AST Australia Cobham Explorer PTT satellite RoIP

In remote field work, VHF and UHF have always had inherent coverage limitations. But today, operators can have a radio IP network via satellite that solves many coverage problems.

AST Australia has focused its efforts on providing satellite comms-on-the-move with radio IP connectivity.  In collaboration with Cobham, a new mobile satellite L-band solution has been developed that provides a basic fist microphone PTT solution that can operate either in a moving vehicle/vessel or at a fixed location using both GSM and satellite connectivity.

The Cobham Explorer PTT is a purpose-built L-band satellite RoIP solution designed to be bandwidth efficient on the Inmarsat network to provide a global solution. Additionally, there is the advantage of using GSM when available (there are ports for two GSM dongles), which is said to provide a true least-cost route between mobile and satellite.

Also provided is a 4-wire ear and mouth solution, with which operators can add existing radio infrastructure and connect various nodes to essentially become a bridge, a repeater or a simple PTT device. In fact, the vehicle itself can become a mobile radio repeater to reach all users within range.

The intelligent fist microphone lets users select predefined user groups on the fly. It can also record the last five voice messages received, allowing for instant replays. This feature is expanded in the server providing a full audit trail. A console is available to manage the user groups from head office. The solution can also provide real-time tracking, a second dedicated voice line and internet broadband access.