Summary of Maker Buoy solar powered GPS Iridium tracker
This article introduces the Maker Buoy, a solar-powered GPS tracker designed for Iridium satellite communication. Developed by Maker Buoy and compatible with Adafruit's Feather form factor, it is an evolution of earlier Arduino-based buoys used in ocean monitoring. The device utilizes Iridium Short Burst Data (SBD) for global data transmission, offering a smaller, cheaper, and easier-to-construct solution for tracking ocean currents.
Parts used in the Maker Buoy:
- Solar powered GPS tracker
- Iridium transceiver
- Feather form factor board
- Arduino-based system
- Iridium Short Burst Data (SBD) service modem
Makers, developers and electronic enthusiasts looking for a way to communicate with the Iridium satellite network, may be interested in the new circuit board created by Maker Buoy. Their latest developer on board offers a solar powered GPS tracker providing communications with Iridium, due to its ability to be attached to a Feather form factor board, Adafruit has added it to its Feather list of components. The new
“The idea for an Arduino-based drifting buoy arose from a fascination with the Internet of Things applied to the ocean. In 2016 we deployed an Arduino-based buoy with GPS and an Iridium transceiver off Norfolk, VA. Amazingly, that buoy lasted over two years and travelled over 9000 miles. Since then, several more capable buoys have been deployed and documented here. The current Maker Buoy design is a descendant of those earlier buoys, but smaller, cheaper, and easier to construct. This design is currently in use providing valuable information on ocean currents.”
For data transmission, the Maker Buoy design utilizes the Iridium Short Burst Data (SBD) service for worldwide service. Costs of the service are a monthly modem registration fee of $13/mo and $.06/message (50 Bytes) sent or received.
Source: Maker Buoy solar powered GPS Iridium tracker
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What is the primary function of the Maker Buoy?
It provides solar powered GPS tracking and communicates with the Iridium satellite network. -
How does the Maker Buoy transmit data?
The design utilizes the Iridium Short Burst Data (SBD) service for worldwide service. -
Is the Maker Buoy compatible with other boards?
Yes, it offers the ability to be attached to a Feather form factor board from Adafruit. -
What are the costs associated with the Iridium service?
Costs include a monthly modem registration fee of $13/mo and $.06 per message of 50 Bytes sent or received. -
How does the current Maker Buoy compare to earlier designs?
The current design is a descendant that is smaller, cheaper, and easier to construct than earlier buoys. -
What type of information does the buoy provide?
The design is currently in use providing valuable information on ocean currents. -
Can the Maker Buoy operate off-grid?
Yes, it is solar powered and uses the Iridium network for communication without terrestrial internet.
