Satellite Vehicle Tracking - Beyond The Mobile Tower

Remote Worker Safety: Satellite And Cellular GPS Trackers

Satellite And Cellular GPS Tracker Australia

The G150 is a cellular to satellite hybrid GPS tracker that; can also be fitted with an Iridium Edge® modem and harness  for tracking assets even when they move out of mobile coverage.

What is iridium?

The Iridium Satellite Constellation is a system of 66 satellites for voice and data communications. The constellation covers the entire earth, so voice and data can be transmitted anywhere. This makes an Iridium device capable of remote worker safety, tracking vehicles with GPS in out-of-coverage areas, and enabling duress or rollover alerts in these locations.

Managing Remote Fleets In The Australian Outback

The Australian Outback includes both arid and desert regions. Workers will frequently operate vehicles in remote locations that rarely see rainfall, where temperatures often reach 40°C–50°C through the summer. This creates dry, dusty conditions. The sparsely distributed population also results in more unsealed roads. These combine to put more stress on vehicle maintenance and increase the risk for personnel. Workers in these regions will either be operating alone or in small teams. They often work far from cellular coverage. Should a safety incident occur or, in the case of a vehicle breakdown, help might be some hours away,

The G150 remote GPS vehicle tracker provides global GPS vehicle security tracking and coverage anywhere, even when you need to track vehicles and assets in remote locations.

Perfect for mining, oil, gas or construction firms in remote and potentially dangerous parts of the world. The Iridium Edge Solar solar powered GPS tracker can also ensure the safety and security of equipment and personnel. Shipping companies or customers can track and monitor high-value cargo from portal to portal.

Drawbacks

Iridium Edge device and its airtime are costly.

How Does The Hybrid G150 GPS Tracker Work?

The G150 hybrid GPS tracker has a GPS/GNSS module, a cellular modem, and several other high-quality components, including a Bluetooth® module, digital and analogue inputs, and RS232 and J1939 interfaces.

When the tracking device is within Telstra mobile coverage, it records and uploads its position to the server. Typically, it will stay connected to the network when driving and uploads immediately for 'live tracking'. The cellular modem is in charge of handling this data transfer.

Hybrid Trackers - Cellular To Satellite

If the device travels outside the 4G mobile network, it can connect with an Iridium Edge® module. This iridium edge device houses an Iridium modem and antenna, which allow the device to connect to the Iridium network and transmit data back to the server.

The G150 records a large amount of data in its internal memory, such as heading changes, speed changes, input changes, and other valuable GPS tracking information.

However, it will send a subset of this data every 30 minutes during a trip (by default) over Iridium SBD. This is entirely configurable and ensures that Iridium data costs are controlled. An Iridium data bill for real-time GPS tracking would be an unhappy surprise!

The Iridium SBD (short burst data) service only allows a message size of 20 bytes, so a few other vital bits of information, such as inputs (for duress) and rollover/crash information, can be sent immediately if they occur.
When the device returns to coverage, it will update its entire history of stored data so you can replay trips and get other detailed tracking information.

The basics of Short Burst Data can be viewed below:

Applications for the G150 Hybrid GPS Tracker:

• Asset tracking
• Fleet management
• Tracking of mobile assets such as trucks and heavy equipment
• Global GPS tracking
• OHS regulations
• Tracking vehicles and assets in remote areas that are frequently in and out of cellular coverage
• Ensure remote workers are safe, so far from communication
• Remote worker safety
• Enabling Duress and SOS Alarms
• Regulatory compliance

FAQ Remoter GPS Vehicle Trackers

▼How does a remote GPS vehicle tracker enhance vehicle security, and what are the key features that support theft prevention?

A remote GPS vehicle tracker enhances vehicle security by providing real-time location data, allowing owners or fleet managers to monitor the vehicle's movements from anywhere. Key features include geofencing, which triggers alerts if the vehicle moves outside a designated area, and tamper alerts that notify the owner if the tracker is removed or tampered with. The G150 can immobilise the vehicle, preventing theft. The integration with our Keep Track GPS Telematics apps and cloud-based platforms ensures that users have continuous access to their vehicle's status, further enhancing security.

◄What is the difference between a traditional GPS tracker and a hybrid GPS tracker?

Traditional GPS trackers rely solely on the Mobile network to update the vehicle's location, which can be problematic in areas with poor mobile reception. On the other hand, dual-mode GPS trackers prioritise the cellular networks for tracking but automatically switch to the iridium satellite service when cellular coverage is weak or lost. This ensures continuous and reliable tracking, even in remote areas or challenging environments where cellular coverage may be limited. The ability to seamlessly switch between networks enhances accuracy and reliability.

◄What are the main benefits of using remote GPS vehicle trackers for fleet management, and how can they improve efficiency and reduce costs?

Remote GPS vehicle trackers offer numerous benefits for fleet management, including real-time tracking route optimisation. By monitoring each vehicle's location and performance, fleet managers can reduce fuel consumption, avoid unnecessary mileage, and improve scheduling. Additionally, remote trackers enable more effective driver management, providing data on driving behaviour that can be used to improve safety and reduce vehicle wear and tear. These efficiencies translate into lower operating costs, improved customer service, and better fleet performance.

◄How does a hybrid GPS tracker maintain accurate location data in areas with poor cellular signal, and what technology does it use?

A Satellite and cellular GPS tracker maintains accurate location data by automatically switching from cellular networks to the iridium satellite-based network when the cellular signal is weak or lost. This dual-mode functionality allows the tracker to provide precise location data every 10 - 30 minutes, even in remote areas where cellular networks are unreliable or unavailable. By leveraging both technologies, hybrid GPS trackers ensure continuous tracking in various environments, making them ideal for vehicles operating in urban and rural settings.

◄What are the power options for remote and hybrid GPS vehicle trackers, and how do they affect the installation process and long-term maintenance?

Remote and hybrid GPS vehicle trackers typically offer various power options, including hardwired connections to the vehicle’s battery, plug-and-play options through the OBD-II port, or standalone units with rechargeable or replaceable batteries. Hardwired trackers are ideal for permanent installations and require professional installation, but they offer continuous power and low maintenance. Plug-and-play trackers are easy to install and can be moved between vehicles. They depend on the vehicle’s power and may require periodic checks. Battery-powered or solar-powered GPS trackers provide flexibility but require regular charging or battery replacement. The power option will depend on the specific use case and desired level of maintenance.

◄What type of data can be collected and analysed from remote GPS vehicle trackers, and how can this data be used to enhance driver safety and optimise vehicle usage?

Remote GPS vehicle trackers can collect a wide range of data, including real-time location, speed, route history, idle time, and run hours. This data can be analysed to optimise vehicle usage by identifying inefficient routes, reducing idle time, and scheduling maintenance based on actual vehicle performance rather than time intervals. For driver safety, the data can highlight risky driving behaviours such as speeding, harsh braking, and rapid acceleration. Fleet managers can use this information to implement driver training programs, set up alerts for unsafe behaviour, and ensure compliance with safety regulations, ultimately reducing the risk of accidents and improving overall safety on the road.