At North American Survival Systems, we understand that when you’re buying a search and rescue signal device or drone strobe light, you’re trusting it with your safety. Below are answers to the most common questions we receive from customers.
If you don’t see your question here, feel free to contact us directly at jimomearaone@gmail.com — we’re happy to help.
No, the #EF-30A-3 does not float, but it is waterproof up to 50 feet. For water-based activities, we recommend tethering it to your life jacket or gear with the included wrist lanyard. It can also be stowed in a secure pocket. Many users wear it upside down to avoid the intense beam in their line of sight, and it’s still brighter than anything else on the market.
No. The #EF-30A-3 has a single on/off push button located at the base. We’ve intentionally avoided multiple modes because simplicity matters in an emergency. Multiple settings can create confusion and unnecessary battery drain, which is the last thing you need when signaling for rescue.
Yes. The unit uses two CR-123 lithium batteries, which are widely available. These have a 10-year shelf life, and we recommend replacing them every 5 years if unused. In operation, the Flares run full intensity 8 hours and continue up to 12 hours at lower power.
Absolutely. There are no flames, fire, smoke, or sparks involved. The EF-30A-3 is completely electronic and safe for use by people of all ages in virtually any environment.
Yes. While designed for emergencies, the EF-30A-3 is useful in a variety of situations, including:
Its compact size and ultra-bright output make it versatile beyond emergency use.
A strobe increases both drone operator awareness and airspace safety. It allows you to maintain visual contact with your drone over greater distances and helps other people, including other drone pilots and manned aircraft, detect and avoid your UAV. This is especially important during low-light, dawn, dusk, or night operations.
The strobes operate on 4.5 to 24.0 VDC. Many users connect them to a 9V lithium battery with an external on/off switch in a small case. This keeps the strobe independent from the drone’s onboard power, which helps preserve flight time and offers redundancy in the event of main power failure.
Drone strobes can run indefinitely depending on the power source, making them highly flexible for extended operations.
Yes. Customers, including law enforcement and commercial drone operators, have received FAA night flight waivers and authorizations using both the DS-30A-1 and #EF-30A-3. These products meet or exceed FAA visibility requirements for Part 107 operations, with verified visibility at over 3 statute miles.
Yes. Although originally designed as a personal emergency flare, the #EF-30A-3 is self-powered and lightweight (4.5 oz), making it suitable as a drone-mounted strobe. Attach it securely to a gear leg or undercarriage and activate it before flight. Its intense brightness and wide-angle visibility make it useful for SAR UAV deployments.
Power draw depends on the input voltage. Average current ranges from 0.03 to 0.07 amps, making the strobe very efficient. A standard 9V lithium battery can provide multiple flights’ worth of operation. Since the strobes rely on an external power source, total runtime varies — and can be extended or effectively continuous depending on the battery or power system used.
Drone strobes are also water-resistant, making them suitable for use in various environmental conditions.
Yes. While the #EF-30A-3 is USCG certified for U.S. waters, its visibility range and performance exceed many international maritime safety standards. Our drone strobes are also used in military and commercial operations globally.
Yes, we offer a one-year limited warranty on all our products. If your unit fails under normal use, we’ll repair or replace it. Just contact us with your order info and issue details.
If you didn’t find the answer you’re looking for, we’re happy to help.
