NEWS RELEASE
Appareo Releases Highly-Capable, Rugged Telematics Gateway with Truly Global Connectivity
The new telematically-enabled ECU features Iridium® satellite connectivity along with LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 433 MHz, CAN, BroadR-Reach, Ethernet, and GPS
FARGO, North Dakota (June 29, 2020) — Appareo today released a new product in the company’s award-winning line of telematically-enabled electronic control units (ECUs). The Gateway 360 is a rugged yet lightweight edge computing platform for mobile equipment applications that provides a wide range of communication technologies: Iridium SBD, Cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and 433 MHz radios, with GPS, BroadR-Reach, Ethernet, and controller area networking (CAN). The device is built with an IP67-rated rugged enclosure for use outdoors and for mounting on heavy machinery.
The Appareo Gateway 360 is unique in that it couples truly global wide area connectivity capabilities through both an Iridium satellite connection, LTE connectivity with local area Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and 433 MHz radios in a powerful computational platform capable of receiving and processing data from a wide range of vehicle networks and buses.
“The 300 series of Gateways are powerful edge computational products that provide a truly global connectivity solution capable of bridging the communication gap between all manner of on- and off-machine applications in very rugged environments,” said David Batcheller, President & CEO of Appareo. “The broad spectrum of communication technologies in the Gateway 360 offers an amazing array of solutions to global off-highway connectivity challenges.”
Off-highway machines are often used in very remote parts of the world. The cellular capabilities of the Gateway 360 are certified in dozens of countries; however, cellular coverage is limited in some geographies. Appareo’s use of the Iridium SBD transceiver allows for truly global machine coverage. The presence of Iridium on the device ensures that critical machine data can be retrieved, and wherever that equipment may be (land, air, or water) the Gateway 360 will keep Appareo customers and their machines connected.
The local area network connections (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and 433 MHz) allow machines to communicate directly with each other and with the operators or passengers. This allows people near the machine in its job site or field to be connected, informed, or in control, using real-time data with zero latency and no network costs. Further, groups of machines can communicate with machines and attachments to improve operator experience and efficiency.
For example, using 433 MHz or Bluetooth, the Gateway 360 can communicate with active RFID products, like the AT-40 asset tracker, tire pressure sensors, and other wireless machine sensors. This capability allows for machines to receive information from hydraulic and mechanical attachments, and despite the lack of electrical power on those attachments, use information from the active RFID tag to recognize the attachment, and automatically adjust machine control settings accordingly.
From remote diagnostics (securely accessing devices with available VPN remote access to troubleshoot equipment in real time) to inexpensively deploying firmware updates over the air through differential software updating tools, Appareo Gateways offer a wide spectrum of capabilities that go beyond traditional telematic data usage for preventive maintenance and remote support.
Appareo Gateway Series
Appareo and Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq:IRDM) originally partnered in 2016 to release technology to equip motorized farm vehicles with terrestrial and satellite communication capabilities, enabled by the truly global Iridium satellite network — the only mobile voice and data satellite communications network that spans the entire globe. Appareo was one of the first companies chosen to integrate the Iridium 9603 chipset, the smallest commercial two-way satellite transceiver.
“Appareo continues to be a leader in bringing next generation telematics solutions and global connectivity to customers,” said Bryan Hartin, Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Iridium. “With the Gateway 360’s truly global machine coverage, critical machine data can now be retrieved in even the most remote locations.”
AGCO Corporation (NYSE:AGCO) integrated Appareo’s 300 Series Gateways for its telematic solutions, specifically to expand wireless telemetry solutions for remote precision agriculture and machine monitoring.
“AGCO has been working with Appareo for many years and we have built our connectivity strategy leveraging the Gateway 360. We see advantages with the capabilities and the global reach this product provides, whether we are leveraging cellular or the Iridium satellite capabilities. It is great to have a partner that has deep expertise and is willing to work closely on our mutual goals,” said Seth Crawford, Vice President, Fuse Connected Services and Digital Customer Experience at AGCO.
To learn more about Appareo’s line of Gateways, visit appareo.com.
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About Appareo
Appareo is a recognized leader in the custom design, development and manufacture of innovative electronic and software solutions for aerospace and terrestrial applications. Through the creative application of cutting-edge technologies, Appareo creates complex end-to-end solutions that include both mobile and cloud-based components. The company is privately held, with headquarters in Fargo, N.D., and a design office in Paris, France. All products are built and supported in the USA.
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