‘Big data’ has become part of the Maritime lexicon in recent years. It’s hailed as the answer to achieving operational efficiencies, and is part of the reason that the demand for bandwidth at sea continues to grow.

The use of big data somewhat reflects how internet usage patterns at sea follow that of businesses on land. As satellite capacity grows, service providers, IT companies, and equipment manufacturer work out ways to use it to gain efficiencies and ultimately save costs for ship owners and operators. Many of these applications are based on the concept of machine-to-machine communication, also known as M2M. Sensors in onboard equipment can talk directly with applications on land via satcom – delivering automated reports and statistics, for instance, which can be leveraged to understand vessel performance better.

Though M2M applications can run over the VSAT equipment found on ships, the use of M2M communication isn’t limited to large commercial vessels. New systems have been developed that focus on understanding the challenges of communicating at sea for smaller vessels, especially in terms of cost, security, and the lack of space onboard, which may rule out the installation of a large satcom antenna. So with smaller, lower-cost equipment and lower-bandwidth services, the world of M2M is opening up for vessels of all types and size. ‘Small data’, if you like.

Ground Control is at the forefront of this scaling-down of satcoms for M2M applications, with its RockFLEET and RockBLOCK products.

RockFLEET

The RockFLEET Tracker is a truly global tracking device designed for permanent use aboard marine vessels and land vehicles. Its optional LTE Narrowband unit allows it to use mobile phone networks when possible, automatically switching to the global Iridium satellite network when necessary (lowest-cost routing).

RockBLOCK

RockBLOCK 9603 is a plug-and-play two-way global communications system designed to work with any computing platform with a serial or USB port, including Arduino™, Raspberry PI™, Intel Edison, Windows, Mac, and Linux computers. It’s a simple, low-cost, and reliable way to integrate two-way communications into any M2M system. It can send messages of 340 bytes and receive messages of 270 bytes using Iridium short burst data (SBD), which offers global, pole-to-pole coverage. It can transmit commands and receive data from almost any equipment on board so the potential applications are huge.

The tiny RockBLOCK 9603 (7.6cm x 5.1cm x 1.9cm) device uses either an onboard patch or external antenna using an optional SMA connector and a standard 0.1″ pitch connector for easy interfacing of equipment. Both of these aspects give greater flexibility in terms of onboard configuration of an M2M network – a vital aspect considering that ship and boat design varies massively.

Also available is the RockBLOCK Plus, designed for rugged applications, encapsulated in a waterproof IP68 housing, and including a 3m lead. It takes 9-30v DC power (instead of 5v on the RockBLOCK 9603) and RS-232 signals (instead of UART). RockBLOCK Plus is ideally suited for commercial organisations operating in hazardous or inclement environments. Essentially, it’s ideal for installing outside on your vessel.

RockBLOCK originally became popular in the so-called ‘makers’ market, where engineers, students, and inventors develop creative projects using IT and electronics components. Everything from oceanology to homemade space planes have used the RockBLOCK system to send and receive commands and the simplicity of the system transfers well to the maritime sector.

As an easy to implement and operate system suitable for all levels of technical expertise, RockBLOCK 9603 provides a diverse user-base with the ability to cost-effectively extend the ‘Internet of Things’ to maritime arena. Thousands of RockBLOCK units have been sold to date. Some notable projects include two-way communication duties on high-altitude balloon launches, a rocket-powered aircraft project, tracking the position of marine buoys for the Poseidon Project, and a marine oil spill response system designed and built by students.

Potential applications on ships and boats include security, automation, and engine monitoring. But unlike the headline, million-dollar complex VSAT networks that are part of the big data and smart shipping concepts, M2M communication using RockBLOCK 9603 is achieved on far more modest budgets. This means privately owned workboats, fishing boats, and yachts can benefit from M2M communication, for basically any application they can think of, while larger fleets can save money and supplement their VSAT systems with an M2M-only solution.

