M2M Connectivity Newsletter January 2014

M2M Connectivity

M2M Connectivity

JANUARY EDITION OF CONNECTED

January 2014

Factors influencing the growth in the Internet of Things (IoT) include improvements to the Internet infrastructure and the declining costs of both devices (premoninately sensors) and data. The switch over to IPv6 has provided a supply of IP addresses for the many uniquely idenifiable IoT devices and the various cloud-based services emerging are designed to help manage sensors and the data they produce.  The costs of IoT components is expected to be at a point that connectivity will become a standard feature in the future.  Alternative cellular networks specifically established to support the IoT are offering cheap data rates and cheap hardware for high volume throughput, creating an easy and low cost entry point to the IoT.

M2M Connectivity works with many customers building solutions that form part of the emerging IoT. These solutions for industrial automation and monitoring, enable data collection and transfer, remote configuration and download of applications, diagnostics, control, network connectivity and more.

If you would like further information on any item in this newsletter please contact us. Click here to request more information

Darren Moroney – General Manager, M2M Connectivity

Product News

NEW Sierra Wireless AirLink GX400 3G Gateway – Ethernet Option

GX400 + Ethernet optionThe AirLink GX400 3G/NextG gateway now is now available with an Ethernet option which adds 2 extra Ethernet ports. Create a three port wireless Ethernet switch to connect any Ethernet enabled device such as a laptop, car reader, IP camera, or dispatch terminal. The Ethernet model provides both gateway and switch capabilities eliminating the need for additional hardware.

The AirLink GX400 delivers high performance, mission-critical cellular communication and GPS location. Its rugged military spec design (MIL-STD 810) and water-resistant aluminum casing (IP-64 rating) enables it to withstand the extreme temperature changes, humidity, shock, and vibration found in mobile applications.

Supporting 3G networks, the GX400 is ideal for in-vehicle field deployments such as connecting police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, public transit, taxis, or any other fleet application.

For more information on the Sierra Wireless AirLink GX400 with Ethernet option, please click here.

NEW RB912U 3G Router Kit

RB912U 3G Router KitThe RB912U 3G Router Kit is a low cost Ethernet Router package in a small versatile format.

The RB912 3G/NextG Router Kit comes complete with indoor case, 2 cellular antennas, power supply and NextG approved module from Sierra Wireless (HSPA+).  RB912 router board includes the RouterOS operating system which can operate as a mobile 3G ethernet router, firewall, bandwidth manager, and more – all at the same time.

For more information on the RB912U Router Kit, please click here.

Coming Soon – Radiocrafts TinyMesh Module with Pulse Counting

Radiocrafts TinyMesh RF ModulesRadiocrafts TinyMesh RF Transceiver Modules are compact surface-mounted high performance modules for wireless mesh networking applications. The modules feature a fully embedded TinymeshTM multi-hop protocol with automatic network forming and self- healing features.

Radiocrafts new TinyMesh firmware will support pulse counting for straightforward integration to a pulse source such as pulse water meters.  The new TinyMesh firmware will also feature sleep mode with the module to be woken up by events, thus enabling the module to be battery powered.

Available in 2014.

For more information on Radiocrafts TinyMesh module with pulse counting, please click here.

Quake Q-Pro Inmarsat IDP 3G HSPA+ samples available

Quake Q-Pro Inmarsat IDP with turnkey appThe Quake Q-Pro Satellite Data Modem with Inmarsat/GPS/GSM is a portable, self-contained global communication, and navigation system. This rugged, environmentally sealed modem offers the latest in advanced programmable features for tailored communications.

The Q-Pro delivers reliable two-way through the Inmarsat Isat Data Pro network and terrestrial GSM networks and is equipped with an advanced 50-channel GPS system.

Developers and integrators can select a variety of power options including Inputs/Outputs, antenna detection, Can Bus, serial Comms and others.  The Q-Pro modem with the serial app loaded, can pass a stream of bytes over the first available network with priority to terrestrial network. Loaded with the Turnkey app, the Q-Pro can have tracking capabilities as well as control over the air. The turnkey application allows the user to configure the modem using a series of interactive menus.

The Q-Pro also uses an API (Application Programming Interface) that empowers developpers to integrate its functions and build customized onboard applications.

Engineering samples of the Q-Pro IDP are available.
For more information on the Quake Q-Pro modem, please click here.

connectBlue – Which Short Range technology to choose for M2M and IoT?

connectBlue’s article in the M2M Journal titled “Short-range low power wireless devices and M2M / Internet-of-things” looks at the last 100 metres of devices in use which are typically not connected.

Short range wireless technologies will play an important role in M2M and IoT solutions where small devices (such as various sensors) are connected to services on a wide-area Internet network.
 
Read connectBlue’s article here.

Tech Tip

Tech Tip: How to enable GPS NMEA output on MC7304 and MC7710 under Linux.

Under Linux based O/S you need to send the string “$GPS_START” on the NMEA port to enable the NMEA strings.

Also ensure that the GPS feature is enabled on the module.

Issue AT!CUSTOM=”GPSENABLE”,1 and then AT!RESET if “GPSENABLE” is not listed in the response for AT command – AT!CUSTOM?.

 
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