Posted by BobP (62.252.0.5) on January 27, 2003 at 12:46:10:
In Reply to: Gyroscopes posted by Terrence Lee on January 26, 2003 at 15:23:10:
Hi Terrence,
I think your gyro idea is spot on. I was in the process of ordering a couple of gyros online when I read your posting on the discussion board (the ones they use to demonstrate to kids in schools).
Gyros should be ideal as the "weights" for an over-balanced wheel, and, as you point out, they will stay horizontal whatever the wheel position.
In theory, you don't even need a wheel, as a simple bar pivoted in the middle could be used to support the gyros at it's ends. This would at least prove the theory.
I don't see any easy way to build the gyro drive mechanism, but a simple right-angle converter using bevel gears should be easy to put together.
By the way, have you given any thought to the fact that the gyros will hang vertically down until they are spinning sufficiently and will then have to be moved into their horizontal working position, (possibly by hand)? Allthough the gyros stay horizontal, they actually "rotate" 360 degs each revolution.
I'll post some drawings of my ideas on this as soon as I can, but I really believe that gyros offer a (non-bessler) solution. Their actually more like a modern take on the Marquis of Worcester's over-balancing wheel with ropes/weights.
Best wishes for your success.
Bob Parrott