Difference between revisions of "Gyro"
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The '''Gyroscope''' often simply called the '''Gyro''' is an internal component mounted within all [[BattleMech]]s, [[IndustrialMech]]s and [[OmniMech]]s. The gyro is required to help establish balance and, in times of imbalance, prevent the 'Mech from falling.
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The '''Gyroscope'''{{m}}often simply called '''Gyro'''{{m}}is an internal component mounted within all [[BattleMech]]s, [[IndustrialMech]]s and [[OmniMech]]s. The gyro is required to help establish balance and, in times of imbalance, prevent the 'Mech from falling.
  
 
== Balance ==
 
== Balance ==
 
The gyro helps establish center-of-mass equilibrium for the BattleMech in a variety of environments. In normal or high gravity, at least one full set of accelerometers is used. Since accelerometers experience little acceleration in low-G environments, gyros should also possess a traditional gyroscope for direction sense, as piloting in zero-G is not inherently more difficult than in normal or high gravity (see '''Notes''').<ref name="TWp59+">''Total Warfare'', pp. 59-61, "Piloting/Driving Skill Rolls"</ref><ref name="TOp23+">''Tactical Operations'', pp. 23-24, "Piloting Skill Rolls"</ref><ref name="SOp119+">''Strategic Operations'', pp. 119-120, "Zero-G Ground Unit Combat"</ref><ref>[[w:gyroscope|gyroscope]]</ref> Neither accelerometers nor rudimentary gyroscopes require extensive space or mass within the BattleMech.<ref name="TMp34+">''TechManual'', pp. 34-35, "Gyroscope"</ref>
 
The gyro helps establish center-of-mass equilibrium for the BattleMech in a variety of environments. In normal or high gravity, at least one full set of accelerometers is used. Since accelerometers experience little acceleration in low-G environments, gyros should also possess a traditional gyroscope for direction sense, as piloting in zero-G is not inherently more difficult than in normal or high gravity (see '''Notes''').<ref name="TWp59+">''Total Warfare'', pp. 59-61, "Piloting/Driving Skill Rolls"</ref><ref name="TOp23+">''Tactical Operations'', pp. 23-24, "Piloting Skill Rolls"</ref><ref name="SOp119+">''Strategic Operations'', pp. 119-120, "Zero-G Ground Unit Combat"</ref><ref>[[w:gyroscope|gyroscope]]</ref> Neither accelerometers nor rudimentary gyroscopes require extensive space or mass within the BattleMech.<ref name="TMp34+">''TechManual'', pp. 34-35, "Gyroscope"</ref>
  
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However, gyroscopic orientation-sensing and accelerometer feedback is insufficient to maintain control of the 'Mech.  Accelerometers and gyroscopes can not distinguish between intentional and hazardous changes in acceleration or direction, for instance the jerk felt when accelerating from standing to running or the sudden change of mass due to a lost limb, respectively.  To distinguish between intent and peril, the MechWarrior's own equilibrium is monitored by a [[Neurohelmet]] connected to the gyro's computer. If both the MechWarrior's equilibrium and the balance-sensing mechanisms of the BattleMech agree, the gyro attempts to stabilize the machine.<ref name="TMp34+"/>
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However, gyroscopic orientation-sensing and accelerometer feedback is insufficient to maintain control of the 'Mech.  Accelerometers and gyroscopes cannot distinguish between intentional and hazardous changes in acceleration or direction, for instance the jerk felt when accelerating from standing to running or the sudden change of mass due to a lost limb, respectively.  To distinguish between intent and peril, the MechWarrior's own equilibrium is monitored by a [[Neurohelmet]] connected to the gyro's computer. If both the MechWarrior's equilibrium and the balance-sensing mechanisms of the BattleMech agree, the gyro attempts to stabilize the machine.<ref name="TMp34+"/>
  
 
== Angular Acceleration ==
 
== Angular Acceleration ==
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While the wheels within the gyro have been likened to [[w:Reaction_wheel|Reaction wheels]], this analogy is false. Traditional reaction wheels are set in motion in order to fix an orientation on an axis by [[w:Conservation_of_angular_momentum|conservation of angular momentum]]. In contrast, torquing against the gyro's "reaction wheels" rectifies the 'Mech's imbalance by adding [[w:Angular_acceleration|angular acceleration]].
 
