Satellite Communications Blog - Beyond Expectations | Pulsar

Vessel Tracking Over Satellite

Written by Kinley Paisley | Dec 16, 2014 2:05:00 PM

Vessel tracking is a huge priority in the marine world. Whether you’re a single sailor who wants to make sure his family can follow his route or a large fleet operator needing real-time position reports from your entire fleet, satellite GPS vessel tracking is integral to knowing where you - and your assets - are in the world. 

There are three satellite GPS trackers that Global Marine Networks offers. Each of these units comes in a marinized, extremely hardy dome with water resistance up to 1 meter. They are mounted on standard threaded 1" antenna mounts although you will need to purchase the antenna mounts separately from a marine supply store. 

All prices quoted here are up to date as of publication, but please check with us to make sure that prices have not been changed. 

XTracker IR

XTracker IR (Iridium) is a robust, dependable and extremely compact tracking device that sends out GPS position reports at pre-programmed intervals from anywhere in the world using proven Iridium satellite technology. Position reports contain date, time, latitude, longitude, and average course and speed over the ground. GPS position reports are recorded, transmitted, and posted on the web in 20 seconds, on average. XTracker’s modest power requirements make it ideal for remote locations where solar panels or batteries are the only source of electricity.

Because the XTracker IR operates on the Iridium satellite network, this tracker offers truly global pole-to-pole coverage. 

MSRP: $1,799
Learn more about the XTracker IR here
Get a quote for XTracker IR by contacting us here

XTracker BR

This tracker only works if there is a satellite broadband unit on board (VSAT, Fleetbroadband, Iridium Pilot, BGAN, Thuraya IP, and others) and provides position reports from anywhere on the planet. Unit can be connected to a long-life battery to keep the unit self-contained. Because the XTracker BR routes the position reports through your satellite broadband device, the frequency of the position reports can be whatever you want. Hourly? Sure. Every 10 minutes? No problem. Every 30 seconds? Done.

There is no additional charge for XTracker services for increased frequency, although you may incur additional charges on  your satellite airtime bill for the airtime required to send the GPS pings.

MSRP: $329
Learn more about the XTracker BR here
Get a quote for XTracker BR by contacting us here.

XTracker GS

The RedPort XTracker GS allows you to track your assets and vessels anywhere within the expansive Globalstar Simplex coverage area without even relying on powering cables (although you can power over Ethernet, as well). Tracking can be set to every 5, 10, 30, or 60 minutes. Faster tracking is available (every 2.5 minutes), but it increases the monthly price. The tracking duration on these units has to be set on the tracker itself. It cannot be changed remotely.  

Depending on the type of battery being used, the XTracker GS can last as long as 10 years without changing the battery or needing any kind of upkeep.

MSRP: $299
Learn more about the XTracker GS here
Get a quote for XTracker GS by contacting us here.

How The GPS Vessel Tracking Works

Tracking for all units is provided through RedPort Tracking and consists of a detailed, robust online tracking interface that provides:

  • Real-time Position and Tracking
  • Longitude and latitude info
  • Emergency alarm/ SOS/Movement alarm/ Overspeed alarm/ Border crossing alert.
  • Geo-fence alarm
  • Course and Speed (on web-based tracking site) 
  • Web-based tracking or mobile-phone-based tracking
  • Central Monitoring system (web-base)
  • History of tracking movements
  • Ability to track hundreds of vessels or assets on one web-based monitoring system

Tracking is a monthly charge that encompasses the airtime required to send the satellite pings as well as a small fee for the dedicated web-portal and continuing tracking services.

We recommend going to tracking.redportglobal.com and clicking on the "Live Demo" option. This will give you a view of how the web interface works and what information can be derived from it.

 

Get a Custom Vessel Tracking Quote

We often work with large vessel operators and would be happy to provide you with a custom quote for tracking solutions needing a volume price. You can contact us here