Digital indicators
Digital Indicators for Marine applications
Digital indicators for marine applications provide precise, unambiguous readouts of critical vessel data directly on the ship’s bridge. With clear numeric displays, configurable formats, and seamless integration into modern bridge systems, digital indicators support safe navigation, efficient operation, and compliance with contemporary bridge design standards.
Our digital indicators for marine applications are designed for high visibility, stable performance, and dependable operation in marine environments—supporting both primary and secondary indication on the bridge.
Request digital bridge indicator specifications
Flexible display bridge indicator XDi
Illuminated display indicator features
- TFT graphical LED 3.5, 5 or 7" display
- Multiple virtual indicator layouts selectable from library
- Standard and custom scale designs
- Displays 1 or more values
- 96, 144 or 192 DIN cutouts
- XDi-Net – a short-cut to CAN bus
- Reduced wiring and installation
- Instant repairs on board
- MED and other relevant class approvals
Flexible display indicator for navigation applications Navigation Indicator (XDi-N)
- TFT graphical LED 3.5, 5 or 7" display
- Two CAN ports with CANopen and XDi-net
- Redundant power inputs
- XDi-Net – add multiple XDi indicators
- Up to six NMEA inputs & up to four outputs
- NMEA data offset and averaging functions
- Dimmer controllable using front/external pushbuttons, analogue, NMEA or CAN/XDi-net.
- 3 level priority data fall-back function
- True wind data calculation
- Calculate magnetic or true heading
- XDi-net group dimmer and day/night colour shift
- Toggle between up to four predefined indicator screens using the mode function
- Quick-switch between measuring units either locally or for the entire system
- Customised indicator designs available on request
- Standard day and night designs, dusk on request
- Optional analogue or digital inputs
- Optional warning and alarms/relay output
- MED and other relevant class approvals
Flexible display indicator for wind and weather applications Wind Indicator (XDi-N)
- TFT graphical LED 3.5, 5 or 7" display
- 96, 144 or 192 DIN cutouts
- Two CAN ports for easy interfacing
- XDi-Net – add multiple XDi indicators
- Redundant power inputs
- Compatible with wind sensors providing NMEA data (such as DEIF’s ultrasonic wind sensors)
- Up to six NMEA compatible inputs
- Up to four NMEA outputs
- Relative, true & geographic wind indication
- Toggle between up to four predefined indicator screens
- Quick-switch between wind speed measuring units (knots, m/s or m/h, km/h, beaufort)
- Dimmer controllable using front/external push-buttons, analogue, NMEA or CAN/XDi-net
- Standard day and night designs
- Customised indicator designs available on request
- Optional analogue or digital input
- Optional wind warning and alarms/relay output
- Optional IP66 protection
Revolution Counter Revolution Counter (XDi-D)
- Calculate absolute RPM and % RPM in single or bi-directional systems.
- Direct connection to an inductive pickup or similar pickup providing a digital on/off or open/closed signal.
- Quick setup and configuration via XDi menu
- Add multiple Revolution Counter repeaters via XDi-Net
- Revolution counter start value adjustable in case of retrofit installation
- TFT graphical LED 3.5, 5 or 7" display
- 96, 144 or 192 DIN cutouts
- Two CAN ports for easy interfacing
- Redundant power inputs
- Dimmer controllable using front/external push-buttons, analogue, NMEA or CAN/XDi-net
- Customized indicator designs available on request
- Optional IP66 protection
- Accumulates revolutions over time (up to 99 999 999 rev. after that is starts from 0 again)
What are digital indicators?
In marine applications, digital indicators (also used as repeaters) present measured values using numeric displays (such as LED or LCD), rather than a pointer and scale. They are used when clarity, precision, and unambiguous interpretation are essential.
Digital indicators are commonly installed on the bridge to display:
- Position and angle values
- System status and reference data
- Measurements that benefit from exact numeric resolution
They are often integrated with sensors, transducers, or automation systems and may complement or replace analogue indicators depending on the bridge design philosophy.
Why digital indicators are used on the ship’s bridge
Digital indicators are well suited to modern bridge environments because they:
- Eliminate interpretation ambiguity by displaying exact numeric values
- Support integration with automation, control, and navigation systems
- Improve readability under low-light or night-operation conditions
- Enable configurable formats, units, and scaling
- Fit modern bridge ergonomics and standardized layouts
For many bridge systems, digital indicators are the preferred solution where precision and standardization are required.
Bridge-specific digital indicator applications
1) Rudder angle & position digital indicators
Digital indicators are widely used to display rudder angle with high precision, supporting accurate maneuvering and course control.
Typical characteristics:
- Clear numeric angle display (port / starboard)
- Fast response to position changes
- High contrast for day and night operation
- Optional redundancy alongside analogue indicators
Typical use:
- Main steering consoles
- Wing bridge stations
- Redundant rudder position displays
2) Position, angle & reference indicators
Digital indicators on the bridge are frequently used for position- and angle-based measurements, where exact values are operationally important.
Examples include:
- Thruster or control surface position
- Adjustable system reference values
- Custom position or angle feedback
These indicators are often configured with custom ranges, units, and labeling to match the vessel’s bridge layout and operational procedures.
3) Status & system data indicators
Digital indicators are also used as status displays on the bridge, providing clear confirmation of system conditions and reference values.
Common characteristics:
- Stable numeric display
- High visibility across viewing angles
- Compatibility with bridge lighting and dimming systems
How to choose the right digital indicator for bridge use
Key selection criteria for bridge instruments
When specifying digital indicators for bridge applications, consider:
| Requirement | What to define |
|---|---|
| Displayed value | Position, angle, reference, or system data |
| Readability | Viewing distance, contrast, glare resistance |
| Panel integration | Front size, cutout dimensions, mounting |
| Lighting | Night-mode compatibility and dimming |
| Signal interface | Sensor or system signal type |
| Environment | Temperature, humidity, vibration exposure |
Typical bridge installation areas
Digital indicators for bridge instruments are commonly installed on:
- Main navigation consoles
- Steering control panels
- Thruster and maneuvering stations
- Wing bridge consoles
- Secondary or redundant bridge displays
They are frequently specified in newbuild bridge designs, modernization projects, and instrument retrofits.
Specify digital indicators for your bridge instrumentation
Whether you’re designing a new bridge console or upgrading existing equipment, we can help you select digital indicators optimized for bridge use—with the right display, integration, and readability characteristics.