Short Burst Data Transceivers

Short Burst Data (SBD) satellite transceivers, as defined by Iridium, are perfect for integration into complete wireless solutions and can be used for a wide range of applications in numerous markets. Designed to be scalable and to work anywhere in the world, SBD transceivers are generally small, light, and don’t cost the earth. They provide critical global data communications necessary for global solutions.

SBD modems are used for sending and receiving short data bursts, generally less than 2Kb at a time, and are most often used in applications that require low data rate or ‘heartbeat’ communications. They can connect to a global mobile satellite communications network and therefore work almost anywhere on the planet, with no expensive roaming charges that you may expect from a cellular network.

These factors make SBD transceivers ideal for machine-to-machine (M2M) solutions, such as offshore and onshore asset tracking, monitoring and control, automatic vehicle location, telematics, alarms, and more.

However, companies that operate such monitoring, tracking, and control systems may not be getting enough from their current solution. They may be limiting the role of their M2M solution by, for example, not upgrading the transceivers, or they may not have invested in M2M at all. It’s critical that organizations have real-time data and control over essential infrastructure and remote assets, today more than ever. A secure and robust satellite solution will help organisations achieve this goal while reducing costs attributed to creating new communications infrastructure.

Low data-rate satellite transceivers such as the Iridium 9602 SBD Transceiver are essential to monitoring, controlling, and tracking M2M solutions. The Iridium 9602 can be easily integrated into M2M communications solutions and can take advantage of the Iridium SBD service. From pole to pole, a device working with the Iridium SBD will always be connected.

The combination of Ground Control’s expertise in tailoring solutions for customers’ specific challenges and our broad range of products creates a wealth of possibilities to extend and enhance M2M deployments. Why not talk to us to see how we can help you make the most from your satellite M2M investments?

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With 20 years of experience, we can help you make the best choices for your remote connectivity, whether you need one or several thousand devices!

We’re not invested in selling you a specific product or connections, just the best solution for your needs.

Call us on +44 (0) 1452 751940 (Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania) or 800 773 7168 (North and South America), complete the form, or email hello@groundcontrol.com.

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M2M – or machine-to-machine – solutions are deployed to solve a wide range of challenges, from farmers who want to track and monitor their livestock to scientists studying animals in the wild. In each case, a unique solution is required.

A recent example concerns a livestock feeder manufacturer that wanted to offer nutritional analysis as well as machinery to its customers. Instead of gathering data by hand, which required a great deal of investment in time and effort, the manufacturer opted for an M2M solution. By sharing data from a monitoring device to analysis station over a cellular network, it more efficiently regulated feed distribution and, in turn, improved the quality of milk and meat.

Conversely, wild animals are often found outside of built-up areas and farms – and where there are no towns and cities, there’s a lack of terrestrial communications infrastructure. Tracking the whereabouts of animals – whether on a farm or in the wild – outside of terrestrial cellular networks is a challenge. What’s needed is a robust satellite solution.

Satellite networks provide the global coverage that makes animal tracking possible. With a satellite modem attached to a particular animal – usually via a collar – scientists, researchers, and farmers can pinpoint its exact location with remarkable accuracy. Acting as a virtual shepherd, the satellite solution can be preprogramed to send out a series of messages per day that are then used to plot the animal’s movements. One such application is geo-fencing, where a virtual boundary is defined on an area of land. When crossed by an animal, an alert is triggered.

We think satellite and cellular M2M provides an exciting opportunity for those involved in animal and other asset tracking to address evolving communications needs. We can help you design, implement, and succeed with launching a satellite tracking solution for livestock and wildlife. Why not get in touch to find out more?

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With over 20 years of satellite experience, the Ground Control team is well placed to help keep you connected when it matters the most.

Whatever your communication or connectivity needs, we can help. Talk to one of our team to discover our products and services and how they can benefit, improve and streamline your applications.
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Monitoring and control systems in remote, unmanned locations require a reliable and cost-effective communications service to collect and transmit data to operations centres for further processing. This is difficult to achieve with a traditional cellular solution as data rates are significantly higher and it can be impossible to achieve a network connection in remote locations.

A satellite solution will provide reliable connectivity over a satellite network. Connectivity will be global, more affordable than a cellular solution, and will require less from modules and terminals in terms of power consumption.

For example, the BGAN M2M (machine-to-machine) satellite service is a reliable, global, two-way IP data service designed specifically for long-term M2M management of assets located in remote and difficult-to-connect locations. This 3G satellite service will accommodate data volume requirements ranging from megabytes to gigabytes and can be used for applications such as:

  • IP SCADA for data backhaul
  • Asset tracking
  • Fixed and mobile remote surveillance, telemetry, and tracking
  • Smart grid and metering
  • SCADA – telemetry
  • Weather and environmental monitoring and control

 
Opting for a satellite service and using a BGAN M2M terminal will let you connect monitoring and control systems in numerous application areas, giving you full, real-time visibility of your assets.

In the coming weeks, we’ll be discussing how our global satellite solutions can provide the foundation of successful monitoring and control operations that current and future M2M applications will need.

Why not get in touch to find out more about what we do to help customers in a wide range of markets solve their communications challenges?

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We've implemented satellite IoT infrastructure for decades, and there's very rarely been an obstruction issue we couldn't overcome with a bit of knowledge and ingenuity.

We'd be happy to talk to you about your project and offer impartial advice on the best antenna and satellite service for your particular requirements. Call or email us, or complete the form.
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It’s hard to explain why, but high-altitude ballooning is fascinating – and a little addictive. We’ve been following the antics of UK-based Andrew Ashe, who along with Mikal Hart (author of the fantastic IridiumSBD library for Arduino) has successfully tracked their balloon and been able to recover its payload thanks to RockBLOCK.

Their setup is based around an Arduino Teensy, with a RockBLOCK and GPS module attached, powered by 3 AAA lithium batteries.

As this was a test flight, the onboard camera was pretty low-spec, but nonetheless took some pretty impressive photos. The RockBLOCK provided tracking information back to base, so they could follow the flight and recover it afterwards.

Key Details

  • RockBLOCK Naked Unit
  • Arduino Teensy
  • GPS module
  • AAA battery holder
  • Three Energizer Lithium AAAs
  • Some Cameras
  • Their HAB

In Depth

Here you can watch an awesome little video showing the launch, and an animation of the track and recovery: