​MReX-SWARM LOW POWER SATELLITE IOT GATEWAY

WTE-SWARM IoT Gateway includes Ultra Low Power MReX Transceivers for IoT Sensors

Low Power Swarm Satellite IoT Gateway

MReX-SWARM Overview

The MReX-SWARM is a satellite IoT gateway that shifts data using the Swarm satellite constellation - owned by SpaceX.

Using the Swarm Satellite service, our MReX-SWARM posts received data from a variety of sources.   The unit also incorporates the Wireless Technologies MReX, that allows full time receiving of data from a network of IoT sensors.

General Operation

The MReX-SWARM manages both power usage, and message packaging to ensure that data and power requirements remain extremely low.

Depending on configuration, the unit collates periodic messages from all field IoT sensors, and ensures that many sensors have data transmitted with only the cost of a single satellite message transmission.

Not only does that mean that the power requirements for the data offloading remain low, but also ensures that monitoring data costs are minimal. 

Ultra Low Power

Using the Wireless Technologies MReX-460 module within the unit means that full time receiver operation is possible with only 220uA average current.   The Swarm satellite transceiver can remain completely off the majority of the time, only waking for configured periodic messages, or when a message has been tagged for immediate transmission.

All this means is that battery requirements in some cases can be as little as 4 x AA rechargeable cells, and a solar panel that is only a few watts.  Remote installations can be very cost effective, and fast to install.

MReX-SWARM Applications

• Pest trap monitoring - especially useful in remote locations.  Well suited for the New Zealand "Predator Free 2050" initiative, with the intention to control introduced animals (such as rats, possums and stoats) that are endangering native species. 
• Agriculture - simple reporting of equipment faults such as on irrigators or pumps.
• Marine and mussel farming - transmission performance over water is exceptional - ranges over 5km can be expected.

MReX-SWARM Features

• Optionally sends POCSAG, DMR and proprietary data formats, giving many options over range, performance and the final intended application.
• Periodic message transmitted to satellite of  battery state.
• MReX Output power up to 20 dBm  and receiver sensitivity of -127 dBm (link to remote sensors)
• “Polite” operation, checking the channel is clear before transmission.
• Acknowledges transmissions  - clear LED indication of transmission success.
• Low operating frequency and modulation provides range coverage up to 2km in bush - and greater than 15km line of sight with small elevation.
• Rapid installation.
• Affordable with volume discounts.
• Supplied with sealed antenna - splashproof.
• Directly integrates with all WTE radio products.

Field Proven

The MReX-SWARM is currently in use in the most hostile and inaccessible areas.  The first system installation for the product is on Pomona Island in New Zealand - connected to a network of monitored rat traps where is has been in use for an extended duration.
Remote rat trapping and monitoring case study details demonstrate the effectiveness of the MReX-SWARM and MReX-ULP.
See our Rat Trap Monitoring Solution for more details of this installation.

Related Products

TReX-460.  The MReX-SWARM can communicate with the TReX-460, allowing for connection to existing networks for monitoring.  The TReX-460 can also be used as a high power repeater.
MReX-ULP.  The MReX-ULP is an ultra low power IoT Sensor directly compatible with the MReX-SWARM