Jotron AQ-4 Mkii (103660)

Jotron AQ-4 Mkii (103660)

AQ-4 MkII is built around a high-intensity white LED and a two-way switch that allows the user to select flashing or fixed light. Its rugged, compact form factor and deep-water sealing have made it a known option for professional users who need a durable, easily carried marker light for emergency readiness and routine marking.

In defense and government supply chains, the AQ-4 MkII is also referenced as NATO approved and associated with a NATO Stock Number (NSN 6230-25-138-7110) in some listings, reflecting its use as standardized safety/marking equipment in certain procurement catalogs.

Design and Features

Multipurpose marker-light concept

Unlike larger pyrotechnic or dedicated distress lights, the AQ-4 MkII is designed as a personal strobe—small enough to be carried on a person, attached to a lifejacket, clipped to equipment, or used as a portable location marker. Public product descriptions consistently position it as a tool for both distress indication (making a person or object easier to spot) and marking (identifying gear, targets, or hazards).

High-intensity LED with flash and fixed modes

AQ-4 MkII uses a white high-intensity LED as its light engine. The two-way switch is designed so that flash is the default mode, with fixed light available as a second mode (often requiring removal of a sealing element to enable fixed mode on some versions).

This dual-mode behavior supports two common operational needs:

• Flashing mode for long-range visual detection and attention-grabbing signaling

• Fixed mode for close-range marking, identification, and illumination-like visibility

Deep-water sealing and ruggedization

A distinguishing feature in public datasheets is the unit’s waterproof depth rating, which is shown as either 300 meters or 500 meters, depending on the document revision and vendor listing.

In practice, this suggests that AQ-4 MkII exists in different production versions or documentation revisions, and buyers typically verify the exact depth rating and configuration on the supplied datasheet or packaging before procurement for specialized diving or offshore requirements.

Simple, field-serviceable power concept

The AQ-4 MkII is powered by a single 1.5 V alkaline C-cell, a widely available battery type, emphasizing field replaceability and logistics simplicity.

Technology and Specifications

Specifications vary slightly across datasheets and reseller catalogs. The following reflects commonly published values for AQ-4 MkII.

Core optical performance

• Flash rate: approximately 50 flashes per minute

• Luminous intensity (typical): commonly listed around 6–7 candela in public retailer specs

• Nominal visibility range (vendor-listed): examples include ~1.3 nautical miles in some catalogs (range depends heavily on weather, sea state, background lighting, and observer optics).

Operating modes and endurance

• Modes: Flash or Fixed via two-way switch

• Typical continuous operation: about 8 hours (flash) or 7 hours (fixed) (vendor-listed)

Waterproofing and environmental resilience

• Waterproof depth: shown as up to 500 m in newer listings and some datasheets, and 300 m in older datasheets; verify by document revision or supplied certificate.

Power and physical characteristics

• Battery: 1 × Alkaline C-Cell, 1.5 VDC

• Dimensions (typical): Length ~155 mm, Width/Diameter ~45 mm

• Weight (typical): about 200 g with battery (vendor-listed)

Defense/procurement identifiers

• Jotron part number: 103660 (as listed in distributor catalogs)

• NSN (commonly cited): 6230-25-138-7110 in NATO-oriented listings

Applications and Use Cases

Diving and underwater operations

AQ-4 MkII is frequently marketed toward divers who need a compact, robust strobe for marking a diver’s position, a line, or underwater equipment, with deep-water sealing listed up to 300–500 meters depending on version.

Fire-fighting and emergency response

Public product descriptions cite fire-fighting and emergency services as common applications, using the strobe as a location aid in low visibility, smoke, or night operations where reflective markers are insufficient.

Maritime crew safety and lifejacket marking

The AQ-4 MkII is also described for crew and personnel onboard vessels, including lifejacket marking, where a compact strobe can improve visibility during man-overboard scenarios or nighttime operations.

Military marking and equipment identification

Defense-oriented listings reference military use cases such as personnel and equipment marking, and include a NATO Stock Number association, which supports standardized logistics in some procurement contexts.

Search and rescue and field activities

Vendor listings cite search and rescue, parachuting, kayaking, backpacking, and hunting as additional use cases—reflecting that the product is positioned for both professional and high-risk recreational environments where visibility can be safety-critical.

Advantages / Benefits

High visibility with minimal complexity

A single LED light engine, a two-mode switch, and a standard battery format reduce operational complexity while still delivering a strong visual signature (notably via 50 flashes/min).

Dual-mode flexibility

Flash and fixed modes allow a single device to cover both “attention” signaling and steady marking needs, which is especially useful for mixed-use teams (marine ops, fire response, offshore work).

Deep-water sealing options

Published sealing depth ratings (300–500 m depending on version) make AQ-4 MkII relevant to professional diving and harsh-weather marine environments—provided the buyer confirms the required rating on the supplied documentation.

Procurement standardization (where applicable)

The association with an NSN in some catalogs can simplify purchasing and inventory control for organizations that use NATO-style supply references.

FAQ Section

What is Jotron AQ-4 MkII (103660)?

The Jotron AQ-4 MkII (103660) is a personal multipurpose strobe/marker light that provides flashing or fixed high-visibility light for distress signaling and marking in maritime and onshore environments.

How does Jotron AQ-4 MkII work?

It uses a high-intensity white LED controlled by a two-way switch. The user selects flash (standard/default) or fixed light depending on the required visibility and marking purpose.

Why is Jotron AQ-4 MkII important?

Personal strobes are widely used to improve the chance of detection in low light, rough weather, smoke, or offshore conditions. AQ-4 MkII is designed specifically for harsh environments and is frequently cited for safety-critical activities such as diving, emergency response, and marine crew operations.

What are the benefits of Jotron AQ-4 MkII?

Key benefits include flash/fixed modes, a standard C-cell battery, high-visibility flashing performance, and published deep-water waterproof ratings (documented as 300–500 m depending on version).

Is the AQ-4 MkII waterproof to 300 m or 500 m?

Public documents show both. Some datasheets list 300 m, while others list 500 m, indicating revision or variant differences. Buyers typically confirm the exact rating on the current datasheet and the delivered product packaging.

Summary

The Jotron AQ-4 MkII (103660) is a rugged personal marking and distress strobe light built for extreme maritime and onshore use. With a high-intensity LED, flash/fixed operating modes, standard C-cell power, and published deep-water waterproof ratings (300–500 m depending on version), it is widely positioned for professional safety use cases including diving, fire response, marine crew operations, search and rescue, and military marking.