The advanced system is available with most Sealite products and works via the same international standard, fully digital GSM network used by millions of mobile phone users worldwide. The system requires no base station to be present.

Maintenance officers simply store the designated beacon phone number in their own mobile phone. Upon sending an SMS message to the installed lantern, the user receives an automatic SMS message reply detailing that lantern's operational status, including battery condition, flash character and GPS position.

The light can also be programmed to send alarm messages to the maintenance officer if a problem such as a low battery has been detected or if the navaid has moved off station.

The GSM system is also available with Sealite's new SLC310 solar marine lantern, which has a range of 3nm. The robust, self contained LED lantern fits directly onto existing 200mm OD structures and can be supplied with the optional benefits of monitoring.

Sealite design engineer David Sutton said, 'We expect the GSM system to find a great niche in the marketplace with customers who want to monitor strategic AtoNs without committing to the expense of a complex base station.'

Sealite's products clearly impressed the Victorian Government, which established the Manufacturing Hall of Fame to recognise and reward local companies which have delivered innovative solutions for global manufacturing issues.

MJ Information No: 22011