While the wheels within the gyro have been likened to [[w:Reaction_wheel|Reaction wheels]], this analogy is false. Traditional reaction wheels are set in motion in order to fix an orientation on an axis by [[w:Conservation_of_angular_momentum|conservation of angular momentum]]. In contrast, torquing against the gyro's "reaction wheels" rectifies the 'Mech's imbalance by adding [[w:Angular_acceleration|angular acceleration]].
  
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== Size ==
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==Development History ==
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Standard gyros were developed for IndustrialMechs and have changed little since the ''[[Mackie]]'' was introduced<ref name="TMp219+">''TechManual'', pp. 219-220, "Gyros"</ref>. All standard gyros take up ~1/3 of the center torso's space. A one-ton gyro taking one-third of the center torso is sufficient to correct imbalances in a BattleMech massing up to 100 tons and moving up to ~22 kph. However, higher-velocity maneuvers often require more torque, because MechWarriors or pilots will often add to the imbalance with their own maneuvers. The same 100-ton BattleMech would require an equally bulky four-ton gyro to oppose an imbalance at a velocity of ~65 kph (see '''Notes'''). Maximum momentum of a 'Mech also determines engine output, so gyros are frequently proportional to the engine-rating.<ref name="TMp48+">''TechManual'', pp. 48-50, "Install Engines And Control Systems"</ref>
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Standard gyros were developed alongside IndustrialMechs by the [[Terran Alliance]] circa [[2300]].<ref name=IOAEp42>''Interstellar Operations: Alternate Eras'', p. 42: "Universal Technology Advancement Table - Gyroscopes"</ref> With the development of the BattleMech in the 2430s, the gyro was easily transferred over to those chassis. However, as the primitive engines used on early BattleMechs resulted in engine ratings 20% greater than their modern cousins, they required larger gyros as well.<ref name=IOAEp116>''Interstellar Operations: Alternate Eras'', pp. 116-118: "Primitive ’Mech Construction"</ref> Construction of those primitive BattleMechs began to phase out in [[2500]] before finally ending in [[2520]], bringing "standard" weight gyros into common production in [[2505]].<ref name=IOAEp42/><ref name=IOAEp116/> These standard gyros take up about a third of the center torso's space. A one-ton gyro taking one-third of the center torso is sufficient to correct imbalances in a BattleMech massing up to 100 tons and moving up to about 22 km/h. However, higher-velocity maneuvers often require more torque, because MechWarriors or pilots will often add to the imbalance with their own maneuvers. The same 100-ton BattleMech would require an equally bulky four-ton gyro to oppose an imbalance at a velocity of about 65 km/h (see '''Notes'''). Maximum momentum of a 'Mech also determines engine output, so gyros are frequently proportional to the engine-rating.<ref name="TMp48+">''TechManual'', pp. 48-50, "Install Engines And Control Systems"</ref>
  
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Gyros utilizing newer construction materials and/or design philosophies became available in the late 3060s. These differ in mass, bulk, and armor of the components, but are equally effective at re-establishing equilibrium. Compact gyros are condensed, requiring more mass to achieve the same [[w:Moment_of_inertia|moment of inertia]] due to their smaller size. Heavy-duty gyros provide redundancy and provide more protection. Extra-light gyros trade mass for bulk in their "reaction wheels". The improved materials of an XL gyro are much lighter and can manage stresses better than standard gyros, allowing them to increase their moments of inertia and angular velocity in order to provide equal torque.<ref name="TMp219+"/><ref name="TMp48+"/>
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Gyros would remain virtually unchanged until [[2905]] when the [[Free Worlds League]] began researching Superheavy IndustrialMechs which required a corresponding Superheavy Gyro.<ref name=IOAEp42/> This culminated in the production of the ''[[Three-Man Digging Machine]]'' from [[2940]] until a sagging economy forced a halt in the early [[thirty-first century]].<ref name=IOAEp42/><ref name=IOAE153>''Interstellar Operations: Alternate Eras'', p.153: "Superheavy ’Mechs (Multiple Eras)</ref><ref>''Technical Readout: Vehicle Annex, Revised'', p. 220: "RCL-4 Dig Lord MiningMech"</ref> This gyro type was utilized again in [[3076]] when the [[Word of Blake]] debuted the [[Omega (BattleMech)|Omega]] and then again in [[3103]] by the [[Republic of the Sphere]] with the [[Orca (BattleMech)|Orca]], [[Poseidon (BattleMech)|Poseidon]], and [[Ares (OmniMech)|Ares]]. In the dawn of the [[ilClan (Era)|ilClan]] era, this technology began to proliferate for the first time.<ref name=IOAEp42/><ref name=IOAE153/><ref>''Experimental Technical Readout: Republic Volume II'', p. 14: "OC-1X Orca"</ref><ref>''Technical Readout: 3145 Republic of the Sphere'', p. 44: "PSD-V2 Poseidon"</ref><ref>''Technical Readout: 3145'', p. 182: "PSD-V2 Poseidon"</ref><ref>''Technical Readout: Dark Age'', p. 194: "PSD-V2 Poseidon"</ref><ref>''Technical Readout: 3145 Republic of the Sphere'', p. 46: "ARS-V1 Ares"</ref><ref>''Technical Readout: 3145'', p. 184: "ARS-V1 Ares"</ref><ref>''Technical Readout: Dark Age'', p. 196: "ARS-V1 Ares"</ref><ref>''Redemption Rites'', ch. 2</ref><ref>''Dominions Divided'', p. 152: "ARS-V1E Apollo"</ref>
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Research on additional gyro types began around [[3055]]: the [[Compact Gyro]] by the [[Federated Commonwealth]], the [[Heavy-Duty Gyro]] by the [[Draconis Combine]], and the [[Extralight Gyro]] by [[ComStar]]. All three types would enter production in [[3067]] ([[3068]] for the Compact Gyro) and proliferate into common production by [[3072]].<ref name=IOAEp42/><ref name=TMp219+>''TechManual'', pp. 219-220: "Gyros"</ref> Compact gyros are condensed, requiring more mass to achieve the same [[w:Moment_of_inertia|moment of inertia]] due to their smaller size. Heavy-duty gyros provide redundancy and provide more protection. Extralight gyros trade mass for bulk in their "reaction wheels". The improved materials of an XL gyro are much lighter and can manage stresses better than standard gyros, allowing them to increase their moments of inertia and angular velocity in order to provide equal torque.<ref name="TMp219+"/><ref name="TMp48+"/>
  
 
== Notes ==
 
== Notes ==
 
* While low-Gravity environments can alter ballistic trajectories, there is no mention of low-G or zero-G impairing 'Mech operation in ''[[Total Warfare]]'', ''[[Tactical Operations]]'', or ''[[Strategic Operations]]''.
 
* While low-Gravity environments can alter ballistic trajectories, there is no mention of low-G or zero-G impairing 'Mech operation in ''[[Total Warfare]]'', ''[[Tactical Operations]]'', or ''[[Strategic Operations]]''.
  
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* Gyro corrections torque against a 'Mech's momentum. Some BattleMechs with [[Myomer Accelerator Signal Circuitry]]<ref name="TMp232">''TechManual'', p. 232, "Myomer Accelerator Signal Circuitry (MASC)"</ref>, [[Triple-Strength Myomer]]<ref name="TMp240">''TechManual'', p. 240, "Triple-Strength Myomer"</ref>, and [[Supercharger]]s<ref name="TOp345">''Tactical Operations'', p. 345</ref> can reach much greater momentum, and therefore should require more massive gyros. However, this is not mentioned in the rules.
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* Gyro corrections torque against a 'Mech's momentum. Some BattleMechs with [[Myomer Accelerator Signal Circuitry]]<ref name="TMp232">''TechManual'', p. 232, "Myomer Accelerator Signal Circuitry (MASC)"</ref>, [[Triple Strength Myomer]]<ref name="TMp240">''TechManual'', p. 240, "Triple-Strength Myomer"</ref>, and [[Supercharger]]s<ref name="TOp345">''Tactical Operations'', p. 345</ref> can reach much greater momentum, and therefore should require more massive gyros. However, this is not mentioned in the rules.
  
