Specifications

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5.17.4 PIN-code
In order for the Iridium option to function, the SIM-card has to be in unprotected mode: a mode
where the SIM-card does not require a PIN- or PUK-code. Please indicate this to the Iridium
provider when ordering a SIM-card. The provider should be able to deliver an unprotected SIM-
card. If the SIM-card is not in unprotected mode, the PIN-code has to be removed manually.
This is possible using a special configuration sequence, see section 5.17.
5.17.5 Configuration and operation
The Iridium option is designed to operate with the internet communication software of the buoy.
Please refer to the iBuoy manual for more information.
5.17.6 Specifications
Table 5.20.1 summarizes some important Iridium specifications.
Table 5.20.1. Iridium specifications
FREQUENCY
BAND
1616 – 1626.5 MHZ
HF
Transmit power 7 W max.
Minimum 6 mW (1 update / day)
Typical 16 mW (8 updates / day)
Power
consumption
Maximum 74 mW (48 updates / day)
Communication Data format Datawell internet communication / iBuoy
5.17.7 Communication over the internet
The Datawell internet communication mode allows any Iridium equipped buoy to transmit data
over the internet directly to a computer. This mode of communication is the default mode for
Iridium. The Datawell internet communication mode makes use of the fact that an Iridium
satellite modem can be used to “dial in” to the internet. To be able to do this, the buoy’s
firmware talks all the necessary internet protocols like PPP and TCP/IP. Once connected to the
internet, the buoy can send its data directly to a computer running a W@ves21 module called
iBuoy. This works as follows; each time the buoy wants to transmit new data, the buoy will set
up an internet connection through an internet service provider (ISP). Once connected to the
internet, the buoy will connect directly to the iBuoy software module. Now that the buoy and
iBuoy are connected through the internet, iBuoy will send commands to the buoy. These
commands instruct the buoy to send data or to change certain settings. This is called a “session”.
To save power and costs, a session is only set up by the buoy at programmable transmission
intervals. Each session is kept as short as possible (typically around 60 seconds to set up a
connection and download spectral data). The modem is switched off during the rest of the time
to keep the power consumption as low as possible. The transmission interval is programmable
from 0.5 to 24 Hrs in steps of half an hour. This gives a range of 1 to 48 sessions per day.
To make a session function correctly, both the buoy itself and iBuoy need to be configured:
• The buoy needs configuration that tells what internet service provider to use (telephone
number, password etc.) and where to find iBuoy (internet address of the computer
where iBuoy is installed).
• IBuoy need configuration that tells what data to download.
This chapter describes how to set up the buoy and the iBuoy software for proper
communication. It is assumed the user has some basic information about internet and internet
configuration.