Globalstar launched the STX3 simplex satellite global
transmitter, claiming the lowest power-consuming technology currently
on the market. This makes the STX3 a key requirement for customers
whose monitoring devices are dispersed in remote and harsh
environments.
Globalstar engineers have shrunk the chip technology to be a third of
the size of its predecessor, the widely-deployed STX2. About the size
of a quarter, and with low-cost and low-power, the STX3 is designed to
be easily integrated into a broad range of M2M devices and applications
for cost-effective remote sensing, tracking and monitoring of items as
diverse as sheep, ships and meters.
These attributes also make the STX3 ideal for hybrid GPRS/GSM-based M2M
tracking or monitoring devices to provide a cost-effective,
satellite-based backup communications solution for areas where mobile
network reception is either patchy or non-existent.
Customer quotes
Ovinto, an M2M telematics specialist based in Belgium, is one VAR who
has been testing the STX3 chipset. "We have been using the STX2 for
many years as it meets our stringent requirements for reliability in
even the harshest of environments including contact with explosive
materials," said Frederick Ronse, Founder and CEO of Ovinto. "We have
been testing the STX3 and see great potential in using this new
technology, particularly its very long battery life. Our customers want
to use Ovinto Sat with the reassurance that they can go years without
having to replace device batteries in wagons and containers across
Europe."
Mobiltex Data of Calgary, Alberta, was the first company to
design a product specifically around the STX3. Engineering Manager Tony
da Costa praised the product saying, "The small size of the Globalstar
STX3 transmitter module was a crucial factor that allowed Mobiltex to
design a unique miniature remote pipeline monitoring product that could
be mounted inside existing space-constrained enclosures. Coupled with
the excellent Globalstar Simplex coverage footprint, low recurring
monthly service costs, and low transmitter power requirements, the
decision to use Globalstar for this product was an easy one."
The STX3 module sends one-way data messages via the Globalstar Simplex
Network when integrated into a tracking or monitoring device. The
module is easily integrated into devices for fixed and mobile asset
management, remote sensing, data reporting and data logging
applications over a near-global network. Use cases include: dual device
tracking (GSM/Satellite), animal tracking, pipeline management, fleet
management (marine and vehicular) and many other M2M applications with
size constraints.
"We see a huge opportunity for VARs and OEMs to incorporate the STX3
chipset into compact and efficient communications devices targeted at a
wide and fast-growing range of vertical markets," said Jay Monroe,
Chairman and CEO of Globalstar. "With its unrivalled low power
consumption and small size, this chipset has the potential to
accelerate the adoption of satellite-based M2M -- both satellite-only
solutions and hybrid cellular/satellite offerings."
