ORBCOMM is a leading global satellite data communication company focused on Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communications. ORBCOMM provides reliable, two-way data communications services between modems and the ORBCOMM Gateways around the world through a global network of low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites and accompanying ground infrastructure. Each satellite is equipped with a VHF and Ultra High Frequency communication payload operating in the 137.0-150.05 MHz and the 400.075-400.125 MHz bands. The gateway earth stations (GES) and the subscriber communicators (SC) communicate with the satellites in the same VHF band. ORBCOMM’s satellites are positioned on 6 orbital planes on altitudes of 780km (484 miles) and 825km (513 miles) inclined to the equator at 0, 45, 70 and 108 degrees. The main constellation is 4 planes with 8 satellites each. ORBCOMM’s 3 operational segments, the space segment (satellites), the ground segment (GES – Gateway Earth Stations and control centers) and the subscriber segment (modems / communicators) are managed from the Network Control Center (NCC).

ORBCOMM’s system can send and receive short messages, between six bytes and several kilobytes, in near real-time, allowing users to access critical information from areas beyond the geographic reach of terrestrial systems. In a typical scenario a subscriber would download his message to a SC which transmits to the satellite from where the message will be relayed to a GES. Antenna performance is critical on this point considering the SC being located in a remote area with potential surrounding obtrusions. The GES will transmit the data to the Gateway Control Center (GCC) from where the message will be delivered via dial-up circuits, dedicated lines or networks (e.g. Internet) to the receiver. A message to ORBCOMM’s subscriber from a home base would follow the reverse route. In addition to the switching functionality the GCC monitors the performance of regional GES’ and the status of the ORBCOMM message switch.

GCCs are located in Brazil, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia and the United States with GES’ located in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Curacao, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Malaysia, Morocco and various locations in the United States. The NCC is located in the United States and mainly controls the performance of the ORBCOMM satellites. ORBCOMM offers a range of data plans that combine GSM/GPRS/EDGE cellular wireless services with the LEO Satellite network, providing complete M2M network service. When the subscriber communicator is located outside the cellular network's coverage dual-mode solutions allow the extension of the primary communications path and transmit data on the ORBCOMM network. This dual-mode approach requires high-performance combination antennas designed to match the subscriber’s integration demand. ORBCOMM subscriber communicators targeted for M2M industrial applications are designed to interface with sensors or control devices through a variety of industry-standard interfaces.

ORBCOMM's products are used on trucks, trailers, railcars, containers, heavy equipment, fluid tanks, utility meters, pipelines, marine vessels, oil wells and other assets. For many mobile applications, the addition of GPS functionality allows not only the tracking of assets, but the capability to add geo-fencing features into the subscriber communicator. Utilizing GPS and application programming, users can receive alerts when their remote assets are moving or when their assets have entered or exited a defined area. ORBCOMM devices and antennas are usually enclosed in specialized, heavy-duty packaging enabling the units to operate even in extreme environmental conditions. HIRSCHMANN CAR COMMUNICATION’s reputation as a leading developer of multi-band ORBCOMM antennas offers a variety of specialized solutions. Hirschmann’s ORBCOMM portfolio contains different rod antennas – single mode or with integrated GPS and Cellular functionality - as well as innovative, extreme low profile (20mm) flat panel antennas and ORBCOMM thin film solutions. All Hirschmann products are certified by ORBCOMM. A variety of customizing options and extremely fast and effective product development allow Hirschmann Car Communication to meet nearly all requirements today’s demanding ORBCOMM customers have.