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Features 

Overview

The GSatMicro is available in a handheld form or an OEM version providing strategic integration capabilities for diverse applications. Interconnecting the GSatMicro with other hardware, user input interfaces, monitoring hardware, or environment data becomes very simple. Charging is supported over USB or regular DC voltage for versatility; and it includes a serial port for programming and control, a SiRF V GPS chipset with Galileo + GLONASS support, two inputs, two outputs, an accelerometer, and a digital compass.

The GSatMicro Series terminals use Iridium’s bi-directional SBD satellite service to provide visibility and network connectivity with people and equipment anywhere in the world. Environmentally sealed, the GSatMicro is suitable for the harshest and most challenging environments that are far from the reach of most communications systems. While the GSatMicro OEM is capable of being fully integrated into a customized form factor designed to meet mission demands.


Customize device behaviors

eLUA Scripting

Having the power to customize the behavior of the GSatMicro allows it to do more than just report position data. Scripting unlocks a powerful flexibility that you simply will not get with a traditional “tracking device”. eLua scripting enables you to truly understand the behavior of things by the way they interact with the GSatMicro. When you can control data collection to the specifications of your project, you are able to properly analyze what your assets are doing in the field and what steps you need to take to manage them.

The flexibility of the GSatMicro plus it’s core OS driven by eLua enabled applications empower developers to engage projects and applications on a new level. The eLua interface provides a simple console where integration and designs can be tested and implemented before going to the field, and allows for real time analysis and diagnostics.

For example, getting the serial number of the Iridium modem is simply “iridium.getserial()”, to transmit a message is simply “iridium.transmit(X)”, combine this to transmit the serial number of your GSatMicro over the air is “iridium.transmit(iridium.getserial())”. Take into account that there are 20+ modules in the GSatMicro plus the power of eLua, and you have the most powerful platform in the world.

Transmit and receive secure & encrypted data

AES 256-bit & AES-CCM encryption

By integrating encryption methods directly into the GSatMicro, we guarantee that your data is safe and secure. There is no need to worry about the security of the network when the transmissions are already encrypted.

AES encryption has become the standard for the United States government and is used worldwide. The encryption secures your data to completely protect it from brute-force attacks. Even if the transmission is intercepted and your data is stolen, hacker’s can not access it. This is extremely important when data is being distributed to multiple devices over multiple networks. There is no need to make sure that every device and every connection remains secure when the GSatMicro ensures that your data is protected at all times.

Additionally, encryption helps to maintain data integrity and prevent third parties from manipulating data transmissions. Keeping sensitive information protected is key to protecting your business and its assets and should be a priority.

Transmit more data for less

Proprietary high compression packet size

With the option of 3 compressed binary formats right out of the box, you can select a highly compressed proprietary format, a simple to decode and openly published format, and a high accuracy openly published format. We have published 2 of the 3 formats, including a sample .net library, a wikipedia protocol definition, and a Google Sheets decoder, to make interfacing to these formats as simple as possible.

Better Coverage

Omni-directional high gain antenna

The helical antenna built into the GSatMicro provides the ultimate Iridium coverage by utilizing a self radiating element without a limiting ground plane. Tuned for Iridium and GPS, the integrated high gain ceramic/helical antenna provides 180 degrees radius of coverage. Also, a single antenna feed provides both Iridium and GNSS coverage to minimize weight and size of the GSatMicro.

Compact, Lightweight and Portable

Small Size

The GSatMicro is the smallest self-contained Iridium tracker in the world. Within its casing is a combination of a high performance antenna, the Iridium 9602, I/O ports, a long-life rechargeable battery, and the GSatMicro core. The result is a fully integrated satellite terminal that is roughly the size of a golf ball and weighs a mere 4.5 ounces. Extremely portable, the GSatMicro is designed to fit in a pocket, on a dashboard, clipped to a backpack, or even strapped to a helmet.

The GSatMicro OEM is even smaller; as it loses the battery, antenna and case to provide a platform for developers to integrate into their own projects. Only being a few millimeters thin, the GSatMicro OEM board clips directly onto the Iridium 9602. The ‘stack’ can then be placed into a custom form for any project imaginable. You can read more about OEM integration here:
NASA LDSD Project
NASA Flight Imagery Recorder Locator (FIRLo)

Tackle any task

Powerful processor

Using the latest 32-Bit ARM Cortex technology, the GSatMicro is both fast and very power efficient. The processor itself consumes only a few microamps when sleeping, and wakes up to full power mode in a millisecond to process high speed data. Using this power to run the eLua core is what empowers the GSatMicro technology.