The low initial outlay and airtime costs are also driving maritime technology companies to develop commercial products using RockBLOCK 9603 as a foundation. Although the bandwidth available over Iridium SBD is relatively low compared to VSAT, the potential for developing commercial products that can make a real difference is high.

One innovative application is the use of Ground Control’s M2M communication technology on hyperbaric lifeboats, which are designed to safely transfer divers currently in saturation and unable to decompress for days – should there be cause to abandon their diving ship. Decompression from saturation would cause certain death so modern saturation diving vessels are fitted with at least one hyperbaric lifeboat that can carry up to 18 divers to safety.

When on board the diving vessel, any occupants of the saturation diving chambers will be monitored closely to ensure their health and safety. This poses a challenge should the occupants have to be moved to a hyperbaric lifeboat in an emergency, as the conditions inside the lifeboat chamber have to be maintained to close tolerances of temperature, gas mixture and pressure. The resources available to maintain these conditions within the lifeboat chamber are strictly limited and to maintain the conditions stable for any amount of time is difficult. This makes the monitoring of available resources and conditions within the chamber critical.

A UK-based instrumentation and data logging company for the commercial diving industry is developing a system to make data from hyperbaric lifeboats available over satcom. Though hyperbaric lifeboats have been around for 30 years, this is the first serious attempt to connect them to a monitoring network by satcom. A key challenge until now has been the size and power requirements of satcom antennas. There’s also been a cost consideration, with the majority of satcom services locking users into annual contracts. Considering not a single hyperbaric lifeboat has ever been launched in a real emergency, funding a fleet of lifeboats with an open satcom connection could become costly if using VSAT or other L-band services.

So to enable satcom for data transmission from a hyperbaric lifeboat, the development team has chosen RockFLEET. The system offers the same functionality as RockBLOCK while addressing the size, power, and cost challenges of installation on hyperbaric lifeboats. Operating on the same Iridium SBD service as RockBLOCK, RockFLEET has primarily been designed as an innovative ship tracker. However, Rock Seven (now trading as Ground Control) launched an M2M module in December 2014, opening the RockFLEET system up for a wealth of new applications.

On the cost side, there’s no annual contract, only pay-as-you-go use. The system provides pole-to-pole global position data and each M2M data transmission costs as little as £0.03.

The RockFLEET unit is only 13cm diameter and 4cm high and can easily be integrated with onboard equipment using a variety of serial protocols, whilst RockFLEET’s open API ensures data in any format can easily be delivered to users’ own applications. It’s also the only system of its kind to feature an onboard battery, so if it loses power from the vessel, it can keep on working for approximately two weeks (depending on the application and environment).

These attributes are the drivers behind this project to enhance communication from hyperbaric lifeboats, and should one ever need to be launched for real, the occupants will stand a better chance of being recovered safely when their rescuers have critical data available.

While RockBLOCK provides a singular approach to M2M data, RockFLEET consolidates two key aspects of maritime communication systems – vessel tracking and M2M data. Many shipping companies are keen on the concept of vessel tracking; it’s vital to know where all ships in a fleet are at any one time. But with today’s IT-focused maritime world, it’s now not just possible to receive data from vessels but almost essential to do so in order to operate as efficiently as possible.

With the M2M data module, RockFLEET can provide both position data and any other kind of data required – an advanced feature set, but one that doesn’t cost the earth and can help operations on even the smallest vessel improve through the use of low-cost data communication.

Can we help?

If you are looking for a reliable, secure, and easy-to-use vessel tracking device, then the RockFLEET is a great option. It uses LTE networks where available, and the Iridium satellite network when your device is out of cellular coverage.

Start a chat with our team today and discover how RockFLEET can enhance your marine operations. Complete our online form, or if you prefer to speak to someone directly, call us on +44 (0) 1452 751940 (Europe, Asia, Africa) or +1.805.783.4600 (North and South America). We’re standing by to help.

