POWERING CRITICAL MISSIONS | How REDARC Keeps KCESAR Ready for Every Call
Operating across the vast terrain of Washington’s King County, King County Explorer Search & Rescue (KCESAR) is the region’s primary ground-based SAR unit, responding to over 200 emergency missions each year. From locating missing hikers in the Cascade foothills to assisting vulnerable individuals in urban areas, KCESAR’s work demands reliability, agility, and technological resilience.
The Challenge
KCESAR’s single rescue truck serves as both a rapid-response vehicle and mobile command center - supporting over 200 missions each year. As operations become more data-driven, the demand for dependable onboard power has increased dramatically. When planning their next-generation vehicle, KCESAR needed a system with long-term reliability, clean integration, and minimal training requirements for their rotating team of volunteers.
The system would power critical electronic tools, including:
- A computer, router, and wireless internet
- Multiple mobile and handheld radios
- Rapid charging for phones, GPS units, drones, e-bikes, and other field equipment
Beyond just supplying power, the system had to be rugged enough for harsh conditions, intuitive enough for volunteers to operate, and reliable enough to trust in life-critical moments.
“We knew we needed a power system that was robust and reliable, the less we have to think about power, the more we can focus on our mission to save lives.” – Michael Smith, Operations Leader
About REDARC
Founded on a legacy of innovation and reliability, REDARC is an Australian manufacturing company known for designing and producing rugged, advanced power management systems for vehicles operating in the harshest environments on earth.
While initially unfamiliar with REDARC, KCESAR’s trust grew through industry endorsement and a hands-on experience with REDARC’s technical support during installation.
The Solution
KCESAR’s system configuration includes:
- Manager Alpha 75 with Smart Battery Monitor – An integrated charging system that draws power from shore, vehicle, and solar sources to intelligently charge all onboard batteries. It provides precise battery diagnostics and real-time power monitoring to ensure reliable off-grid performance.
- TVMS Rogue with RedVision Display (x2) – Programmable switch and monitoring modules paired with centralized interfaces for intuitive control of lighting, communications, and other critical systems
- 2000W Inverter – Delivers clean, reliable AC power for running sensitive electronics and high-draw equipment in the field
The system is paired with a 200Ah DCS lithium battery, 300W solar array, and an auto transfer switch which delivers 12–16 hours of run time on battery alone.
The Results
- Confidence in the Field: Thanks to the high DC-DC charge rate of the Manager Alpha, power is no longer a concern during extended or complex rescue operations.
- Streamlined Operations: Simple interfaces and reliable automation reduce training time and allow any volunteer to confidently operate the system.
- Strong Technical Support: During the installation process, REDARC’s support team provided timely and effective assistance to allow for a seamless install.
- Design-Friendly: The compact footprint and clean integration helped maximize space for essential gear.
“The nature of Search and Rescue has become increasingly reliant on electronics, the need for a reliable, robust power infrastructure in any condition is paramount, and the REDARC components are the heart of that system in our install. You've helped bring people home safely, brought comfort to families, and reminded us all what true community support looks like.”- Michael Smith, Operations Leader