Reuseable internal battery

The GSatMicro can rest on the shelf for years without needing to be charged. For self powered operation, or operation on USB, an optional 2500 mAh LiPo battery pack can be added. This battery pack was custom designed with special LiPo materials to achieve a 20% increase in battery density. Also, the size was custom built to fit within the outline of the GSatMicro board for an efficient stackable design.

Integrated Battery Fuel Gauge

Instantaneous battery fuel level and state of charge/discharge, including time to full or empty.

Internal 2500mAh Lithium Polymer Battery

High capacity polymer technology to maximize battery capacity in a small form factor.

Integrated Lithium Battery PTC Safety

Built in protection directly on the battery for temperature, short circuit, and over/under voltage.

Enhanced safety and security

Alert Button

By activating alert mode, your positions are transmitted on the “alert” sleep time instead of the “normal” sleep time, allowing you to increase the reporting interval by simply switching to alert mode. The unit will also flag the transmitted positions with an alert flag that will display on the platform.

Analyze any type of information

Interconnecting the device with other hardware, user input interfaces, monitoring hardware, or environment data becomes very simple.

Multiple I/O Ports - GSatMicro

Two 1A Relay Outputs (Active Low) - Control external relays or outputs which have external power

Two ADC Inputs (0-30V) - Measure input voltage, and trigger wakeup conditions for the GSatMicro

I/O Board - GSatMicro OEM

Two flex circuit connectors on the GSatMicro OEM provide all of the I/O functionality and can be easily interfaced to with the I/O Board. The I/O Board provides both common connectors and solderable pins for your project. It includes Micro USB, DB9 RS232, DC power, 2 analog inputs, 2 relay outputs, 5 LEDs, and 3 N/O push buttons.

Monitor asset behavior

With its accelerometer and magnetic compass paired with onboard intelligence and I/O technology the GSatMicro Series eliminates restrictions to position information. Instead, the GSatMicro Series offers you the freedom to truly understand the behavior of your asset. You have control of how and why the device is going to report.

  • How fast the device is moving
  • The heading of the device
  • The Pitch and Roll of the device (such as on a ship in rough seas)
  • A quick and sudden descending motion of the device (such as in an aircraft)
  • A quick motion upwards

Magnetic Compass

Determine heading when unit is stationary. GPS does not provide heading calculations when an asset is stationary so we use our internal magnetic compass to determine orientation. *Magnetic compass functionality requires a clear margin of metal or magnetic fields around the GSatMicro. For example, mounting on a metal ship deck does not perform well.

Accelerometer

Monitor for movement, determined by a configured threshold to indicate motion, to transmit more frequently on motion vs stationary. You can also utilize your own custom eLua script to monitor forces up to 12G’s for custom behaviors.

Manage your device anywhere

Over the air configuration of the terminal

Remotely send eLua commands, update configuration parameters, and retrieve configuration information from the device over the Iridium network. It is imperative that tracking terminals remain in the field with their asset. For every moment the device is brought in to undergo software modifications, you are losing valuable data, time, money and possible the asset. Having the ability to command and control assets in the field without losing position based information is essential in today’s fast paced, technology driven world. Remote configuration allows for device behavior changes on-the-fly that may be critical to the mission at hand.

Track your assets

SiRFstarV GPS with an amazing sensitivity

The GSatMicro is capable of sending and receiving data anywhere in the world, this includes positional data such as latitude, longitude and altitude. It acquires this data by using the latest GPS technology that integrates multi-constellation data to include GPS plus other positioning networks to enhance accuracy and availability of location data. It allows full control over the sensitivity settings through a simple configuration setting. Transmission time is enhanced through the utilization of advanced hot start data for acquiring new locations within 10 seconds after a sleep cycle.

Rugged and waterproof

Weather Resistant Case

Built to be rugged and reliable, the GSatMicro case prevents the intrusion of sand, dust, water, snow, mud, oil or just about anything else thrown at it. The case is designed with rugged plastics to start, sealed with a custom built silicon molding, and tightened with stainless steel screws. Internal to the unit is both moisture and pressure elimination to ensure functionality at various altitudes and temperatures. The connector is also a fully sealed IP67 connector with gold plated pins to ensure waterproof functionality. The unit functions in the harshest conditions and the most extreme environments.

  • Liquid immersion with a depth up to 1 meter
  • Dust tight; no ingress of dust; complete protection against contact

Globally connected

Iridium Network

Everywhere under one sky. In a world where global communications are increasingly critical, only one company connects everyone to the things that matter most, from pole to pole.

Powered by a uniquely sophisticated global constellation of 66 cross-linked Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, the Iridium® network provides high-quality voice and data connections over the planet’s entire surface, including across oceans, airways and polar regions.