Affordable Iridium: GPS tracking with no GSM coverage
In areas with poor or no GSM signal, there are special GPS/GLONASS terminals used to transmit telemetry data to the server via the Iridium satellite channel. This method of transmitting data packets allows companies to track moving objects anywhere in the world, including the most remote corners of the planet.
Today we’ll show how Iridium works and what devices to choose for affordable satellite communication.
How Iridium GPS tracking works
A GPS/GLONASS terminal with an Iridium module is installed inside the vehicle. In case there is no GSM signal, all the gathered information will be transmitted to the telematics server via the satellites of the Iridium provider.
Once the signal is restored, the terminal automatically switches to the GSM module, which allows the server to continue receiving data without losing communication.
To leverage the Iridium satellite channel, it is necessary to sign a contract with an Iridium provider. There are different terms and prices for providing services. For instance, some devices can be connected only to satellites of a certain provider, such as Globalstar devices.
Pros and cons of Iridium satellite communication
As a rule, devices with Iridium modules are more expensive than trackers with GSM chips only. However, they allow our partners to do their business anywhere: sea, mining pits, deserts, aircraft and territories outside the GSM network coverage area.
Plus, Iridium traffic is more expensive than that of GPRS. So we recommend opting for the Iridium hardware in case your customers’ needs meet the following conditions:
- Trackers often work outside the GSM coverage area.
- Data traffic is less than 1 Mb per month.
- Devices should be online every time and continuous monitoring is critical.
Types of Iridium GPS trackers
There are two types of GPS trackers that use Iridium. They can have either internal or external modules. We will describe each type in more detail below.
Internal Iridium module: combined solution
Iridium GPS devices can have internal modules only. This makes them quite expensive, but there is no need to buy an additional external module to update the tracker.
A list of GPS devices equipped with internal Iridium module:
- Naviset devices
- Globalstar devices
- Galileosky v4.0 with Iridium module
- Galileosky Base Block Iridium
External Iridium module: adaptable and affordable solution
With the implementation of external iridium modules, satellite technology becomes more accessible and flexible for businesses. This way, you can choose any compatible GPS tracker and connect an external Iridium device to it.
Recently we integrated Teltonika TSM232 external module. You can connect this device to your FM63XY, FMB630 or FMB640 tracker via an RS232 interface. Once connected, the device will be able to use Iridium. You can set up this feature in the configurator.
We hope the article was useful to you. Let us know if you have any questions regarding the technology or device integrations at sales@navixy.com.
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Read the original text at https://navixy.news/jnz
Originally published at https://www.navixy.com on November 25, 2020.
