Reliable race management depends on staying connected to your Bots. For most MarkSetBot customers, cellular provides a dependable, responsive connection. But some venues require an off-grid option, while professional circuits and major events demand multiple layers of redundancy.
That’s why we developed HorizonLink™, a new long-range communication system that gives MarkSetBot customers another way to stay connected to their Bots without relying on cellular or Starlink coverage.
HorizonLink isn’t designed to replace cellular. It’s designed to add another layer of redundancy to the MarkSetBot platform, giving race organizers even more flexibility in how they stay connected to their Bots.
Six Layers of Communication Redundancy
With the addition of HorizonLink, MarkSetBot now offers six layers of communication redundancy: cellular, Starlink integration, HorizonLink, SMS-based control, our Bluetooth Offgrid Remote, and physical Stop and Anchor buttons.
And when HorizonLink is installed, that added redundancy works seamlessly in the background.
During normal operation, MarkSetBot uses its cellular or Starlink connection. If that connection isn’t available, the system automatically fails over to HorizonLink. The Bot Master doesn’t need to do anything. Commands continue to be sent through the familiar MarkSetBot interface, with an on-screen notification indicating that HorizonLink is being used.
For the race committee, the experience remains the same. Behind the scenes, MarkSetBot simply finds another way to get the command to the Bot.
Built for the Demands of Race Management
HorizonLink is built on a proven, established communications platform and was designed specifically around the way race committees use MarkSetBot.
Long-Range Communication
HorizonLink provides 5+ nautical miles of range, giving race committees more than enough coverage for even very large buoy racing courses.
Range can extend even farther depending on antenna height and system configuration, giving organizers additional flexibility for unusual venues or race formats.
Self-Powered and Always Ready
Every HorizonLink unit includes its own battery and integrated solar charging. There’s nothing to plug in or routinely charge.
Units can remain installed on the Bots throughout the season, where they stay charged and ready whenever they’re needed. HorizonLink hardware can be mounted on existing MarkSetBot masts or on a dedicated HorizonLink mast.
Multiple Bot Masters, One System
Race management doesn’t always happen from a single boat.
HorizonLink supports multiple Bot Masters simultaneously, giving larger events and professional race management teams the flexibility to control Bots from multiple locations. Each Bot Master simply needs a HorizonLink unit nearby.
Whether you’re running a single race course or coordinating a more complex operation, the system can adapt to the way your team works.
The Full MarkSetBot Experience
While HorizonLink adds an entirely new communications option, it doesn’t change the way race officers use MarkSetBot.
MarkSetBot’s existing Bluetooth Offgrid Remote provides non-cellular control through a dedicated Offgrid mode within the Commander app. HorizonLink goes further, allowing Bot Masters to remain in the full Commander interface—with access to the mapping and race management tools they normally use.
There’s no need to switch screens or change control modes. If the primary connection isn’t available, HorizonLink works seamlessly in the background while the Bot Master continues managing the course as usual.
The result is additional redundancy without sacrificing functionality or adding complexity.
Built for the Places—and Events—That Need More
HorizonLink expands the flexibility of the MarkSetBot platform, giving race organizers another communication option for venues and events where additional redundancy matters.
For clubs and sailing organizations operating in remote areas with limited cellular coverage, HorizonLink provides long-range communication without depending on cellular or satellite connectivity.
For professional circuits and major events, it provides something equally valuable: another layer of redundancy when contingency planning is essential.
And because HorizonLink works seamlessly alongside cellular, customers can add another layer of resilience without changing the way they manage their Bots.
Available Now
HorizonLink is now available for Android users of the MarkSetBot Commander app.
With six layers of communication redundancy, MarkSetBot gives race committees more ways to stay connected—and more confidence that their race course will respond when they need it.
Interested in adding HorizonLink to your MarkSetBot system? Contact our team to learn more.
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