Category
Digital Process Indicators
Panel indicators for process signals, strain gauges and flow totalising from Pixsys and Shinko.
A digital process indicator displays a process value, a load-cell weight or a flow total on the control panel, so operators can read it locally without a PLC screen. The range covers the Pixsys STR551 OLED indicator and its bargraph/totalizer variant, the Pixsys STR561 strain-gauge indicator, and the Shinko JIR-301-M multi-input indicator with alarm outputs.
4 Products · Digital Process Indicator
Selection guide
Digital Process Indicators Guide
What a digital process indicator does
Most process signals, whether a temperature sensor, a 4 to 20 mA transmitter or a load cell, need somewhere local to be read. A digital process indicator takes that signal, scales it and shows it on a panel-mount display, usually with one or two relay outputs for a local alarm and sometimes a retransmitted analogue signal for a PLC or recorder.
How to choose a process indicator
- Signal type: for temperature sensors and mA/V process signals, use the Pixsys STR551. For load cells or melt-pressure transducers on mV/V, use the Pixsys STR561 strain-gauge indicator. For a general multi-input display, the Shinko JIR-301-M accepts several signal types on one unit.
- Display and interface: the STR551 has a bright OLED display with a multilingual menu and shows trends and bar graphs with alarm thresholds, useful where an operator needs more than a bare number.
- Totalising: where you need a running flow or batch total rather than an instantaneous value, use the STR551 bargraph indicator/flow totalizer variant.
- Alarms and outputs: the STR551 has 2 relay outputs and 1 mA/V retransmission output; the JIR-301-M has a 3-point alarm output and a transmission output. Pick alarm points to match your process, not just the display range.
- Protection: the JIR-301-M is rated IP66; the STR551's front panel is IP65. Choose accordingly for washdown or dusty areas.
For an overview of what these displays can do and when you need one instead of a controller, see process monitoring and panel meters.
FAQ
Common questions
What is a digital process indicator used for?
It displays a process value, such as temperature, pressure, flow or weight, on a local panel so an operator can read it without walking to the control room or opening a PLC screen. Most also add a relay output for a local alarm and some retransmit the value as an analogue signal for a PLC or a recorder.
Which indicator should I use for a load cell?
The Pixsys STR561, which has a strain-gauge input rated for load cells and melt-pressure transducers on a mV/V signal, plus an isolated sensor supply. It is not suited to standard 4 to 20 mA or thermocouple signals; use the STR551 for those instead.
Can a digital process indicator total a flow signal?
Yes. The STR551 bargraph indicator/flow totalizer variant accepts a process signal and accumulates it into a running total, with retransmission via an analogue output. Use the standard STR551 instead if you only need the instantaneous flow value shown, not a total.
Does the Shinko JIR-301-M support alarms?
Yes. It has a 3-point alarm output alongside a standard transmission output, so it can flag three separate thresholds, such as low, high and high-high, from one multi-input indicator. It is rated IP66, which suits washdown areas around food and beverage lines.
What is the difference between a process indicator and a controller?
A process indicator only displays the value and, at most, switches an alarm relay at a fixed threshold. A controller compares the value with a set point and actively drives an output, such as a heater or valve, to bring the process to that set point. If you need active control, see our PID and profile controllers instead.
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