    Required Field

    A new GSM module developed for the recently launched RockFLEET vessel tracking system introduces least cost routing functionality via terrestrial networks, giving users the opportunity to transmit position data via Iridium globally and switch to terrestrial networks when in range.

    With user-definable position reports or short text messages from anywhere in the world costing as little as £0.03 (see SBD Service Plans), RockFLEET is already a highly competitive solution for vessel and fleet tracking and low-cost two-way messaging at sea. Launched in September 2014, Rock Seven (now trading as Ground Control)’s latest Iridium-based satellite tracking system now offers even greater cost control with the ability to send position reports to the shore office using GSM data when in range.

    RockFLEET GSM functionality is a factory-fitted option that doesn’t change the size or compact form of the RockFLEET unit. It has no additional antenna for GSM use and can be supplied with a global roaming GSM SIM – or users can choose to install their own SIM from their preferred provider.

    In addition to enabling least-cost routing of data (GSM when inshore and Iridium when offshore), users can take advantage of the increased throughput at a lower cost on GSM to send more data more often. This is especially relevant for the efficiency of coastal and inland vessels, considering the recent introduction of an M2M (machine-to-machine) data module for RockFLEET and its potential telemetry and automation applications.
     

    “We continue to develop new capabilities for RockFLEET based on customer requests and market trends,” says Nick Farrell, director at Rock Seven t/a Ground Control. “The GSM module can reduce operational costs by switching to cheaper mobile networks, but it also gives access to more bandwidth than available offshore, so it can facilitate increased usage of RockFLEET position data transmission, two-way messaging, or M2M applications without increasing costs.”

     
    Though focused on operational costs, RockFLEET is a sophisticated, rugged tracking device designed for maritime and land vehicle use. With no annual contract and pay-as-you-go use, RockFLEET is designed to simplify and reduce the cost of single vessel and entire fleet tracking, supporting ship and vehicle owners to increase safety and efficiency through improved fleet management. It provides pole-to-pole global position data using the Iridium short burst data (SBD) capability.

    RockFLEET is the only GPS vessel-tracking device with an internal battery back-up, so it can continue to transmit position for up to two weeks if external power is cut. With facility to mount RockFLEET covertly, this makes it especially suitable for vessels traversing piracy hotspots.

    Get in touch

    If you are looking for a reliable, secure, and easy-to-use vessel tracking device, then the RockFLEET is a great option. It uses LTE networks where available, and the Iridium satellite network when your device is out of cellular coverage. Perfect for a variety of maritime applications and backed by a team of experts who are dedicated to providing you with the best possible support.

    Start a chat with our team today and discover how RockFLEET can enhance your marine operations. Complete our online form, or if you prefer to speak to someone directly, call us on +44 (0) 1452 751940 (Europe, Asia, Africa) or +1.805.783.4600 (North and South America). We're standing by to help.
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      Required Field

      Production on 81 satellites for the Iridium Next programme has begun at the Orbital Sciences Corporation Satellite Manufacturing Facility in Gilbert, Arizona.

      Orbital will manage production of the satellites under a contract between itself and Iridium’s prime contractor on NEXT, French-Italian aerospace company Thales Alenia Space.

      This will include integration of a total of 81 satellites for the constellation, including 66 low-Earth orbit operational satellites, six in-orbit spares, and nine ground-backup spacecraft, over the next three years.

      Orbital’s responsibilities under the project also include ground support equipment, primary and hosted payload integration, shipment, and launch integration services.

      Scheduled to begin launching in 2015, Iridium NEXT will fully replace Iridium’s current satellite constellation of 66 cross-linked low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites that cover 100 per cent of the globe.

      The provision of water to homes and businesses as well as wastewater treatment is essential. In fact, water utility companies need to provide billions of litres of fresh water to residential and commercial customers and to recycle equal amounts every day. As a result, water and wastewater service providers are under more pressure than ever to improve operational efficiencies. There’s one key area in which improvements can be made and that is effective monitoring and control of water production and treatment assets and other remote sites.

