Trimble TM3000 asset tracking device interfaced with Iridium SBD modem

GPS tracking by interfacing the Trimble TM3000 asset tracking device with an Iridium short burst data modem provides communication when GSM (GPRS and SMS) is unavailable.

The device will switch over to the Iridium modem for transmitting its reports to an internet-based applications server. This provides continuous tracking from anywhere, land/air/sea, in the world.

The platform can be adapted to a broad range of vehicle/asset monitoring, management and recovery services as it integrates a GSM/GPRS modem, a GPS receiver, three-axis accelerometer, extensive digital and analog inputs and outputs, two RS232 ports, battery backup, motor vehicle-grade power regulator, data logging, over-the-air configuration, an independent application subsystem and an array of peripheral interfaces in a small, robust package.

The RST425 data modem is a data terminal providing simple short burst data communications from all types of devices with serial communications to the global Iridium satellite network from or to anywhere on earth.

The Iridium network of low earth orbit satellites provides global voice and data communications from any location, land, air or sea. Iridium delivers essential communications services to and from remote areas where no other form of communication is available.

The short burst data service allows users to gain access to data packet services anywhere on earth.

It houses an Iridium SBD (short burst data) 9601 modem with a regulated power supply. It has external connections for power, an Iridium antenna and a DB9 connector for its RS232 communications.

The communications infrastructure is very similar to standard GSM infrastructure in the way that data is communicated to external equipment; a mobile phone number for SMS, an email address or an IP address. For tracking applications the data is sent to an IP address of the server service that provides the back-end monitoring.

The Iridium SBD modem is available over the voice modem primarily due to airtime costs but also for reliability. SBD does not require the same extensive bandwidth as voice and it only uses one of the control channels within the Iridium protocol.

The TM3000 interfaces to the RST425 via its secondary RS232 port. The TM3000 manages the communications over the RST425.