First automated light, 1975

South Solitary Island lighthouse was automated in August, 1975. The lighthouse, which had been manually operated since 1880, was vacated a few months later on 29th December when the lightkeepers and their families left the island. This is an example of the new electric apparatus - a lightweight PVC lantern with a self-contained beacon inside the lantern and a standby on top, one 12v lamp as the light source, powered by a battery. Since 1983, the light has been solar-powered.

First automated lighthouse light. An electric apparatus consisting of a lightweight PVC lantern with a self-contained beacon inside the lantern and a standby on top, one 12v lamp as the light source, powered by a battery.