Which transceiver will work best for your application depends on what you’re trying to do, and how much control your device has over your data. Here are examples of how companies, researchers, government bodies and individuals use sensors paired with a satellite IoT modem to capture and interpret variable and/or binary data, or simply provide a means of communication.
Multiple Analog or Digital Sensors
Plug-and-Play Connection Only
RockBLOCK SwitchSense has analog and digital inputs that allow the device to receive signals from external variable sources such as sensors or switches. These inputs can connect to various sensors for temperature, fluid and air pressure, light, flow rate / direction, and environmental monitoring data. The digital output can trigger alerts or activate devices such as alarms or sprinkler systems based on the sensor readings.
The device provides a range of I/O that make retrieving industrial variable sensor data accessible from remote, low power, no cellular, locations. Supported by its ruggedized waterproof casing, RockBLOCK SwitchSense retrieves your data and transmits from anywhere across the globe with a clear view of the sky.
If you have your own controller and just need satellite connectivity, we offer two flexible options depending on your data volume. For low-bandwidth applications sending under 10 KB per month, our Short Burst Data (SBD) range provides reliable, global coverage. Choose the ultra-compact RockBLOCK 9603 for easy integration where space is tight, or the rugged, waterproof RockBLOCK Plus with RS-232 interface and wide voltage input.
If you need to send more than 50 KB per month, consider RockBLOCK 9704, available in multiple variants to suit different integration needs. It uses Iridium Messaging Transport (IMT), a modern, IP-based protocol that supports higher throughput and lower latency, ideal for richer sensor data or faster reporting.
Why Connect Your Sensors With Satellite IoT?
Global Coverage
We work with multiple satellite network operators to ensure that your sensors benefit from reliable, affordable, low latency connectivity, wherever they are on Earth. Iridium and Inmarsat (Viasat) are our key airtime partners.
Low Power
If your sensor is out of cellular coverage, there’s a good chance it doesn’t have easy access to mains power. A satellite solution designed for sensor connectivity will factor this in, and be possible to power via battery or solar for months, or even years.
Longevity
Like your remote sensors, satellite IoT transceivers need to be able to withstand extreme weather conditions. These rugged devices will operate for years without needing inspection or replacement, and many can be remotely operated.
Interoperability
Moving data over satellite is easy. You have the option of IP or message-based communications – the latter being the most cost-effective. Cloudloop Data makes it easy to work with data packets, with a range of fully integrated data points.
Choosing a Satellite IoT Device For Connecting Sensors
Can Your Sensor Control Your Data?
If you need a transceiver that can interpret and act upon the data it’s receiving from the sensors, that’s a different scenario to just needing a communication “pipe”. This choice is often driven by your choice of sensor.
How Data-Intensive Is Your Application?
While there are options for sending large amounts of data over satellite, it’s more expensive than sending over a terrestrial network, and so it’s always worth considering how you can optimize your transmissions.
Mobile or Stationary
If your device is stationary, its location is important. If it’s in a mountainous or forested environment, you’ll probably be better off with a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation like Iridium, as satellites pass overhead frequently. If not, you may well have the option of using a GEO satellite, which is very stable, and often competitively priced for airtime.
If it’s mobile, you either need an auto-pointing antenna if you’re using a GEO satellite, so it can relocate the satellite as it moves, or an omni-directional antenna of the kind used by LEO constellations. Read more about this topic.
Latency
If you need your data in close to real-time, you should look for one of the established satellite network operators, like Iridium and Inmarsat, who have their full constellation in place. If you can manage with receiving your data once a day, a newcomer like Sateliot or Kineis, with a small number of satellites in Low Earth Orbit, may be able to help.
Battery Life
If you’re attracted by the data speeds of services like Starlink, a word of caution: these devices require mains power. If your sensors are operating on battery or solar power, you will need your satellite transceiver to be similarly optimized for low power applications.
Recommended Devices
RockBLOCK SwitchSense
RockBLOCK 9704
RockBLOCK Pro
RockBLOCK RTU
Sensor Connectivity In Action
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Karbon-X Leads the Way in Carbon Emissions Validation with RockREMOTE Rugged
Through the implementation of satellite IoT technology, Karbon-X has transformed how carbon emissions are monitored and how the effectiveness of reforestation projects is validated.
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Keeping Canada’s Waterways Clean and Safe with RockBLOCK Plus
2,700 wrecked boats present a hazard for Canada’s pristine marine environment. Incorporated into Barnacle Systems’ Rapid Deploy units, here’s the role satellite IoT plays in the clean-up operation.
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Satellite-Enabled Tsunami Early Warning System
As a critical communications network, there was never any question that ASC’s early warning system would need to utilise satellite connectivity, both for the coverage requirements and network reliability. Commercial terrestrial power and communications networks tend to perform poorly in a disaster – either through overuse or damage to their infrastructure.
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Environmental Monitoring and Reporting
A Government Agency responsible for coastal, stormwater and catchment management has assigned Ground Control customer Obscape to assist with reporting on areas such as – monitoring and reporting on catchment management, flood risk areas, storm drains and drainage ditches with the aid of the RockBLOCK.
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RockBLOCK chosen for Cryologger deployments in the Canadian Arctic
Water and ice play a critical role in Canadian landscapes, ecosystems, and infrastructure. The effects of a rapidly changing climate are expected to result in profound environmental changes in the Canadian Arctic.
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Here to Help
If you need help connecting your sensors in remote locations, please get in touch! With 20 years of experience, we can help you make the best choices based on your requirements.
Please call us on us on +44 (0) 1452 751940 (Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania) or +1.805.783.4600 (North and South America); email hello@groundcontrol.com, or complete the form.