 
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{{ApocryphalContentStart}}
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These data was introduced in a apocryphal source, and thus far has not appeared in any canonical media.
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These data was introduced in an apocryphal source, and thus far has not appeared in any canonical media.
 
==BattleMech Gyroscope Models==
 
==BattleMech Gyroscope Models==
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"

Latest revision as of 21:16, 10 February 2024

The Gyroscope—often simply called Gyro—is an internal component mounted within all BattleMechs, IndustrialMechs and OmniMechs. The gyro is required to help establish balance and, in times of imbalance, prevent the 'Mech from falling.

Balance[edit]

The gyro helps establish center-of-mass equilibrium for the BattleMech in a variety of environments. In normal or high gravity, at least one full set of accelerometers is used. Since accelerometers experience little acceleration in low-G environments, gyros should also possess a traditional gyroscope for direction sense, as piloting in zero-G is not inherently more difficult than in normal or high gravity (see Notes).[1][2][3][4] Neither accelerometers nor rudimentary gyroscopes require extensive space or mass within the BattleMech.[5]

However, gyroscopic orientation-sensing and accelerometer feedback is insufficient to maintain control of the 'Mech. Accelerometers and gyroscopes cannot distinguish between intentional and hazardous changes in acceleration or direction, for instance the jerk felt when accelerating from standing to running or the sudden change of mass due to a lost limb, respectively. To distinguish between intent and peril, the MechWarrior's own equilibrium is monitored by a Neurohelmet connected to the gyro's computer. If both the MechWarrior's equilibrium and the balance-sensing mechanisms of the BattleMech agree, the gyro attempts to stabilize the machine.[5]

Angular Acceleration[edit]

The BattleMech gyro is able to assist with correcting falls through interactions with massive, rotating wheels, likened to "reaction wheels". Multiple wheels spin continuously within the active 'Mech, with 1 or more stabilizing each axis, x, y, or z. In the event both the gyro and the pilot's neurohelmet interface detect an imbalance, the gyro will attempt to correct the imbalance by gripping one or more wheels, feeding off their immense angular momentum by pulling or pushing against their spin. The resulting torque is often sufficient to stabilize the 'Mech.[5]

However, utilizing angular momentum in this fashion is inherently fraught. In order to counteract undesired gyroscopic effects and allow the 'Mech to operate normally, the constant motion of the gyro's "reaction wheels" requires the gyro is constructed in one of two ways. Gyros can be housed in a freely moving concentric spheres. The sphere(s) itself is immobilized only in moments of imbalance. Alternatively, each axis can be stabilized by multiple wheels spinning in opposite directions. If the net angular momentum about each axis equals 0, the 'Mech will be able to move properly.[5]

While the wheels within the gyro have been likened to Reaction wheels, this analogy is false. Traditional reaction wheels are set in motion in order to fix an orientation on an axis by conservation of angular momentum. In contrast, torquing against the gyro's "reaction wheels" rectifies the 'Mech's imbalance by adding angular acceleration.

Development History[edit]

Standard gyros were developed alongside IndustrialMechs by the Terran Alliance circa 2300.[6] With the development of the BattleMech in the 2430s, the gyro was easily transferred over to those chassis. However, as the primitive engines used on early BattleMechs resulted in engine ratings 20% greater than their modern cousins, they required larger gyros as well.[7] Construction of those primitive BattleMechs began to phase out in 2500 before finally ending in 2520, bringing "standard" weight gyros into common production in 2505.[6][7] These standard gyros take up about a third of the center torso's space. A one-ton gyro taking one-third of the center torso is sufficient to correct imbalances in a BattleMech massing up to 100 tons and moving up to about 22 km/h. However, higher-velocity maneuvers often require more torque, because MechWarriors or pilots will often add to the imbalance with their own maneuvers. The same 100-ton BattleMech would require an equally bulky four-ton gyro to oppose an imbalance at a velocity of about 65 km/h (see Notes). Maximum momentum of a 'Mech also determines engine output, so gyros are frequently proportional to the engine-rating.[8]

