the casing of a drill motor axis is provided with a deflection barrel free to turn to position the barrel relative to the motor to apply lateral force to the side of the motor directed along any desired radius . a gravity actuated mercury potentiometer connected to the barrel provides a barrel orientation responsive electric transmitter for remote indication of the barrel orientation in the hole being drilled . a hydraulic stepping motor and meshing teeth are used to position the barrel azimuthally about the motor axis with the use of vertical alignment means .