Safer and Smarter Setup with Sabik Bluetooth Control on Aore Island, Vanuatu
When technicians needed to install a high-precision sector lantern on a narrow steel tower in the tropical climate of Vanuatu, Sabik’s Bluetooth Control system delivered a safer, more efficient way to configure and commission the light—without ever leaving the ground.
Background & Challenge
The project involved installing a Sabik ODSL 200 LED sector lantern on an existing 23-meter-high steel navigation tower located on Aore Island, Vanuatu. The tower’s top platform measured just 1 square meter, making it extremely difficult—and potentially hazardous—for technicians to perform system checks or configurations on-site.
Key challenges included:
- Very limited working space at height
- High heat and humidity, complicating physical work
- Need for minimal personnel and tools on the platform for safety reasons
- Routine maintenance checks required every six months, often necessitating full tower climbs
Solution for Safer Commissioning – ODSL 200 with Sabik Bluetooth Control
Sabik’s updated ODSL 200 LED sector lantern includes Bluetooth Control as a standard feature, enabling technicians to perform system tests, diagnostics, and programming from a smartphone or tablet on the ground.
Using the Sabik Bluetooth Control app, the commissioning team was able to:
- Confirm light functionality
- Check charging system and battery status
- Configure lantern settings—all without accessing the upper platform
Installation took less than five hours, despite challenging conditions, and setup via Bluetooth significantly reduced risk and time on site.
Outcome: Efficient Setup and Maintenance with Zero-Climb Safety
Thanks to Bluetooth Control, future maintenance visits—including diagnostics on battery health and solar charging—can now be completed from the safety of the ground, eliminating the need to climb the 23-meter tower.
The Department of Ports and Harbour, responsible for maintaining the lantern, now benefits from:
- Reduced safety risks for maintenance crews
- Streamlined site visits with no special climbing equipment
- Cost-free system access using standard Bluetooth-enabled devices
Sabik Bluetooth Control represents a real-world leap in operational efficiency and technician safety, delivering value from day one of installation through the entire life of the lantern.
