Before diving into the manual itself, it’s important to understand why the Standard 20 remains a relevant system.
Introduced by Raytheon Anschütz (now part of Raytheon Marine GmbH), the Standard 20 series represented a leap forward in gyrocompass technology. Unlike magnetic compasses, a gyrocompass seeks true north, unaffected by the Earth’s magnetic field. The Standard 20 uses a electrically suspended gyrosphere (typically 20 cm in diameter) spinning at high revolutions—around 20,000 rpm—to achieve this.
Even with newer fiber-optic gyros (FOGs) on the market, thousands of vessels still rely on the Standard 20 because of its robustness, proven accuracy (within 0.5° of true north), and relative insensitivity to rapid changes in latitude and vessel motion.
The service manual is the key to preserving this legacy equipment.
The Anschütz Gyro Compass Standard 20 Service Manual is more than a binder of schematics and parts lists—it is the definitive authority on keeping your gyro compass accurate, reliable, and safe. Without it, you are navigating blind (literally and figuratively).
Whether you are a chief engineer troubleshooting a wandering gyro, a shore-side technician preparing for an annual survey, or a cadet learning the principles of marine gyrocompasses, this manual belongs in your technical library.
If your vessel still carries a Standard 20, take an hour today to locate the manual. Check that all pages are present, particularly the fold-out wiring diagrams and fault tables. If it’s missing, contact Raytheon Anschütz or a certified service center immediately. In heavy weather, at night, in channels lined with shoals, your gyro compass is the ultimate reference—and the service manual is the key to its fidelity.
Safe navigation does not happen by chance. It happens by the book.
Need more technical resources? Visit the official Raytheon Anschütz support portal or consult your classification society’s guidance on gyrocompass maintenance.
The Raytheon Anschütz Standard 20 is widely considered the industry benchmark for reliable marine navigation. Known for its high accuracy and long service life, this gyro compass system is a staple on commercial vessels and large yachts. However, maintaining that precision requires a deep understanding of its technical requirements.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Anschütz Standard 20 service manual, covering essential maintenance, common error codes, and technical specifications for marine engineers and technicians. Technical Overview of the Standard 20 anschutz gyro compass standard 20 service manual
Unlike traditional mechanical gyros, the Standard 20 uses a unique "suspension" system where the gyro element (the sphere) floats in a conductive liquid. This design minimizes friction and wear, but it also means the system is sensitive to fluid levels and temperature. Settling Time: Approximately 3 hours. Accuracy: Better than 0.1 degrees. Interface: NMEA 0183 and Step-by-Step outputs. Operating Voltage: 24V DC (with backup battery options). Critical Maintenance Procedures
Regular upkeep is the only way to prevent mid-voyage failures. The service manual outlines several key tasks that must be performed by qualified personnel. 1. Checking the Fluid Level
The "gyrosphere" floats in a specific supporting fluid. Over time, evaporation or chemical changes can occur.
Action: Visually inspect the fluid level through the sight glass.
Caution: Only use genuine Anschütz distilled water and supporting fluid additives. Using the wrong liquid can destroy the sensitive electrodes on the sphere. 2. Annual Inspection Every 12 months, a technician should:
Check the heating and cooling cycles (to ensure the fluid stays at the correct operating temperature). Inspect the pump motor for noise or vibration.
Verify the alignment between the master compass and all repeaters. 3. Sphere Replacement
The gyrosphere is a consumable part. Most manuals recommend replacing or overhauling the sphere every 5 years (approx. 40,000 operating hours) to ensure continued accuracy. Troubleshooting Common Error Codes
When the "Alarm" light flashes on the operator unit, the system will display an error code. Understanding these is vital for quick repairs.
Error: Temperature Out of Range: This usually points to a failure in the heating element or a faulty cooling fan. If the fluid is too cold, the sphere won't float correctly; if too hot, the electronics may fail. Before diving into the manual itself, it’s important
Error: Follow-Up System: This indicates a communication break between the master gyro and the outer heading ring. Check the ribbon cables and the motor driver board.
Error: Power Failure: Verify the 24V DC supply. Often, this is caused by blown fuses on the main PCB or a failing ship's battery backup. Safety and Installation Notes
When referring to the service manual for installation or major repairs, keep these safety protocols in mind:
Static Discharge: The PCBs in the Standard 20 are highly sensitive to ESD. Always use a grounding strap.
Handling the Sphere: Never touch the gyrosphere with bare hands. Skin oils can corrode the surface. Use the specialized lifting tool provided in the service kit.
Compass Swing: After any major service or component replacement, a professional compass adjustment (swing) must be performed to account for deviation. How to Access the Full Manual
The official "Anschütz Standard 20 Service Manual" is a restricted document typically provided to authorized service partners and vessel owners upon purchase. It contains detailed circuit diagrams, exploded parts views, and step-by-step calibration instructions that are not found in the basic user handbook.
To ensure your vessel remains compliant with IMO regulations and SOLAS requirements, always keep a hard copy of the manual in the bridge or engine control room.
Is the gyro failing to settle or showing a large heading error?
The Raytheon Anschütz Standard 20 Gyro Compass service manual provides comprehensive guidelines for the installation, maintenance, and technical repair of the system. This report summarizes the essential technical and procedural information required for safe and effective servicing of the equipment. 1. System Overview and Components The Anschütz Gyro Compass Standard 20 Service Manual
The Standard 20 is a modular gyro compass designed to provide high-accuracy heading information (typically 0.4∘0.4 raised to the composed with power
sec Lat. RMS) for marine navigation. The system components include:
Gyro Compass Unit (Type 110-800/806): The primary sensor that determines true north. Gyrosphere (Type 111-006): The core sensitive element.
Supporting Liquid & Distilled Water: Essential fluids for the suspension and cooling of the gyrosphere.
Control and Operator Units: Interfaces for manual input and digital display of heading data.
Distributor Compact: Handles digital signal processing and optional speed-error correction. 2. Installation and Initial Commissioning Service procedures for new or relocated units involve: STANDARD 20 PLUS Gyro Compass Manual | PDF - Scribd
The complete Anschütz Standard 20 Service Manual (Document No. 0566/20) is not open-source due to ITAR and proprietary data. Authorized sources:
Typical failures NOT user-serviceable:
→ These usually require a trained Anschütz technician with calibrated test sets.