BK Launches Location Offering for Remote Responders

Why It Matters

LocateONE LITE gives off‑grid responders instant situational awareness, accelerating adoption of BK radios in public‑safety communications.

Key Takeaways

• LocateONE LITE works without cellular or IP network
• Uses BK radio GPS embedded in voice packets
• Integrates directly with Android ATAK mapping app
• Forms mesh network; no central server required
• Priced at $200, targeting wildland‑fire response teams

Pulse Analysis

First responders operating in remote terrain have long struggled with a lack of reliable location data, as traditional LTE or land‑mobile‑radio (LMR) networks often disappear beyond the edge of coverage. Without real‑time situational awareness, coordination among dispersed teams becomes cumbersome, increasing safety risks and response times. LocateONE LITE addresses this gap by leveraging the inherent GPS capability of BK radios, turning each handheld device into a node that can broadcast its position directly to teammates’ Android ATAK applications.

The technical elegance of LocateONE LITE lies in its use of push‑to‑talk voice packets as a carrier for GPS coordinates, eliminating the need for separate data links or a central server. When a user keys the radio, the embedded location data is parsed and instantly fed into the ATAK map, creating a dynamic, peer‑to‑peer mesh. This matrix‑style network functions as a one‑to‑many communication fabric, allowing dismounted crews to see each other's positions even in the most isolated firelines or disaster zones. The solution’s reliance on existing hardware reduces deployment costs and simplifies training for agencies already familiar with BK radios.

From a market perspective, the $200 price point positions LocateONE LITE as an accessible upgrade for fire departments, law‑enforcement units, and emergency management agencies seeking to modernize their field operations without extensive infrastructure investment. By marrying proprietary BKRplay tethering with the open‑source ATAK platform, BK Technologies not only expands its radio ecosystem but also nudges the broader public‑safety sector toward mesh‑based, resilient communications. As agencies prioritize interoperability and off‑grid capabilities, solutions like LocateONE LITE are likely to become standard components of next‑generation emergency response toolkits.