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STEP Electronics chosen as Select Partner with Kymeta
MEDIA RELEASE
Sydney Australia, 25 September 2020
STEP Electronics chosen as Select Partner with Kymeta in Beta Trial Program for Revolutionary Mobile Connectivity Solution
STEP Electronics has been chosen as a select global partner by Kymeta in the beta trial program for their next generation Kymeta™ u8 flat panel antenna across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific allowing our customers the opportunity to explore and test the features of this remarkable communications on the move solution that combines satellite and cellular network technologies.
The Kymeta u8 is the second generation electronically steered flat panel antenna, which has been redesigned for usability and improved performance. The u8 offers a low-profile form factor with native DC power input for easy integration into mobile platforms, and it supports global land mobility, covering the full Ku-band with improved efficiency.
The u8 antenna platform provides options for configurations to meet any industry’s communication needs. The u8 GEO terminal offers integrated satellite and cellular modems for a multi-WAN configuration for a unique seamless hybrid satellite/cellular connectivity, while the u8 Outdoor Unit (ODU) allows Av-Comm to design a comms-on-the-move connectivity solution that fits directly into your existing satellite networks.
During prototype field trials, the Kymeta u8 GEO terminal achieved 100% connectivity in vehicles on the move, with either satellite or cellular connection, further validating the offered hybrid solution for continuous and seamless connectivity.
“We are particularly pleased to be able to offer a mobile connectivity solution to meet the needs within emergency services, Defence, and mining oil and gas. Having the u8 antenna installed on the outside of any vehicle and the ability to receive signal from anywhere, really is revolutionary technology for mission critical connectivity services. We are excited to see such great results in the initial trials and look forward further developing our technical understanding and demonstrating this flexible technology to our customers across Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific,” said Michael Cratt, Managing Director STEP Electronics
“As the manager of the Kymeta u8 Beta program, I am excited to have STEP Electronics as a Beta partner to test the u8 ODU in the varied and demanding environments of Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific. STEP Electronics’ expertise with satellite communications customers in numerous industries allows for evaluation of the u8 in the locations and under the conditions most relevant to users – their own,” said Dr. Mikala Johnson, Product Manager Kymeta corporation.
Commercial availability of the Kymeta u8 mobile antenna platform is scheduled for Q4 2020; however, the beta testing unit arrived this week and is available now. If you would like to book a demonstration or would like further information, please contact us at sales@stepelectronics.com.au
About STEP Electronics
STEP Electronics is an Australian-based satellite communications infrastructure and services provider. Known for our excellent reputation in technical skills, knowledge, and experience spanning 25 years of operations in the satellite communication industry.
Step Electronics actively serves the broadcast, defence, enterprise, and government satellite communication markets throughout the Asia Pacific region. Learn more here: https://www.stepelectronics.com.au/
About Kymeta
Kymeta is unlocking the potential of broadband satellite connectivity, combined with cellular networks, to satisfy the overwhelming demand for comms on the move and making mobile global. Lepton Global Solutions, a Kymeta company, hosts the company’s satellite connectivity solutions and offers unique, complete, and turnkey bundled solutions to the market based on best in class technologies and tailored customer-centric services that meet and exceed customer mission requirements. These solutions in tandem with the company’s flat-panel satellite antenna, the first of its kind, and Kymeta Connect™ services provide revolutionary mobile connectivity on satellite and hybrid satellite-cellular networks to customers around the world. Backed by U.S. and international patents and licenses, the Kymeta terminal addresses the need for lightweight, slim, and high-throughput communication systems that do not require mechanical components to steer toward a satellite. Kymeta makes connecting easy – for any vehicle, vessel, or fixed platform.
Kymeta is a privately held company based in Redmond, Washington.
STEP Electronics provides world first Satellite On The Move capability for the World Solar Challenge
STEP Electronics were proud to be part of the 2017 and 2019 World Solar Challenge supporting the Winning Solar Car Teams.
This colossal feat covered a 3000km race using solar powered cars from Darwin through the centre of Australia to Adelaide. With such a huge distance through vast remote areas with no reliable terrestrial mobile reception, it was imperative that the team had internet connectivity throughout the race a capability that could only be achieved with a Satellite On The Move (SOTM)solution.
The Satellite Solution
The ubiquitous capability afforded by satellites enables connectivity anywhere, even in the most remote locations. Satellite was the only choice for the Vatternfall and Agoria Solar Teams.
Av-Comm and STEP Electronics were chosen to provide a Satellite On The Move system to provide real time internet connectivity for the teams’ command vehicles.
The STEP Electronics team designed a solution utilising the Thinkom ThinSat 300 antenna system, mounting it to the top of the teams’ command vehicles in Darwin. Av-Comm provided the teleport and internet backhaul via its Sydney earth station, utilising satellite capacity provided by Intelsat’s newest High Throughput Satellite (HTS) Horizons 3e.
The Thinkom ThinSat 300 provided an ideal solution leveraging its 40W integrated BUC and innovative “VICTS” phased-array technology that combines the benefits of mechanically steered and electronically scanned arrays do deliver a high efficiency, low latency connection throughout the event.
Continuous Connectivity
A Winning Solution
The Vattenfall and Agoria Solar Car teams used the continuous connectivity afforded by the ThinSat 300 Satellite On The Move solution to give them a competitive advantage over other teams and for the Agoria team’s victory in 2019.
The teams used the ThinSat 300 Satellite On The Move system to receive weather and data updates of critical sun exposure and cloud formations in real-time while en-route, ensuring the optimal driving strategy could be implemented balancing factors such as vehicle speed, charge times, and driver fatigue.
Real Time Streaming
The Vattenfall Solar Team was able to access live IP streaming every night regardless of location. Amazingly the team were able to live stream video interviews and backhaul action video clips to its thousands of followers – sharing every moment of their journey with their sponsors and their online audience.
As part of the journey, Pacific Live Media also followed the team from Darwin to Adelaide utilising the satellite connectivity for their media coverage of the race, capturing live video and streaming it across the global stage.
In 2017 Pacific Live Media broadcast the race around the world and, most importantly, the moment the Vattenfall Solar Team crossed the finish line in first place winning the Challenger Class category.
STEP Electronics is proud to have been a part of both teams’ successes in 2017 and 2019, and look forward to supporting them again in the future.