1 advantages of leo technology – Panasonic 3.0 User Manual

Page 54

Advertising
background image

EchoMap v3.0

54

9

9

.

.

T

T

H

H

E

E

O

O

R

R

B

B

C

C

O

O

M

M

M

M

D

D

A

A

T

T

A

A

L

L

I

I

N

N

K

K

N

N

E

E

T

T

W

W

O

O

R

R

K

K

The ORBCOMM system operates using a new generation of satellite

technology called Low-Earth Orbit satellites ("LEOs"). The ORBCOMM

constellation is the world's first commercial LEO data and messaging

system, consisting of 35 satellites which send and receive data packets in

quick bursts. The ORBCOMM constellation is a redundant and relatively

simple relaying system. It operates as a “bent pipe,” sending and

receiving information to a network of ground earth stations where most of

the system complexity resides. The system has been fully operational

since November 1998.

The ORBCOMM system uses 137-138 MHz frequency for transmissions

down to aircraft and 148-150 MHz frequencies for transmissions up to the

satellites. The FCC allocated and approved these frequencies for LEO

satellite system use at the World Administrative Radio Conference in

February 1992. The FCC then applied approval to Little LEO mobile

satellite services in January 1993. The FCC granted ORBCOMM a U.S.

commercial license in October 1994.

9.1

Advantages of LEO Technology

1.

Low Cost -

ORBCOMM's LEO satellites occupy orbits approximately

500 to 600 miles above the Earth. The close proximity to earth means

the Subscriber Communicators require less powerful transmitters (5

watts) and relatively simple whip antenna systems. Therefore, the

transceiver equipment needed to communicate with an ORBCOMM

satellite can be relatively small, lightweight and inexpensive.

2.

Any Altitude, Anywhere -

The ORBCOMM system allows you to

receive weather images while flying at any altitude, anywhere. This

allows you to receive weather information when the weather is bad, and

when lowering ceilings keep you within a few thousand feet of the

ground and you are out of reach of tower-based weather information.

Additionally, by using a satellite data link you can fly the quickest and

most efficient route of flight without the inefficiencies of having to fly

out of your way to access tower based weather information.

3.

Multiple Applications -

The ORBCOMM system, much like the GPS

constellation, is a satellite system developed for multiple mobile markets.

Thus, the aviation industry can benefit from the scale of economies of

this widely used technology at low cost today.

4.

Omni-Directional Antenna -

Unlike other satellite systems, LEO

transceivers do not require a directional dish for two-way

communication; rather they operate with an omni-directional whip

antenna sending data in quick bursts. ORBCOMM operates on a VHF

frequency range making it resistant to attenuation such as rain and

foliage.

Advertising