Background
In 2024, the regional security authority of northern Italy initiated an upgrade project for several mountain-top lookout stations. These elevated observation points play a critical role in forest fire prevention, environmental monitoring, and wide-area security. Due to the steep terrain and windy, humid climate, the customer required an ultra-stable, all-weather surveillance system capable of supporting large optical payloads and operating continuously across all seasons.
After a technical evaluation, the authority selected the ZIWIN heavy duty pan tilt unit with a 50–200 kg payload capacity, combined with a long-range zoom camera and laser illumination module.
Project Challenges
1. Harsh High-Altitude Installation Environment
- Strong crosswinds and rapid weather changes
- Narrow platform and restricted installation space
- High humidity and temperature fluctuations
- Need to support heavy multi-sensor equipment (visible + thermal + laser)
2. Long-Distance Observation Requirements
Observation range needed to cover 3–6 km, especially for detecting early-stage fire signals and monitoring valleys and access routes.
3. High Stability, High Torque, and Precision Control
The project required a professional heavy duty pan tilt unit that ensures:
- High torque rotation under wind load
- Accurate preset return (±0.1°)
- Zero jitter at full optical zoom
- Continuous 24/7 operation

Solution
ZIWIN Heavy Duty Pan Tilt Unit (50–200 kg Payload)
The project deployed the ZIWIN high-torque heavy duty pan tilt unit, engineered for extreme outdoor environments.
Key technical highlights include:
- Payload Capacity: 120 kg
- Precision Control: ±0.1° preset accuracy
- High Torque Drive for smooth movement under strong wind conditions
- IP66 All-Weather Protection with anti-fog and anti-corrosion structure
- Multi-Protocol Support: RS485, RS422, IP, CAN
- Optional: slip ring, heater, custom mounting brackets
On-Site Installation
At the Italian mountain-top site, two European technicians installed the steel tower and mounted the heavy duty pan tilt unit at the highest point of the platform. The elevated location provides full visual coverage of the adjacent forest, nearby towns, and strategic monitoring of valleys, trails, and access routes.
Results
1. Ultra-Stable Long-Range Observation
The system now performs:
- Clear daytime imaging
- Nighttime coverage with laser illumination
- Smooth scanning without vibration even in strong winds
2. Accurate Early-Warning Capability
The lookout station can rapidly identify:
- Early forest fire smoke
- Unauthorized movements
- Emergency situations in remote mountain areas
3. Proven 24/7 Reliability
The ZIWIN heavy duty pan tilt unit has demonstrated:
- Excellent anti-wind performance
- Stable operation during continuous scanning
- High reliability in rain, fog, and temperature drops
Customer Feedback
“The ZIWIN pan tilt unit is extremely solid. Even under strong wind at the mountain peak, the system remains stable and precise. Its 120 kg payload capacity gives us the flexibility to integrate multiple sensors for comprehensive monitoring.”
Conclusion
This Italian mountain-top lookout surveillance project highlights the superior performance of ZIWIN’s professional pan tilt head series. With 120 kg payload capacity, high torque output, and excellent weather resistance, the ZIWIN heavy duty pan tilt unit is ideal for:
- Forest fire early-warning
- National park and mountain lookout surveillance
- Borderline & coastal long-range monitoring
- Industrial safety and perimeter protection
- Multi-sensor long-range reconnaissance systems
If you would like to learn more about the ZIWIN heavy duty pan tilt unit (50–200 kg payload) used in this project, please visit the product page:
Product Link: https://www.ziwincctv.com/products/heavy-duty-pan-tilt-head-unit/
For technical consultation, customization requests, or project cooperation, feel free to contact us at:
Email: sales@ziwincctv.com
Website: www.ziwincctv.com