Gyros would remain virtually unchanged until 2905 when the Free Worlds League began researching Superheavy IndustrialMechs which required a corresponding Superheavy Gyro.[6] This culminated in the production of the Three-Man Digging Machine from 2940 until a sagging economy forced a halt in the early thirty-first century.[6][9][10] This gyro type was utilized again in 3076 when the Word of Blake debuted the Omega and then again in 3103 by the Republic of the Sphere with the Orca, Poseidon, and Ares. In the dawn of the ilClan era, this technology began to proliferate for the first time.[6][9][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19]

Research on additional gyro types began around 3055: the Compact Gyro by the Federated Commonwealth, the Heavy-Duty Gyro by the Draconis Combine, and the Extralight Gyro by ComStar. All three types would enter production in 3067 (3068 for the Compact Gyro) and proliferate into common production by 3072.[6][20] Compact gyros are condensed, requiring more mass to achieve the same moment of inertia due to their smaller size. Heavy-duty gyros provide redundancy and provide more protection. Extralight gyros trade mass for bulk in their "reaction wheels". The improved materials of an XL gyro are much lighter and can manage stresses better than standard gyros, allowing them to increase their moments of inertia and angular velocity in order to provide equal torque.[20][8]

Notes[edit]

Apocryphal Content Starts

The information after this notice comes from apocryphal sources; the canonicity of such information is uncertain.
Please view the reference page for information regarding their canonicity.

These data was introduced in an apocryphal source, and thus far has not appeared in any canonical media.

BattleMech Gyroscope Models[edit]

Brand Planet Company Used by References
Coventry Mark 75 Coventry Metal Works [24]
Coventry Mark 85 Coventry Metal Works [24]
Coventry Mark 95 Coventry Metal Works [24]
Friedhof Osprey Friedhof [24]
Friedhof Kite Friedhof [24]
Friedhof Sparrow Friedhof [24]
Rawlings StabiliTrak 5 Rawlings [24]
Rawlings StabiliTrak 10 Rawlings [24]
Rawlings StabiliTrak 15 Rawlings [24]

Apocryphal Content Ends

References[edit]

  1. ↑ Total Warfare, pp. 59-61, "Piloting/Driving Skill Rolls"
  2. ↑ Tactical Operations, pp. 23-24, "Piloting Skill Rolls"
  3. ↑ Strategic Operations, pp. 119-120, "Zero-G Ground Unit Combat"
  4. ↑ gyroscope
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 TechManual, pp. 34-35, "Gyroscope"
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 Interstellar Operations: Alternate Eras, p. 42: "Universal Technology Advancement Table - Gyroscopes"
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Interstellar Operations: Alternate Eras, pp. 116-118: "Primitive ’Mech Construction"
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 TechManual, pp. 48-50, "Install Engines And Control Systems"
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Interstellar Operations: Alternate Eras, p.153: "Superheavy ’Mechs (Multiple Eras)
  10. ↑ Technical Readout: Vehicle Annex, Revised, p. 220: "RCL-4 Dig Lord MiningMech"
  11. ↑ Experimental Technical Readout: Republic Volume II, p. 14: "OC-1X Orca"
  12. ↑ Technical Readout: 3145 Republic of the Sphere, p. 44: "PSD-V2 Poseidon"
  13. ↑ Technical Readout: 3145, p. 182: "PSD-V2 Poseidon"
  14. ↑ Technical Readout: Dark Age, p. 194: "PSD-V2 Poseidon"
  15. ↑ Technical Readout: 3145 Republic of the Sphere, p. 46: "ARS-V1 Ares"
  16. ↑ Technical Readout: 3145, p. 184: "ARS-V1 Ares"
  17. ↑ Technical Readout: Dark Age, p. 196: "ARS-V1 Ares"
  18. ↑ Redemption Rites, ch. 2
  19. ↑ Dominions Divided, p. 152: "ARS-V1E Apollo"
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 TechManual, pp. 219-220: "Gyros"
  21. ↑ TechManual, p. 232, "Myomer Accelerator Signal Circuitry (MASC)"
  22. ↑ TechManual, p. 240, "Triple-Strength Myomer"
  23. ↑ Tactical Operations, p. 345
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 24.2 24.3 24.4 24.5 24.6 24.7 24.8 "BattleTech Video Game", Equpiment

Bibliography[edit]

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