An OLAS system works by keeping a constant wireless link between a hub and the tags your crew wear. On most boats, one hub covers up to 50 ft. But boats aren't open fields: hulls, decks, bulkheads and engines all get in the way of a wireless signal. That's where the OLAS Extender comes in.
What the Extender does
The Extender is a compact repeater that carries the OLAS signal further around the boat. It extends the range of an OLAS Guardian, OLAS N2K or OLAS Core by about 10 m, for up to 80 ft of coverage depending on the hull. Up to 25 tags stay connected within the extended coverage, and two Extenders can work together on larger boats.
Once it's set up, it works in the background. If a tag drops out, the alarm is still raised through your main OLAS system straight away.
Do I need one?
Consider an Extender if any of these apply:
- Longer boats: where one hub doesn't reach every corner, from the bow to the stern.
- Steel or carbon hulls: metal and carbon block wireless signals. On steel or carbon boats the hub itself should be mounted externally, and an Extender carries the signal past the structure.
- Decks and cabins: flybridges, foredecks, aft cockpits and below-deck spaces where the signal can drop.
- Dead spots found in testing: when you fit OLAS, walk the whole boat with each tag. If a tag disconnects anywhere people work, that's a sign you need one.
Setting it up
- Update your hub. The Extender needs your Guardian, N2K or Core on the latest firmware.
- Charge it. It charges by USB in about 3 hours and runs for up to 80 hours, or you can leave it on a 5 V USB supply.
- Place it where the signal is weakest. A bulkhead, console or cabin all work.
- Add it in the free OLAS app. After that, no configuration is needed.
- Test again. Walk the boat with each tag and check they stay connected everywhere. See our guide to testing your OLAS system.
What the Extender isn't for
The Extender adds coverage to an OLAS hub. It isn't used with the OLAS app on its own, so you'll need a Guardian, N2K or Core. It also doesn't change how the system responds: tags still raise the alarm, and stop the engine with Guardian or N2K, exactly as they're set up to.
Specifications at a glance
- Range: extends Core, Guardian or N2K by about 10 m; up to 80 ft in total, depending on the hull
- Transmitters: up to 25 within the extended coverage
- Extenders per system: up to 2
- Power: 5 V USB, rechargeable, about 3 hours to charge, up to 80 hours connected
- Size and weight: 92 × 90 × 38 mm, 115 g
See the OLAS Extender, or browse the overboard alarms and engine kill switches.
OLAS is an aid to, not a replacement for, standard MOB procedures and safety equipment such as lifejackets.