Joysticks, Controllers and Position Sensors for vessels and deck equipment
The maritime industry requires heavy-duty position sensors and HMI products for demanding environments. Components must deliver reliable and consistent performance under continuous use.
Our position sensors and joysticks support efficient operation, reduce maintenance costs and integrate easily into automation and digitalisation strategies.
We offer both standard sensors and joystick controllers, as well as custom solutions tailored to your measurement or HMI requirements.
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ATEX & IECEx certifiedCertified for safe use in hazardous areas worldwide.
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Reliable and experiencedPredictable lead times and dependable delivery
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Tailored solutionsCustom sensors for your application
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Precise & robustAccurate output and long-term reliability
Products
Marine joysticks
The Maritime industry requires heavy duty Joysticks for harsh and hazardous environments (gas, dust and vapour). The parts need to be explosion proof, reliable and intrinsically safe (ATEX).
Multi-operational cobra joysticks
Cobra multi-function controllers can be used to control complex functions with built-in pushbuttons and rocker potentiometers.
ATEX joysticks
Heavy duty joysticks with ATEX/IECEx certified components for zone 1 hazardous environments.
Hand joysticks
Industrial hand operated joysticks are used to control heavy-duty machinery such as cranes, winches, and construction equipment. The compact design ensures reliable performance, smooth operation, and a long service life.
Finger joysticks
Fingertip and thumb controlled joysticks are used for applications such as wheelchairs, robotic operations, medical instruments or where precision is essential.
Mini joysticks
Miniature joysticks and thumbsticks are the smallest joysticks available and are specially designed for mounting in narrow spaces while remaining robust and highly reliable.
Specify your joystick with an expert
We ensure fast response and clear specifications for your project
Joysticks for ship control applications
Specialized vessels require robust and durable joysticks for controlling the vessel and onboard equipment. Our DP joysticks are used in DP systems to manually adjust the position and heading. The joysticks have a robust mechanism that offers great feelability and the redundant electrical output signals provide confidence in critical applications.
Joysticks for special vessels
Marine vessels rely on advanced control systems to maintain position using propellers and thrusters. Whether for manual control of position and heading or integration within dynamic positioning systems, our joysticks are designed to meet marine requirements.
The joysticks can be tailored to specific application needs, ensuring optimal performance for maneuvering systems and deck equipment.
Typical applications include:
- Drill ships
- Cable-laying vessels
- Pipe-laying vessels
- FPSOs
- Research vessels
- Mega yachts
- Offshore supply vessels
- Shuttle tankers
- Dredgers
Joystick applications
Joystick for DP-system (Dynamic Positioning)
The Althen DP joystick, ergonomically designed for intuitive operation, enables ship's captains to manually adjust the vessel’s position and heading with minute precision.
Related products
S50JAK-ZZ-30G Marine Joystick
- Operating angle: ±30° ~ ±35°
- With 320° rotating 3rd dimension knob
- Specifically for dynamic positioning
S50JCK-ZT-90GP Marine Joystick
- Operating angle: ±30°~±35°
- Specifically for hovercraft steering
- Special features available on request
S50JAK-ZU-33G Marine Joystick
- Operating angle: ±30°~±35°
- Compliant with marine regulations
- Built into aluminium encasing
Specify your joystick with an expert
We ensure fast response and clear specifications for your project
Marine position sensors
We offer position sensors for marine applications where reliable displacement and position feedback are required. Our sensors are designed for long-term use in demanding environments and provide stable performance under varying operating conditions.
Their robust construction makes them suitable for vessel systems and deck equipment where durability, accuracy and dependable operation are important.
Position sensor applications
Position measurement of offshore wind turbine blades
Our multiturn Hall effect sensors are applied in wind turbines to provide position feedback of the turbine blades.
Position measurement of hydraulic cilinders
Our robust linear position sensors are provide position feedback of the hydraulic cylinder.
Position measurement in thrusters
Our rotary potentiometers provide angle position feedback of steerable thrusters.
Products
Multi-turn potentiometers
Multi-turn Potentiometers are used to determine position on industrial controls of operating machines and robots and to control motions.
Linear potentiometers
- Measurement range 10 mm to 1.000 mm
- Compact in size and light in weight
- Conductive plastic or wirewound
Single turn potentiometers
Single Turn Rotation Potentiometers are available in many different (shaft) sizes, housings and resistance ranges.
Motor potentiometers
Motor Potentiometers are servo units that consist of a very precise potentiometer combined with a reduction gear mechanism and a coreless DC motor.
Oil-filled potentiometers
Oil-filled potentiometers are often used in R&D, industrial and maritime applications.
Rotary magnetic hall sensors
- Measuring range 360° to 3.600°
- Contactless measurement principle
- High performance & EMS durable
Trusted by offshore specialists
Our custom joystick and sensor solutions are designed for precise control of vessel movements and offshore equipment. They perform reliably in demanding environments and integrate seamlessly into both manual and advanced control systems, including applications in hazardous areas.
At Althen Sensors & Controls, we develop application-specific joystick and sensor solutions tailored to your requirements. We support offshore engineers with robust, reliable control systems that enhance safety and performance in critical operations, with options for ATEX-certified use where required.
Advanced shaft protection for seagoing vessels
We supply propeller shaft earthing systems that protect propellers and shaft bearings against electrical damage. Voltage differences between the rotating shaft and the hull can cause pitting and spark erosion. By creating a reliable electrical connection, the system helps prevent premature wear, reduce maintenance costs and improve long-term vessel reliability.
Specify your joystick or sensor with an expert
We ensure fast response and clear specifications for your project