Outernet provides a free service with global reach designed to enable low cost connectivity to communities that would otherwise be out of touch.
This post is almost completely sourced from the Outernet web site. My Outernet kit just arrived and these are the components:
Go to their site or read on here to see how it work and what is involved.
Our filecast differentiates itself from a traditional broadcast by sending information as data files, so content is no longer limited to video and audio. Now, any content format can be sent over a radio signal. Receivers automatically cache these files locally, so users can enjoy flexible, on-demand access to content.
With the global reach of satellite broadcasting, this system is paving a new way to distribute, access, and consume content.
Read on to learn more about filecasting, the Filecast Center, or applications of technology. Visit our product page to learn more about our receivers.
LIFE CYCLE OF A FILE
TRANSMISSION
A file is converted into a radio signal and transmitted around the world over satellites.
This process is similar to what happens with satellite radio, but the file can be in any format.
DEMODULATION
The receiver catches the radio signal and extracts the original file.
Once extracted, the files are automatically saved on the receiver’s internal drive.
ACCESS
The receiver acts like a local server for the saved content, and emits a WiFi hotspot.
Users can connect to this WiFi with any device to access the saved content.
SIGNAL
Our signal is broadcast over three Inmarsat satellites, offering coverage on continents and on the open seas. These three birds are:
- I-4 F1 APAC (Asia-Pacific), at 144-degrees East
- Alphasat, at 25-degrees East
- I-4 F3 Americas, at 98-degrees West
Our frequencies are:
- APAC: 1545.9525 MHz
- Alphasat: 1545.94 MHz
- Americas: 1539.8725 MHz
Bitrate is about 2kbps, or 20MB of content per day.
Outernet L-Band hardware can also be used for Inmarsat reception, including SafetyNET, EGC, and AERO.
ANTENNA
Outernet uses a portable L-Band patch antenna. This directional antenna has a beam width of 40 degrees, so pointing is easy. Just aim in the general direction of the satellite.
This antenna is housed inside Lantern, but if you are more of a do-it-yourselfer, you may buy an antenna to build your own receiver.
Specifications:
- 1525 – 1559 MHz
- 8dbi
- 4 inch SMA Male connector
- 12cm x 12cm x 1.5cm, 3.5 oz
RADIO & AMPLIFIER
You may buy the amplifier and SDR (Software Defined Radio) together or individually.
Amplifier Specifications:
- Frequency: 1525-1559MHz
- Center Frequency: 1542MHz
- Gain: 34 dB
- Voltage: 3.0V – 5.5V
- Current Draw: 25 mA
- Dimensions: 6.5cm x 1.5cm x 2.5cm
SDR Specifications:
- Ultra-low phase noise 0.5PPM TCXO
- RF-suitable voltage regulator
- Custom heatsink
- SMA female connector
- SDR frequency range of approximately 25MHz-1700MHz
- Bias tee enabled
- Brushed aluminum body, 8.5 x 1.3 x 1.7 cm
SDR (top) and Amplifier (bottom).
Librarian Interface, viewed from a smartphone.
SOFTWARE
Outernet software is called rxOS, which runs on C.H.I.P. and Raspberry Pi 3 boards. The image includes:
- Demodulator
- Decoder
- rxOS Firmware (see in our Git Hub repository)
- Librarian, Outernet’s user interface and content management software.
Use any device to connect to the receiver’s WiFi and use any web browser to navigate to Librarian.