellent, thanks.

Mike

jason meade · #19 19-12-12, 00:01

No worrys, any time!