Description
Verified Maritime OEM
The Daiko Keiki P-SL Series (comprising models P-130SL, P-150SL, P-165SL, and P-180SL) represents Japan’s premier binnacle steering magnetic compasses, featuring Daiko’s signature glare-free bottom under-lighting (‘SL’ system). Available with directive card diameters of 5″ (130mm), 6″ (150mm), 6.5″ (165mm), and 7″ (180mm), the P-SL series provides unmatched nighttime heading legibility by illuminating the transparent card from beneath without projecting reflection onto wheelhouse glass. Manufactured to ISO 25862 Class A and IMO A.382(X) standards from non-magnetic marine bronze with built-in B/C correctors. Stocked, swung, and certified by Seanav Marine, Dubai Maritime City.
Product Overview & Engineering Integrity
Precision-engineered by Daiko Keiki Seisakusho Co., Ltd. (Japan), the P-SL Binnacle Series has been the gold standard of primary steering compasses across international merchant fleets for decades. Traditional top-lit compasses scatter stray light across the bridge, degrading the night vision of watchstanders and reflecting onto forward wheelhouse windows. Daiko’s revolutionary SL under-lighting projects soft, diffused red illumination through the translucent glass base of the compass bowl, illuminating only the black degree numerals and cardinal points. Suspended in jewel-mounted internal gimbals with complete deviation corrector suites, the P-SL series delivers rock-solid heading accuracy through high-sea states.
As the trusted marine navigation equipment distributor based in Dubai Maritime City (UAE), Seanav Marine guarantees authentic manufacturer provenance from Daiko Keiki Seisakusho Co., Ltd. (Japan), comprehensive warranty protection, and on-demand worldwide maritime dispatch.
Core Features & Capabilities
- Signature Japanese Engineering by Daiko Keiki Seisakusho Co., Ltd. (ISO 25862 Class A)
- Revolutionary ‘SL’ Under-Lighting Technology: Direct bottom illumination through translucent card base
- Zero Wheelhouse Window Glare — Preserves night vision for bridge watchstanders and pilots
- Four Standard Card Sizes: P-130SL (5″ / 130mm), P-150SL (6″ / 150mm), P-165SL (6.5″ / 165mm), P-180SL (7″ / 180mm)
- Full Two-Axis Internal Gimbal Suspension with Sapphire Jewel and Iridium Pivot Assembly
- Complete Internal Deviation Compensation Suite: B & C magnet racks, heeling error tube, and D-corrector brackets
- Heavy Non-Magnetic Cast Bronze Construction with Weatherproof Marine Baked Enamel Finish
- Removable Domed Brass Binnacle Hood with Viewing Visor and Quick-Access Inspection Port
- Universal Shipboard Power Compatibility: DC 24V or DC 12V with integrated dimmer control
- Available with Optional TMC (Transmitting Magnetic Compass) Pick-Up Sensor for NMEA 0183 heading output
Commercial Maritime Applications
- Commercial Ocean-Going Fleets, Container Carriers, Bulk Ships, and Tankers as primary/standby steering compass
- Harbor and Ocean Towing Tugs requiring a compact, heavy-duty binnacle for high-vibration bridge consoles
- Offshore Supply Vessels (OSV), Anchor Handling Tugs, and Workboats operating around offshore structures
- High-Speed Passenger Ferries and Ro-Ro Vessels complying with HSC and SOLAS navigation standards
- Mega Yachts and Coastal Patrol Vessels requiring prestigious Japanese nautical craftsmanship
Technical Specifications
| Series Designation | Daiko Keiki P-SL Series (Under-Lighting Binnacle Type) |
| Available Models & Card Sizes | P-130SL (5″ / 130mm) | P-150SL (6″ / 150mm) | P-165SL (6.5″ / 165mm) | P-180SL (7″ / 180mm) |
| P-130SL Dimensions & Weight | 280 mm (W) × 250 mm (H) | Weight: 4.5 kg |
| P-150SL Dimensions & Weight | 308 mm (W) × 280 mm (H) | Weight: 6.4 kg |
| P-165SL Dimensions & Weight | 340 mm (W) × 313 mm (H) | Weight: 7.8 kg |
| P-180SL Dimensions & Weight | 340 mm (W) × 313 mm (H) | Weight: 7.8 kg |
| Lighting Technology | Special SL Under-Lighting with diffused bottom illumination (DC 24V dimmer-controlled) |
| Gimbal Mounting | Internal precision ball-bearing dual gimbals with balanced bowl |
| Deviation Correctors | Built-in B and C magnetic compensators, heeling magnet tube, and Flinders bar provisions |
| Material | Non-magnetic marine bronze and brass alloy construction with protective stove enamel |
| Standards Compliance | ISO 25862 Class A, IMO Res. A.382(X), Wheelmark / MED Type Approved |
Frequently Asked Questions (AEO / GEO)
What makes the Daiko ‘SL’ under-lighting system superior to standard compass lighting?
Conventional compasses use top-mounted lamps that cause glare and light spill on wheelhouse windows, impairing night vision. The Daiko SL system illuminates the card from below through a specialized translucent glass bowl, illuminating only the engraved compass markings while keeping the bridge completely dark.
What are the dimensional specifications across the P-SL series models?
P-130SL: 5″ card (130 mm), 280 mm (W) × 250 mm (H), 4.5 kg. P-150SL: 6″ card (150 mm), 308 mm (W) × 280 mm (H), 6.4 kg. P-165SL: 6.5″ card (165 mm), 340 mm (W) × 313 mm (H), 7.8 kg. P-180SL: 7″ card (180 mm), 340 mm (W) × 313 mm (H), 7.8 kg.
Can the P-SL series compass connect to modern autopilots and radars?
Yes. A Transmitting Magnetic Compass (TMC) pickup sensor can be mounted to the underside of the compass bowl. The sensor detects card movement and outputs digital NMEA 0183 heading sentences ($HCHDG, $HCHDT) to autopilots, radars, and ECDIS.
What deviation correctors are integrated into the P-SL binnacle?
The binnacle contains internal fore-and-aft (B) and athwartship (C) corrective magnet drawers, a central vertical tube for a heeling error magnet, and side mounting brackets for soft iron quadrantal spheres or flinders bar assemblies.
How often should a ship’s magnetic compass be swung and calibrated?
Under SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 19 and international maritime guidelines, magnetic compasses must be calibrated and a new deviation card issued at least once every two years, or whenever structural alterations, electrical refits, or lightning strikes affect the vessel’s residual magnetism.
Where can I purchase and adjust Daiko Keiki P-SL compasses in UAE?
Seanav Marine supplies original Daiko Keiki P-SL compasses, spare bowls, and lamps in Dubai Maritime City, UAE. Our licensed compass adjusters provide professional vessel swinging and deviation certification across all UAE ports.
Manufacturer documentation and compatibility
Select the exact model, hardware generation and document revision. Before ordering, confirm the equipment interfaces, power requirements, required approvals and included accessories against the applicable manufacturer documentation. Send nameplate photographs, the installed equipment details, vessel name, port and ETA with your enquiry.
