When you look at the simplicity of this product, you wonder why nobody thought of it before. It is a small box worn by each team member that emits a signal in Bluetooth. This signal is continuously picked up by a smartphone equipped with an application. As soon as the signal stops, following a fall overboard, an alarm on the phone warns the crew. For the signal to be cut off, you must either move away from a set distance (70 m maximum), or place the box underwater (the frequency is not transmitted in water). It is therefore ideal as soon as a team member falls into the water.
Minimal installation
The interest of the system lies in the absence of installation. A phone under Androïd or iOS (Apple) and a box per team member are enough. A free âeuros application is installed on the phone. You just have to pair the boxes for the system to be functional. No need for an antenna, a dial or any other complicated installation. A system as well adapted for sailboats as for motorboats. The case is tiny (37 x 37 x 6 mm) and weighs only 35g. So small that you forget you are wearing it!
For coastal navigation
This simplicity makes the Linkytag suitable for all small boats, mainly those sailing near the coast. No complicated installation, but also presence of the telephone network in these areas. Indeed, an automation of the alert is possible via the telephone network (GSM). The application offers a connection to the CROSS, the possibility to program a number (harbor master, sailing clubâ?¦) and also the sending of a pre-programmed SMS.
A social network on standby
In addition to alerting the emergency services, the alert is retransmitted on the social network formed by the users of the application. The nearest people are alerted and can help. Moreover, this application works even if you do not buy the sensors, just if you want to participate in the social network and be informed.
Long-term operation
The box works with a user-replaceable battery. The duration of use is at least 1 year (without interruption). This feat is achievable with the use of Bluetooth Low Energy 4.0. A version that recent phones all capture. Of course, the case is waterproof to immersion.
A really affordable price
Each sensor has been priced at 69 euros (available in June 2015) and the app can pair up to 8 sensors. This product does not really have any competition. The closest product being probably the VHF RT650 AIS MOB from Navicom which comes with 8 wristbands for 499 euros. Of course it also offers all the functions of a VHF, but requires an installation (antenna supply) not always possible on small boats.
A launch for the season
After a presentation of the product during the last Nautic in Paris (December 2014), it was decided to carry out the production of the cases in France (cocorico!). And while it was planned to start production with 10,000 pieces, the public's enthusiasm and the new countries interested (Germany, Austria, Great Britain, Switzerland) mean that the first production run has been increased to 30,000 pieces. The marketing date remains scheduled for June 2015, before the start of the season.
Linkytag - From 69 euros the sensor.
