Renowned expedition leader Oskar Strøm, celebrated for his work documenting polar bears in their natural Arctic habitat, embarked on a daring mission in Svalbard. Strøm and his film crew lived in compact sleeping pods under extreme conditions to capture rare footage of these majestic creatures. Yet, their proximity to wildlife posed significant safety challenges. Strøm needed a robust solution to safeguard his team and equipment from polar bears while addressing fire and carbon monoxide risks in the harsh Arctic environment.
Wildlife and Environmental Hazards
The Arctic’s beauty belies its dangers. Hungry polar bears, drawn by the scent of food, often venture into human camps. For Strøm’s team, the risk of bear encounters threatened not only their safety but also their valuable filming equipment. Additionally, the lack of infrastructure necessitated the use of generators, heightening fire risks. Compact sleeping pods, essential for survival, introduced concerns about carbon monoxide poisoning, as CO levels could accumulate to lethal concentrations in such confined spaces.
Designlarm, a security solutions provider, was tasked with creating a system to address these challenges. Their solution needed to detect polar bear intrusions, alert the crew in real-time, ensure fire safety, and monitor CO levels. Operating in the Arctic’s remote and unforgiving conditions, the system had to be self-sufficient, durable, and easy to install, with minimal reliance on internet connectivity or technical support.
A Wireless Security Ecosystem by Ajax
Designlarm turned to Ajax, a versatile and reliable security system, to meet Strøm’s requirements. The Ajax ecosystem offered a range of wireless products capable of addressing all safety concerns without the need for cables or constant internet access—a vital feature in Svalbard’s isolated environment.
Core Components
At the heart of the system is the Hub 2 Plus Jeweller, which uses Ajax’s proprietary Jeweller radio protocol for reliable two-way communication. This hub operates independently of internet connectivity, relying on occasional satellite links via Starlink for updates. Powered by a low-voltage source, the hub eliminates dependency on a standard power grid.
To protect the camp’s perimeter, Designlarm installed four DualCurtain Outdoor Jeweller detectors. These devices, featuring dual narrow-angle motion sensors, provide a 30-metre detection range and alert the crew to approaching polar bears before they reach the sleeping pods. Advanced algorithms minimise false alarms from snow or small animals, ensuring accurate detection.
For visual verification, MotionCam Outdoor (PhOD) Jeweller detectors act as a second line of defence. Upon detecting motion, these devices capture a series of photos that can be accessed via the Ajax app when internet connectivity is available. This feature enables the team to monitor polar bears’ movements and assess threats in real time.
Indoor and outdoor sirens provide immediate alerts. HomeSiren Jeweller devices, installed inside sleeping pods, wake the crew during perimeter breaches, while StreetSiren Jeweller devices serve as external alarms, producing up to 113 decibels of sound to deter bears.
The Ajax SpaceControl Jeweller key fob offers manual control of the alarm system. With a range of up to 1,300 metres, it allows the team to arm, disarm, or trigger alarms even in remote locations.
To mitigate fire and carbon monoxide risks, FireProtect 2 (Heat/Smoke/CO) Jeweller detectors were installed. These devices monitor CO levels continuously, alerting the crew to dangerous concentrations or potential fires. Their advanced design differentiates between smoke and steam, reducing false alarms and enhancing reliability.
Performance in Extreme Conditions
The Ajax system’s durability was tested in Svalbard’s harsh environment. Despite temperatures plunging to –45°C—beyond the specified operating range of –40°C—the system functioned flawlessly. While extreme cold accelerated battery drainage, the system’s advance low-battery warnings allowed the crew to maintain operations by replacing batteries as needed.
The system’s wireless design proved crucial. Without cables or fixed structures, the devices were easily installed around the camp, covering all critical areas. The intuitive Ajax app enabled a single person to set up and configure the entire system without specialised tools or expertise.