Why adding Satcom is crucial to enhancing your solar aviation assets?

By:Avlite Systems | September 14, 2021

Monitoring solar assets has a unique set of challenges due to their stand-alone nature. Unlike fixed assets, a wireless asset requires telemetry included for control and monitoring of your asset. This has traditionally been a good way to connect with your technology however isn’t without its drawbacks.

Previously, monitoring and control via telemetry was based on the GSM mobile coverage in your region. This worked well in certain situations, but infrastructure varies worldwide, so it is not always possible to use, being inconsistent in service.

There is also the expense of setting up each individual asset and registering the mobile number, activating it, and inserting the SIM; a timely process.

The recent mass-market adoption of Satellite communication (Satcom) has changed how assets are monitored and controlled.

Why choose Satcom?

Satcom offers a range of infrastructure and asset intelligence benefits. Avlite is proud to partner with and is powered by Iridium®, the Low Earth Orbit Global Satellite service company. It offers assured coverage with pole-to-pole coverage.

The benefits of Satcom over other wireless technologies include:

Assured global coverage
A competitive price entry point
Backwards compatible, meaning minimal asset refresh
Low technology refresh rate
Bidirectional communication with asset
Short connection time overhead
High integrity data reliability

How do I monitor Satcom assets?

Aviation assets all require monitoring and management. Avlite offers our Star2M portal to simplifyyour monitoring, control and compulsory reporting capabilities.

Star2M has many benefits, including:

Automated Compliance: Star2M automatically reports on your aviation assets every 24 hours.
Real-time Alerts & Alarms: an alert profile allows users to send custom notifications via email and/or SMS to selected users when an asset triggers specific alarms.
Two-Way Communication: with Star2M, you can modify key configurations from the portal or mobile app. It sends out control messages to connected and enabled assets.
Asset Maintenance: the maintenance reports show information and history such as overall condition, incurred damage, and follow-up needed.

Our fully connected Obstruction range

Soon to come is our updated AV-OL-75 range, which will complete our connected obstruction telemetry Satcom range.

The AV-OL-75 is our most efficient obstruction light, compliant with ICAO Type A. Ideal for application where wired power services are unavailable or too costly to implement for the obstruction asset.

AV-OL-75 can also be used as a barricade in challenging solar locations where enhanced monitoring is require.

The new AV-OL-75 features three battery options, giving you choice in autonomy depending on your applications and light features.

This extra functionality for our robust and compact obstruction and barricade light is key to offering our customers a full Satcom experience.

AV-OL-75 – completing Satcom for our Obstruction lighting

Stay tuned for the imminent launch of the AV-OL-75, which has more features and options. It is easier to order than ever.

Got Any Questions?

What Our Clients Say

The simplicity of the self-contained light and the option to use a PALC leaves no doubt why they chose Avlite helipad lighting.

-Jorge de Dios

It is a great benefit to our community to have this [Avlite’s helipad lighting system] installed and commissioned at CareFlight’s Toowoomba base. Avlite’s particular type of lighting lends itself to a lot of applications given that it’s easy to install, doesn’t require electricity as its solar powered and can be remotely controlled. It’s a fabulous technology, obviously a world leading technology and from my point of view, it’s great to see an Australian Manufacturing success story.

-Cr Mike Williams

For an aerodrome operator to provide equivalent night-use runway standards for the RFDS and other fixed-base users at around one-third of the cost of a traditional mains-powered runway and taxiway lighting system, there has to be greater recognised merit for this (solar-powered) alternative especially in a location like ours where it is sunny most days of the year.

-Jenny Kox

Our industry appreciates the on-going support of this Australian owned and operated company whose solar powered airfield and helipad lighting systems assist in the improvement of safety for both fixed and rotary wing aeromedical flight crews and passengers around the country.

-Graeme Field

As the busiest Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) based in the State [of Queensland], the benefits [of Avlite’s helipad lighting] are many. Not only does it [the system] enhance the safety of our operations, it also helps us to continue to improve our level of service delivery to the community and to our customers.

-Ashley van de Velde

These lights [AV-70s] have been a great asset to many outback communities that previously we were not able to access 24/7.

-Alan Benn

Just to let you know the new airport floodlight has now been installed for several weeks and the medical staff and Power and Water staff [who look after the airport] agree it has made things much easier and safer for night-time medivacs. Your assistance with enabling us to have this basic but important infrastructure is much appreciated.

-Stephanie Fielder

Since starting our distributorship with Avlite, we have gone from strength to strength with the great range of solar products and of course the fantastic support of the Avlite staff. It’s been a good year for us. May it continue.

-Eddie Lacina

Re: Avlite AV70 taxiway lights, are working really well. Thank you for your assistance in getting our ramp up and running.

-Capt. US Air Force

[In reference to more than 2,000 AV70 taxiway lights installed] Those Taxiway lights work great, we are not having any problems with those AV70’s. Thanks a lot.

-USAF

The lights are installed and are operating beautifully.

-Strathcona Airport

[In reference to Avlite radio controlled obstruction lighting] They are really neat to watch come on, they come on instantly and are a great addition to our pilot training school. The lights are currently set on medium intensity as high intensity is very bright.

-Airport Staff

We did install all of the lights. We even used a few red lights as obstruction markers on top of 68 meter power line towers. I finally found a high quality camera and took some photos. I will send them to you as soon as I can download them. We submitted some additional light orders to our contracting office, so you can expect to receive a bit solicitation from them soon. The lights are working great and we appreciate the support.

-US ARMY

[In reference to a visit to the Avlite production facilities] On arrival at Avlite I was greeted by the Sales Manager, and was treated like a VIP. I was given a tour of the production line and had a close look, and an in-depth explanation of all the components of the Avlite system. The staff were fantastic and very helpful. It was truly fascinating and I now have a good story to tell Wanarn community members on my return. I was also shown the vast range of solar system lights and other products that they make.
I have recommended Avlite solar lighting systems to many local communities and Avlite will be my first stop shop if the community needs anything regarding solar power in the future. Well done, and thank you Avlite.

-Patricia Granger

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Why adding Satcom is crucial to enhancing your solar aviation assets?