Magnesyn standby compass?

[Boswell]

Is anyone clued-up on the Magnesyn standby compass system? Apparently they were a popular factory fit in late 60's PA-28's. It's the first time I've come across one.

Is there any chance they could be used to 'feed' a RMI?

[SimonM]

I've not heard of them either but a quick google shows this:-

Remote indicating compass (non-stabilised): means a remote indicating compass without
gyroscopic means of stabilisation or smoothing (e.g. Magnesyn compass).

Also found this:-

Special compasses have also been developed for airplanes. Gyroscopic systems are especially useful in such applications because, unlike magnetic compasses, their accuracy is not affected by rapid alterations of course or speed.
The aperiodic compass is a magnetic compass whose needle is extremely stable under most flying conditions for aircraft. The magnesyn compass is a remote-indicating magnetic compass. Readings from its pickup coil are transmitted to repeaters in other parts of the airplane.

[Boswell]

Thanks, Simon. I've found quite a lot of information via Google, and it was used in a number of military a/c.

In the PA28 that I fly, the system is behind the panel in the rear baggage compartment, and the display is a fixed card compass display on the front panel.

I'm not clued-up on RMI systems, but assumed that if the Magnesyn can feed a compass reading to a needle, then it might be possible to feed it to a moving card. What I need is to get up-to-speed on simple RMI kit to see if this is realistic.

[Rod1]

If it is the same as I have come across in other aircraft you will have a remote Magnetometer feeding a display. MGL do a modern uncertified equivalent if you have a look at their website. If the above is correct it is likely to be proprietary, unless there is a port on the box in the boot to interface to other kit, but in 1960...

Rod1

[wigglyamp]

I believe the transmitter uses a torque synchro to send the heading info to the needle and there is no bootstrap so you can't run an RMI card from the Magnasyn.

[Leighton CZ]

Maybe something like the 60's G4B(Multi-engine) and G4F (Fighter) Selsyn systems?
But I would have thought these would have been a bit expensive and complex for GA

[NigelC]

Is the PA28 you fly an ex-Hamble 180? They all had a Magnesyn compass fitted, the other giveaway is additional windows in the roof to help visability.