SparkFun Artemis Global Tracker

Could this be the one tracker to rule them all? Incorporating the Artemis Module, Iridium 9603N Short Burst Data modem, u-blox ZOE-M8Q GNSS receiver, and a TE MS8607 PHT sensor, this compact tracker allows you to do an incredible number of things that used to be very difficult.

With a clear view of the sky, the SparkFun Artemis Global Tracker (AGT) allows you to send and receive short data messages. Leveraging the Iridium satellite network, it works anywhere in the world, including the polar regions, far beyond the reach of WiFi and GSM networks. Maybe you want to transmit pressure, temperature or humidity readings from the top of a mountain? Or use it to send data from a traveling balloon sat? Or use it to control your remote equipment out in the field. Or receive alerts if your equipment is moved out of or into a geofenced area? Perhaps you need to communicate in an emergency, when other networks might not be available?

At the heart of our product is the Arduino-compatible Artemis Module. With 1M flash and 384k RAM you'll have plenty of room for your code. The AGT naturally includes a Qwiic connector so you can easily attach external I²C sensors. This SparkFun "Reds" version of the AGT breaks out the I²C and SPI pins along with five digital I/O and five GPIO pins for even more peripheral possibilities.

The ZOE-M8Q allows the AGT to determine its location quickly and accurately with minimal current draw. We’ve connected the ZOE’s geofence pin to the Artemis so it can generate alerts automatically if the tracker is moved into or out of up to four geofenced areas. To save weight, the ZOE and Iridium modem share a single antenna and the AGT includes a switching circuit for selecting which device uses an attached antenna. The AGT includes a protective circuit to ensure only one device uses the antenna at a time.

The on-board MS8607 pressure, humidity and temperature sensor works down to -40C and 10mbar making it ideally suited for use in challenging environments, including airborne applications.

The AGT has many power options including: USB-C, a rechargeable LiPo battery or external battery pack. We’ve included a LiPo charger as standard. You can also add extra supercapacitors and then configure the AGT’s current draw via split pads, so it can operate directly from a very small solar panel without needing batteries!

You can fully configure the AGT via its USB-C interface or remotely via an Iridium message. Want to change your geofence location or temperature alarm limit remotely? No problem! We have written a configuration tool which lets you do exactly that. If that wasn’t enough, we also have a set of Python software tools which you can use to plot the path and location of up to eight trackers on a satellite map.

Features:

• Artemis Processor

  • 1M Flash / 384k RAM
  • 48MHz / 96MHz turbo available
  • 68A/MHz (operates less than 5mW at full operation)
  • Integrated BLE radio and antenna
  • FCC/IC/CE Certified (ID Number 2ASW8-ART3MIS)

• Iridium 9603N Satellite Transceiver

  • Truly global operation, using the Iridium satellite network
  • Powered through two 1F supercapacitors
    • Charged by a LTC3225 supercapacitor charger
    • ADM4210 in-rush current limit circuit

• ZOE-M8Q GNSS Receiver

  • 72-Channel GNSS receiver
  • 2.5m Horizontal Accuracy
  • Time-To-First-Fix:
    • Cold: 26s
    • Hot: 1s
  • Max Altitude: 50,000m
  • Max G: ≤ 4
  • Max Velocity: 500m/s
  • Velocity Accuracy: 0.05m/s
  • Heading Accuracy: 0.3 degrees

• MS8607 Pressure, Humidity and Temperature Sensor

  • Operating Ranges:
    • 10 - 2000mbar
    • 0 - 100% Rh
    • -40 - 85°C
  • Accuracy (@25°C)
    • ±2mbar
    • ±3%Rh
    • ±1°C

• Power Options:

  • USB-C
  • LiPo Battery
  • Solar Panel or Battery Pack (max 6V)
• SMA antenna connector for both 9603N and ZOE-M8Q (with integrated protection circuit)
• MCP73831 LiPo Charge Management for single-cell LiPo batteries
• Qwiic Connector
• PTH connections for I²C, SPI, Reset, 5 digital I/o and 5 GPIO pins
• Weight:
  • 30.5g as shipped with modem but no antenna
  • 42.6g with Iridium Certified Passive Antenna

Documents:

Artemis Global Tracker Documentation

• Schematic
• Eagle Files
• Board Dimensions
• Hookup Guide
• Qwiic Info Page
• GitHub Hardware Repo

Artemis Module Documentation

• Apollo3 Datasheet
• Ambiq
• Artemis Integration Guide
• Designing with the SparkFun Artemis
• Artemis Development with Arduino
• Arduino Core
• Artemis Info Page
• Artemis Forums

Iridium 9603N Transceiver Documentation

• 9603N Datasheet
• RockBLOCK 9603 Home Page
• Rock7 Operations
• SparkFun IridiumSBD I2C Arduino Library

u-blox M8Q Documentation

• ZOE-M8Q Datasheet
• ZOE-M8Q Integration Manual
• Product Summary
• SparkFun u-blox GNSS Arduino Library
• u-center Software

MS8607 PHT Sensor Documentation

• MS8607 Datasheet
• SparkFun PHT MS8607 Arduino Library

Videos