Summary of MyComm: A portable satellite messaging system
MyComm is a portable satellite messaging system designed for global connectivity, including remote areas beyond cellular range. It consists of a handheld device powered by solar energy and a server component. The system utilizes the Iridium Satellite Network's Short Burst Data service to transmit limited text messages via a RockBLOCK Mk2 modem, controlled by a Teensy 3.1 microcontroller.
Parts used in the MyComm:
- RockBLOCK Mk2 satellite modem
- Iridium 9602/3 Transceiver
- Teensy 3.1 micro controller module
- 2.8 TFT LCD touch screen user interface
- Solar power source
- MyComm Server
Never before have we been so incredibly connected to one another than today; thanks to the prevalence of internet and mobile data networks. But the dimension of this connected world is finite and ends not far beyond the outermost cell phone tower. John Grant wanted to be connected to his friends and family all the time and from everywhere. So he planned to build MyComm, a portable satellite messaging system that allows him to send text messages from anywhere on Earth.
The MyComm project consists of two parts: the MyComm Handheld and the MyComm Server. The MyComm Handheld is a standalone device that features a 2.8” TFT LCD touch screen user interface and is capable of running on solar power. The heart of this project is the RockBLOCK Mk2, a satellite modem with an Iridium 9602/3 Transceiver, which allows two way communication with the MyComm Server over the Iridium Satellite Network using the Iridium Short Burst Data (SBD) service. The SBD is a bandwidth-limited messaging system, and therefore, the transmitting and receiving packets are limited to 340 bytes and 270 bytes per message, respectively. With 66 operating satellites, the Iridium satellite network works far beyond the reach of WiFi and GSM networks and allows transmission of information from any point on Earth, including the polar regions.
The MyComm project uses a Teensy 3.1 micro controller module for handling the user inputs and text messages, as well as for controlling the satellite modem. Because Iridium operates in the microwave L-band, MyComm requires an unobstructed line-of-sight view of a satellite is for reliable data communication. John has already submitted MyComm to the 2016 Hackaday Prize contest and is planning to run a Kickstarter campaign in ear future to launch this project into the market.
- What is the purpose of the MyComm project?
To build a portable satellite messaging system that allows users to send text messages from anywhere on Earth. - Can MyComm operate without WiFi or GSM networks?
Yes, the Iridium satellite network works far beyond the reach of WiFi and GSM networks. - How does the device receive power?
The MyComm Handheld is capable of running on solar power. - What limits the size of data packets in this system?
The SBD service is bandwidth-limited, restricting transmitting packets to 340 bytes and receiving packets to 270 bytes. - What hardware handles user inputs and controls the modem?
A Teensy 3.1 micro controller module handles user inputs and controls the satellite modem. - Does the system work in polar regions?
Yes, the Iridium satellite network allows transmission from any point on Earth, including the polar regions. - What type of communication service does the RockBLOCK use?
It uses the Iridium Short Burst Data service for two-way communication. - Why is an unobstructed line-of-sight view required?
Because Iridium operates in the microwave L-band, a clear view of a satellite is needed for reliable data communication.
