Global tracking and communication
The handheld unit is waterproof, ruggedized, and built to withstand the most challenging environments. It’s an ideal safety device for adventurers, field workers, science expeditions, remote racing events, and anyone travelling outside mobile phone range frequently, or for an extended period of time.
The tracker will wake up on a regular basis, obtain a position using the GPS satellite network, and then transmit that position back to Ground Control HQ in seconds using the Iridium satellite network. The message is relayed to us from Iridium and then we visualise the positions on an easy-to-use web-based viewer.
The RockSTAR also allows short messages (like SMS, social media updates, and short emails) to be sent using a paired Bluetooth device, such as a smartphone, and the Messenger app. This allows for full two-way communication wherever you are, even when out of cellular network range.
Ideal for multiple users
Whether you have one device or 1,000 devices, with Ground Control’s Cloudloop Tracking web-based platform, managing them is easy. You can sub-divide devices into groups to suit your needs, and set up multiple users with different permissions. For instance, some staff could be set up to simply ‘view’ positions, whereas others could be given permissions to send commands and configure devices in the field.
- Track all of your field workers’ position from a single screen
- Set up and track against waypoints
- Monitor alerts from devices
- Set up geo-fences to provide early warning if a device has gone inside / outside a certain area
- Add line rental and credits to your devices
- Web-based, for access anywhere
- Full support from experienced staff.
- 5-button keypad plus specific ‘alert’ button
- Bright OLED screen for information display
- Full two-way communication system
- Over-the-air reconfiguration of key parameters
- USB connection for charging and for data transfer
- Truly global operation using the Iridium satellite network
- Long battery life (over 2500 transmissions on a single charge)
- Bluetooth LE for advanced messaging (requires Bluetooth LE-compatible phone/tablet)
- Powered By: Internal battery, rechargeable via USB
- Battery Life: Up to three weeks transmitting every 15 mins, up to three months transmitting once per hour, up to 12 months transmitting once per day
- Tracking Options: Various tracking options from every five seconds to 12 hours
- Alert Options: Red button alert, timer alert, dead man’s switch, temperature (high/low) alert, external power loss
- Transmits Using: Iridium
- Size: 144 x 76 x 36mm (plus antenna)
- Weight: 303 grams
- Waterproofing: IP-67 (submersion up to 1m for 30 mins)
- Other Certifications: FCC and CE MIL-810 F/G (ruggedness)
- Ideal For: Handheld use, personnel etc. Temporary vehicle/yacht mounting using Soft Pouch, Permanent vehicle/yacht mounting using Quick Release Mount
Our tracking tariffs include access to Cloudloop Tracking, our integrated platform for monitoring your remote assets. Billing is monthly in arrears, unless otherwise specified. There are no long-term contracts, and no cancellation fees. If your device is active but suspended, the monthly fee reduces to $3.
RockSTAR is fully integrated with our tracking platform, Cloudloop Tracking. This gives you the ability to see the current and historical positions of the device holder on an online, map-based interface. It’s designed for simple applications; if you have more sophisticated requirements, ask us about our partners. Or, if you prefer to consume the data into your proprietary platform, we have detailed APIs to assist with this.
Cloudloop Tracking Key Features
- Hyper-accurate GPS readings show clear positions on a map
- Instant notification when the alert button is used
- View distance travelled by individuals or groups
- Speed monitoring and simple event tracking (e.g. signal loss)
With each RockSTAR unit you will receive:
- The RockSTAR unit
- A USB charger
- A 0.3m USB cable
- A Quick Start Card.
Frequently Asked Questions
RockSTAR uses the Iridium satellite network. Specifically, it uses an Iridium service called ‘short burst data’ (SBD). You can see the SBD service plans here. At the heart of RockSTAR is an Iridium 9602 modem.
Yes, you can use the device to send/receive short messages – either using the device itself, with preset messages, or by linking with an iPhone/iPad/Android device to send custom messages.
Messages sent from the device itself are always sent to the group of people you nominate in the management system – i.e. any message will be sent to all configured responders; you can’t choose a specific person.
Messages sent via the Bluetooth link (using the Messenger app) can be sent to any destination, via either email address or cell/mobile phone number.
In all cases, people can reply to those messages, via e-mail or SMS, and the messages will come back to either the device or the Messenger app respectively.
As with all satellite-based devices, the better view of the sky the unit has, the better it will perform.
RockSTAR units use two sets of satellites: GPS satellites in order to get a position fix, and Iridium satellites to transmit that position back to base. The GPS signal is weaker than the Iridium signal.
Typically, if the RockSTAR is near to a window inside then it may be able to obtain a GPS fix and transmit, although it will take longer than normal, and will therefore use more battery power.
If the unit is deep inside a building then it’s unlikely to get a fix or transmit very well, and will therefore use up a lot of battery quite quickly. However, we have had devices transmit successfully from inside caves, fridges, under the seats of cars, and so on – so it is possible, just not guaranteed, and not as reliable as usual.
As a rule, the better view of the sky you can provide for the RockSTAR, the better it will perform and the longer the battery will last.
Lithium Ion batteries should not be kept permanently at 100%, and so when the RockSTAR is fully charged, a battery protection circuit will start working, and will allow the battery to run down to 95% and then top it up again.
If you have the unit on charge for a long period, you may find it is showing something like 96% rather than 100%. Do not worry about this, it is perfectly normal, and it is the battery protection system doing a good job.
The RockSTAR has a huge battery capacity, so you should not worry about a few % difference. It is better that the battery will last for many years of service, and so this system protects against this.
Updating your firmware is a relatively simple process. If you have a Mk3 tracker (sold from October 2014 onwards) then you can do this via the RockCONNECT app. Go to Advanced, Firmware Update, and follow the instructions to ensure you have the latest firmware.
If you have a Mk2 tracker or earlier (bought before October 2014) then please email us for instructions.
Unless advised otherwise, please don’t do this when you are in mid-expedition, or just about to get on a plane to Peru… as with all firmware update processes, there is a very very minor risk that the process will fail.
If in any doubt at all, please see Firmware Release Notes or contact us at help@groundcontrol.com for advice and support.
RockSTAR units and YB units are both manufactured by Ground Control, and they are identical in terms of hardware.
The difference is in the Cloudloop Tracking platform, which you get as part of the RockSTAR package, and which makes it ideal for multiple users.
Documentation
Want to know more?
Simply complete the form to find out whether the RockSTAR is the right fit for your organization. With our 20 years of expertise, we'll guide you in making the optimal choices for your critical communication requirements. 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).
