The Explorer 323 is a satellite-based Push-To-Talk (PTT) and GPS tracking platform that provides seamless voice communication through the integration of wireless IP data. It supports a variety of networks, including satellite, 3G, Long-Term Evolution (LTE), Land Mobile Radio (LMR), and local area networks (LANs). Explorer 323 is the first major upgrade of the MSAT-G2 platform since 2007 and features many next-generation IP technologies and services from vendors such as Cobham, Ligado Networks, and ViaSat. This collaboration expands on MSAT-G2’s legacy with a range of new applications while retaining its popular flat-rate service plans.
Explorer 323 Capabilities
The Explorer 323 looks and feels just like a standard LMR system, including a simple PTT handset. You can also install up to two USB modems to create independent cellular connections that provide sophisticated routing between the available networks. This design allows the Explorer 323 to select the most suitable route at any given time based on availability, cost, and quality. It doesn’t require any action on the users’ part, so they can continue doing their jobs without interruptions.
These capabilities solve many of the challenges that traditional Land Mobile Radio operators face, such as compatibility with different types of LMRs, which allows the Explorer 323 to scale up to thousands of units. It can also extend the coverage area of an LMR network by combining existing cellular-based networks and satellite radar, also known as SatRad. Users benefit from the Explorer 323’s availability of constant communications while they’re on the move, which also reduces the cost of terrestrial infrastructure.
MSAT Interoperability
The MSAT network provides interoperable communications through national and regional SMART Talk Groups, allowing government officials, law enforcement personnel, and emergency responders across the United States to remain in contact. The Explorer 323 is most beneficial for mobile workers who need voice connectivity while outside the coverage of their terrestrial network, especially emergency responders during a large-scale disaster. The server infrastructure required to support this interoperability will be ready later this year.
SkyTerra-1 Satellites
Ligado Networks provides almost total coverage of North America with its SkyTerra-1 satellites. These L-band commercial satellites are some of the most powerful ever built. These satellites use a 22-meter reflector-based antenna, which is the largest reflector to be used for commercial purposes. Small devices can thus receive transmissions from SkyTerra satellites at a high throughput.
The Explorer 122 was the first terminal to operate over the SkyTerra-1 satellite network. This compact Comms-On-The-Move terminal provides reliable real-time data and voice connectivity, including PTT and GPS tracking. The Explorer 122 has no moving parts and an IP-66 rating, meaning that it’s protected from dust and pressurized water. The latest model in this series is the Explorer 323.
Revolutionize the Way Your Team Communicates with the Explorer 323 System
The Explorer 323 looks like a traditional LMR, but it has many modern capabilities. It’s particularly useful during large scale emergencies when officials from many different government agencies need to communicate. The Explorer 323’s use of Ligado Networks’ Skyerra-1 satellites also provides it with greater coverage than a typical LMR network. Furthermore, this satellite network offers mobile users reliable, high-speed connectivity for both data and voice.
For more information about the Explorer 323 Push-To-Talk radio and GPS tracking platform, contact the SkyMira team today!