      Increasingly, such sites are found in remote parts of a country, particularly as demand for water is increasing. Similarly, the infrastructure required to deliver water to users and to take it away for treatment must cross challenging terrain. The equipment needed to manage this infrastructure and the various water plants needs constant supervision and generates significant volumes of data that must be recorded and conveyed to operations centres to ensure the smooth functioning of the cycle and to enable action to be taken in the event of any problems that might emerge.

      Effective monitoring and control of such assets requires complete visibility. One type of monitoring system frequently deployed is known as a supervisory control and data acquisition, or SCADA. Often within a SCADA system there’ll be wireless telemetry media that transmit data gathered by equipment sensors via radio, cellular, or satellite networks. For water and wastewater plants in remote locations, the most successful way to convey this critical data to operations centres is via satellite. The VSAT, or very small aperture terminal, is particularly suitable for deployment in remote monitoring applications because it’s optimised for low-bandwidth two-way data transmission – in other words, the kind of data conveyed in SCADA and telemetry applications.

      TSAT, is a variant of VSAT that’s been further optimised for mission-critical communications, offering a private satellite communications network in water and other utility industries. For this reason, it’s the ideal choice for SCADA and telemetry applications in water and wastewater plants.

      SCADASat by TSAT

      By locating a private TSAT3500 HUB at a control centre, complete independence of any public infrastructure is obtained, and secure and reliable communication is assured. Reliability can be enhanced further with implementation of the load-sharing redundant HUB option.

      Here to help

      Ground Control can deliver complete, turnkey solutions for all satellite communications, such as the TSAT3000 / SCADASat, involving SCADA and telemetry systems.

      If you'd like a no pressure call to talk through some of your current challenges, our expert team are here. Simply complete the form.
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        Required Field

        Renewable energy generation sites for hydro, wind and solar farms can often be in remote or hostile locations. There are many challenges in providing data backhaul from such sites, whether they’re in the development or deployment stages. Ground Control has deployed full end-to-end solutions for renewable energy sites in over 100 countries, working with equipment manufacturers and electricity generation companies alike.

        As the deployment of renewable energies grows, so does the investment. Billions of dollars are currently being invested in a range of new and innovative technologies designed to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and carbon-related sources.

        For investors it’s a high-risk strategy, as many of these new technologies are yet to be proven. While the potential dividends from a successful trial are massive, the sums involved are huge and the potential losses are significant. So what can investors and manufacturers of renewable energy devices do to lower that risk?

        One of the most important stages in a renewable energy deployment is the feasibility stage. Unlike traditional energy sources, renewable sources cannot be relied on to provide a consistent and predictable energy output. This is the same for most renewable sources. Solar energy can be affected by cloud cover and other high-level weather conditions. Tidal energy suffers from similar problems, where output can be irregular and unpredictable. Wind energy is subject to the random fluctuations of cloud and air pressure patterns. All of these things make the location and efficiency of renewable installations quite unpredictable. This is where the resource assessment stage is critical.

        Resource assessment is a preliminary stage designed to assess the average potential output of a renewable energy site. Trial equipment is located at the prospective site and regular measurements are taken of that site’s potential energy output. It’s a long and complex process. The measurements are sometimes taken over a period of months and years and there are significant challenges to face in accessing suitable locations. Wind resource assessment, for example, may require a company to monitor numerous hilltops and offshore sites.

        Remote telemetry systems are essential for this stage of any renewable energy project. With a remote telemetry system, data can be collected and transported by radio, GSM, or over satellite using the Inmarsat BGAN network. It’s a safer and more cost-effective way of planning the renewable economy and is essential to the successful deployment of renewable energy sources.

        Can We Help You?

        With 20 years of experience, we can help you make the best choices for your remote renewables connectivity infrastructure.

        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.

          Required Field

          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?

          Can We Help You?

          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.

            Required Field

            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?

            Get in touch

            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.
            Contact us

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              Required Field

              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?

              Get in touch

              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.
              Contact us

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                Required Field

                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: