About the YB3
The YB3 automatically sends your position, and allows you to send and receive short messages from anywhere on Earth with a clear view of the sky. It works far beyond the reach of WiFi and GSM networks.
It will wake up on a regular basis, obtain a position using the GPS satellite network, and then transmit that position back to YB Tracking using the Iridium satellite network in seconds. The message is relayed to us from Iridium, and then we visualize the positions on an easy-to-use online map.
Friends and family can follow your progress, and your historic track, via this map. They can send you short emails and text messages, and you can reply. You can even update your Twitter status using our YB Connect app, in conjunction with the YB3.
YB3 is the most robust and reliable satellite tracking system available, so why would you rely on anything else?
Key Info
Power
Internal battery, rechargeable via USB
Tracking Options
Various options from every 5 seconds to 12 hours
Transmits Using
Iridium
Size
144 x 76 x 36mm (plus antenna)
Weight
303 grams
Other Certifications
FCC & CE | MIL-810 F/G (Ruggedness)
Battery Life
Up to 3 weeks transmitting every 15 mins
Up to 3 months transmitting once per hour
Up to 9 months transmitting twice per day
Alert Options
Red Button Alert
Timer Alert
Dead Man's Switch
Temperature (high/low) Alert
External Power Loss
Waterproofing
IP-67 (submersion up to 1m for 30 mins)
Ideal For
Handheld use, personnel etc.
Temporary vehicle/yacht mounting using Soft Pouch
Permanent vehicle/yacht mounting using Quick Release Mount
About Iridium
Iridium is the only satellite network that allows transmission of information from any point on Earth - other networks have no coverage in the polar regions, and have intermittent or no coverage in other marine and land areas.
Iridium has 66 satellites in orbit around the Earth, allowing coverage anywhere on Earth 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. No other satellite network has truly global coverage. Messages sent via Iridium take just seconds to reach you, via e-mail or directly to your web-service.
Running Costs
Line rental is paid in blocks of 1 month, and allows the YB3 to exchange information with the Iridium satellite network. You only pay for months in which you wish to use the YB3. No annual contract is required.
Line rental costs £18.00 per month and includes access for YB3 Standard customers to The YBlog system for monitoring your device.
If you have multiple YB3 Professional devices, it comes with access to our fully featured fleet management system, The Core.
Credits are used each time you transmit. 1 credit is used per tracking position or per 50 characters of message sent or received. If SMS recipient(s) are selected, an additional 1 credit per 160 characters per recipient is charged. 1 credit is also used if you check your mailbox and there are no messages waiting (a mailbox check). Credits do not expire unless you do not use your account at all for 12 months. Credits are shared/pooled between all of the devices on your account.
Bundle | Per Credit | Bundle Price |
---|---|---|
20000 Credits | £0.050 | £990.00 |
10000 Credits | £0.066 | £660.00 |
5000 Credits | £0.077 | £385.00 |
2000 Credits | £0.088 | £176.00 |
1000 Credits | £0.099 | £99.00 |
500 Credits | £0.110 | £55.00 |
200 Credits | £0.125 | £25.00 |
100 Credits | £0.145 | £14.50 |
50 Credits | £0.16 | £8.00 |
Questions and Answers
What's in the box?
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The YB3 unit
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0.3m Mini USB cable
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Quick start card
How does it work?
YB3 uses the Iridium Satellite network. Specifically, it uses an Iridium service called ‘Short Burst Data’ (SBD). At the heart of YB3 is an Iridium 9602 modem.
Can the YB3 send email or SMS?
Yes, you can use the device to send/receive short messages - either using the device itself, with preset messages, or by linking with an iPhone/iPad/Android device to send custom messages. Messages sent from the device itself are always sent to the group of people you nominate in the management system - i.e. any message will be sent to all configured responders, you can't choose a specific person. Messages sent via the Bluetooth link (using the Messenger/Connect app) can be sent to any destination, either e-mail address or cell/mobile phone number. In all cases, people can reply to those messages, via e-mail or SMS, and the messages will come back to either the device or the Messenger app respectively.
Does the YB3 work indoors?
As with all satellite-based devices, the better view of the sky the unit has, the better it will perform. YB3 units use two sets of satellites - GPS satellites in order to get a position fix, and Iridium satellites to transmit that position back to base. The GPS signal is weaker than the Iridium signal. Typically, if the YB3 is near to a window inside then it may be able to obtain a GPS fix and transmit, although it will take longer than normal, and will therefore use more battery power. If the unit is deep inside a building then it is unlikely to be able to get a fix or transmit very well, and will therefore use up a lot of battery quite quickly. However, we have had devices transmit successfully from inside caves, fridges, under the seats of cars etc... it is possible, just not guaranteed, and not as reliable as usual. As a rule, the better view of the sky you can provide for the YB3, the better it will perform, and the longer the battery will last.
Can I swap a tracker and keep past tracks?
Yes, you can swap trackers if you need to replace one or if you sell a tracker and acquire a new one. This will seamlessly merge your previous tracks with the new ones you create on future journeys. Simply contact the YB Tracking team via email, and we’ll take care of the arrangements for you.