The company says its all-new Explorer 510 is “the ultra-portable satellite companion.” Cobham Satcom is launching the latest innovation in its Explorer satellite terminal range at IBC 2014. “Featuring a unique new, compact design and focus on wireless connectivity, the new Explorer 510 BGAN terminal is set to be a game changer for professionals who demand reliable and easy-to-use satellite communications when operating in the field.” At 197 mm x 197 mm x 40 mm, it is smaller than a standard laptop and weighs less than 1.4 kg.

The compact, contemporary design and low weight makes it an ideal tool for field communication on its own, or as a companion alongside the Explorer 710, which delivers on-demand streaming rates at 650 kbps. Explorer 510 offers reliable performance globally for simultaneous high quality voice and broadband access at speeds up to 464 kbps, so it provides the flexibility and bandwidth needed for journalists and producers to communicate effectively.

Cobham Satcom’s in-house development team has focused on wireless connectivity, with WLAN as the primary interface on Explorer 510. To fully embrace this, Cobham has developed a whole new way of connecting to and operating Explorer 510, via the innovative Explorer Connect App. With this users can use their own smart devices (and contacts) to make calls or easily access the internet. The Explorer Connect App with a SIP softphone is available for Android and IOS. Inclusion of a USB host in Explorer 510 ensures users can choose their preferred wired interface also.

It draws from the established Explorer legacy, offering the same high-quality materials and manufacturing, but featuring a whole new design direction for this leading series of satellite terminals. The durable magnesium casing and a dust and water resistant design make it a great choice when working off the beaten track, but still in need of a reliable connection. Explorer 510 is easy to deploy and to operate. Set-up is easy and the intuitive user interface can be accessed from PC or a smart device.

“As a lightweight and easy to carry system designed for regular communication and internet access, Explorer 510 is suited to many professional applications in different industries. In the broadcast environment, you can use your primary Explorer 710 for high quality streaming whilst still having full, reliable access to the BGAN network through Explorer 510,” explains Morten Rishoej, Market Development Manager, Land Mobile Business Unit. “As an Explorer it is of course a powerful, robust system in its own right, and can stream and deliver good quality content from almost anywhere in the world.”