ABSTRACT
The first PV-powered navigational aid system in the world which communicate through the commercial Orbcomm -satellite has been presented and installed. A new technology, energy efficient buoy lantern has been developed. The buoy lantern has been developed for use as a light signal on floating devices in harsh marine environment. The light source and the optical system of the unit is designed for up to 10 years of unattended operation - which is a great improvement compared to incandescent lamps. Special attention has been drawn to reliability, cost efficiency and energy consumption as well as performance in extreme temperature areas. In remote areas where there is no cellular phone network coverage, the flasher communicator can be supplied with an Orbcomm modem. Utilizing the new Orbcomm message service, flasher reports are sent via a satellite communication link which converts the messages into standard email messages that can be received anywhere in the world. The complete performance data of a small navigational system has been monitored since February 95 and the aim is to get long time performance data.
