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RockREMOTE Industrial IoT Communications Device

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RockREMOTE solves the most challenging remote IoT communications problems, offering a reliable and flexible solution for Industrial IoT applications.

The RockREMOTE solution combines the RockREMOTE terminal, the Iridium Certus 100 network and LTE cellular connectivity, end-to-end networking and the powerful Cloudloop platform. It addresses fixed and mobile communications challenges across a range of industry verticals: Oil & Gas, Utilities & Renewables, Mining, Transport & Logistics and Agriculture.

In particular, the RockREMOTE solution bridges the gap between legacy technology and digital service evolution without requiring significant investment in a complete infrastructure refresh.

Iridium Coverage Map - Real Time Tracking

Key Features

Omni-directional, with no antenna pointing required; ideal for fixed deployment in hilly or woody locations, or for on-the-move applications
Simple to deploy, IP-based over Ethernet or Wi-Fi
Dual mode Iridium Certus 100 satellite network combined with LTE
Small form factor, industry standard DIN rail mounting
Usage optimization enables RockREMOTE to be deployed in solar powered environments in locations where mains power is unavailable
Powerful integrated processing, storage and security enables the evolution towards Edge Computing
Support for MQTT into IoT cloud services from Amazon, Google and Microsoft
Ground Control’s subscription management platform, Cloudloop, enables visibility and control over your asset usage
Hardware security module ensures that your data is secured while being transmitted over the network
Transparent message buffering, queuing, and automatic data compression

Tech Specification

Processor: Quad Core 1.5GHz Cortex-A72 (ARM v8)
Memory: 2GB RAM, 8GB Flash
Operating System: Linux
Satellite: Iridium Certus with Omni Antenna
Cellular: LTE Cellular Module (Regional Specific Variants)
SIM Card Slots: 2 x Standard SIM card slots (Satellite + Cellular)
Serial Interfaces: 1 x RS232 interface, 1 x RS485 interface
Digital Interfaces: 1 x GPIO interface
Network Interfaces: 1 x RJ45 Ethernet and WiFi
Power Specification: Range: 10v – 30v DC | Draw: 0W (Sleep), 5W (Idle), 9W (Transmit). Supercapacitors for safe shutdown
Power Interface: Spring loaded header socket
Hardware Security: Dedicated hardware security module
Dimensions (LxWxH): 7.6″ x 4.7″ x 4.4″ / 193.3mm x 120.3mm x 111.7mm
Mounting: Industry Standard DIN rail mounting
User Interface: Easy to use dashboard for configuration, debugging and monitoring

Overview

RockREMOTE delivers a reliable and flexible, all IP-based, dual-mode LTE-Satellite communications solution for fixed, semi-fixed or mobile M2M / IoT applications worldwide. Customers select between Ethernet, Wi-Fi or Serial RS232/485 for their communications interface requirements.

The highly adaptable RockREMOTE guarantees robust communication and provides the vital link to ensure that your data keeps flowing when the grid stops.

Dashboard – User Interface

Easy to use interface to configure RockREMOTE functionality
Advanced debugging and monitoring tools
Remote Configuration via Cloudloop Data

Smart Connection Management

Traffic routing is based upon a user programmable strategy
Automatic reconnection and retry mechanism; on-demand, interval or scheduled connection.

Enterprise or Cloud

Integrated with Cloudloop Data for integrated Billing. Provisioning and Usage Monitoring
Certified support for AWS IoT Core, Google Cloud IoT and Azure IoT Hub

Use Cases

Oil and Gas

Prevent production stoppage with real-time alerts of machinery failure
Reduce response times and send fewer people into the field

Mining

Gather and analyze data to optimize loading and hauling operations
All weather, real-time data transmission

Utilities

Visibility and control of assets spread over a wide area
Extend the reach of telemetry applications

Renewables

Measure conditions at potential new sites without power
Real-time reporting on power generation to prevent saturation

Transport & Cargo

Track your fleet wherever they are on the globe
Transmit course corrections and temperature adjustments in real-time

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the service be configured to be 'always on'?

Iridium Certus 100 is an IP based service enabling a bi-directional ‘always on’ connection between field assets and a back end solution.

What would be the typical Mains and current draw?

Typical power consumption is 1.5 amp average with 4 amp peak. Actual power usage will be heavily dependent on how the RockREMOTE device is being used in terms of how the processing unit is utilised for any applications, and the frequency of network communications.

Do I need satellite connectivity if I have / intend to use NarrowBand IoT?

RockREMOTE provides support for cellular as well at satellite connectivity and offers functionality that extends beyond a pure connectivity solution. Although NB IoT will improve and extend the capabilities of cellular for IoT, it still requires access to the terrestrial cellular networks to operate reliably. For truly remote, reliable connectivity, a hybrid approach provides the most reliable method to guarantee connection.

How secure is the RockREMOTE solution?

Security is made up of a number of elements within the RockREMOTE solution. The network security is offered through VPN connections both from the satellite ground station to the land network connection, then from there to the customer site. This is further enhanced though the availability of the inbuilt hardware security module which can encrypt the data before being sent over the network, ensuring that, even if accessed along the way, data is unusable to anyone who has accessed it.

Network-diagram-for-RockREMOTE

How would you handle antenna line of sight issues in areas with trees or rocks?

Using the combination of the Certus 100 LEO network and the Omnidirectional antenna, line of sight issues are significantly reduced. The antenna will automatically locate the satellite as opposed to having to be specifically pointed at a geostationary satellite. The solution still requires a good view of the sky.

How long does it typically take to install a RockREMOTE device and antenna on site?

Installation time is dependant on how / where the device and antenna are being mounted. If a DIN rail mount is already correctly located, with power and connections in place to the required measure devices, the RockREMOTE unit installation can be completed in a matter of minutes. The activity that will require greater consideration will be the external mounting of the antenna and the routing of the antenna cable.

How quickly can the terminal get online from a cold power up?

RockREMOTE powers up and can start to send data within 90 seconds from cold start.

How does the device re-connect when network coverage is lost?

If network connectivity is lost, RockREMOTE will automatically re-acquire connectivity to either Satellite or Cellular networks.

How does auto-recovery after power outage work for RockREMOTE?

RockREMOTE will auto-restart and return to its previous state after a power outage. It will automatically restore an active Iridium or cellular connection, for example.

Documentation

RockREMOTE Data Sheet

Iridium Certus 100 Data Sheet

Photos of the RockREMOTE

RockREMOTE Transceiver

Within a Metal Enclosure

The RockREMOTE is pictured here in a metal cabinet. The transceiver has ingress protection of IP5X; the antenna is IP66.

RockREMOTE Transceiver

DIN Rail Mounting

The rear view of the RockREMOTE features industry standard DIN rail mounting.

RockREMOTE Transceiver

Connection Interfaces

Here's a close up of the connection interfaces; from left to right, the Iridium Antenna connection port, DC power in, RS422/RS485 connection port, RS232 connection port.

RockREMOTE Transceiver

Connection Interfaces

Pictured here is the digital I/O connection port, ethernet connection, and cellular antenna connection.

RockREMOTE Antenna

Assembling the Antenna

The omni-directional antenna doesn't need to be pointed, and is a low-loss radome. Mounts on any US-style Mounting Bracket with 1"-14NF threaded stud (not supplied).

Get in touch

Ground Control has offices in the USA and UK, and combines the industry experience of not just Ground Control, but Rock Seven and Wireless Innovation, too. We’re here to help recommend the best devices and connectivity for your telematics solution.

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