The solution was to provide protection for personnel and valuable equipment, including generators and film equipment, as well as fire and carbon monoxide alarms. In addition it need to be simple and intuitive to install. Furthermore, the system was required to be maintenance-free and functional without running cables or constant internet connection. And, last but not least, the system importantly had to be able to withstand the demanding environment of Svalbard, where technical support is not always available.

Wireless system

The choice fell on an Ajax-based alarm system due to its wireless functionality, which made it possible to cover the camp area where the sleeping modules are spread out. This allowed flexible placement of devices without the need for complex wiring.

The chosen solution to meet the expedition’s security needs was based on the Ajax Hub 2 Plus Jeweller, a control unit that uses Ajax’s own radio protocols for reliable communication between all devices, even without internet access. The perimeter detectors that were tasked with detecting polar bears before they reached the sleeping modules consisted of the Dualcurtain Outdoor Jeweller, which was combined with the Motioncam Outdoor (PhOD) Jeweller camera-equipped motion detectors that deliver images of potential threats within 9 seconds when connected to the internet. The Homesiren and Streetsiren Jeweller sirens were used to both warn the expedition members and scare away polar bears. Finally, the heat, Fireprotect 2 (Heat/Smoke/CO) Jeweller are fire and carbon monoxide detectors that warn of invisible dangers.

Performance in extreme environments

According to Ajax Systems, the system demonstrated exceptional durability and functionality, even at temperatures as low as -45 °C. Despite faster battery consumption in extreme cold, the system reliably warned users of low battery levels in good time, allowing the expedition team to easily change batteries and maintain operations.