Geotab IOX-SATIRDv2: What It Does, Specs and Uses

What Is the IOX-SATIRDv2?

The IOX-SATIRDv2 is a two-part add-on: an IOX cable that plugs into the GO device, and a separate Iridium satellite modem with its own antenna. A GO device normally reports over cellular. When a vehicle drives beyond cell coverage, regular reporting stops until it comes back in range. The IOX-SATIRDv2 does not replace cellular tracking. It sends a short list of important events over satellite so the fleet is not completely blind during those gaps.

It also includes a two-wire lead for a driver alert button, which makes it a practical distress option for crews that work far from towers.

The kit splits into an IOX cable at the GO and a separate Iridium modem; the IOX lead and the antenna both plug into the LED end of the modem.

What Does the IOX-SATIRDv2 Do?

Alert button messages. A momentary switch on the blue and black pigtail sends an alert right away. The GO device beeps until MyGeotab acknowledges it.
Location poll. Dispatch can request a current position from the map card in MyGeotab.
Out-of-coverage log. Records when the cellular modem loses its connection while the vehicle is on.
Ignition on and off. Sent immediately over satellite.
Possible collision. A change in acceleration of 2.5 g or more sends a GPS log flagged as an acceleration event.
Movement with ignition off. Sends a location if the vehicle moves while shut off, a sign of towing or theft.
Optional extras by request. Low vehicle voltage messages and IOX-AUXM input changes can be added through a support ticket.

What Do Fleets Use the IOX-SATIRDv2 For?

Oil, gas and mining service trucks spend long stretches on lease roads and remote sites without signal. Satellite ignition and collision logs give supervisors a way to know a truck is moving and whether something went wrong.

Forestry, pipeline and utility right-of-way crews often work alone in back country. The alert button gives a lone worker a way to call for help that does not depend on a phone signal.

Long-haul and rural delivery fleets crossing dead zones can use the out-of-coverage log and location poll to fill in where a truck was during a gap.

Agricultural and environmental field fleets can use movement-while-off reporting to catch equipment hauled away from remote fields.

Out past the last tower, the roof antenna keeps a line to the Iridium network while the modem and alert button stay inside the cab.

What Are the Key Specifications of the IOX-SATIRDv2?

Spec	Detail
Network	Iridium satellite
Compatible GO devices	All GO7 and newer, including variants
Nominal input voltage	12 V / 24 V
Max current (with modem)	900 mA
IOX temperature rating	-40 °C to +85 °C
IOX weight / length	70 g / 1810 mm overall
IOX interfaces	CAN 500 kbps, RS-232 serial
Alert input	Switch wire, open or shorted to ground
Modem housing	Aluminum, 158 g, 80 mm long
Modem transmit current	1.3 A peak at 5 V
Antenna	Magnetic roof mount, adhesive for optional dash mount; SMA connectors

What Should Installers Know About the IOX-SATIRDv2?

Two steps happen before anyone touches the vehicle. The Iridium modem has to be activated at least 24 hours ahead through a support ticket that lists the GO serial and the modem IMEI, and the install itself must be done where there is good cellular coverage, with ignition cycled, before the vehicle heads into dead zones. On the truck, the IOX plugs into the GO device and is cable tied. The modem location is limited by how far the IOX lead reaches from the GO. The antenna wants a clear view of the sky; Geotab supplies a magnetic base for the roof and adhesive for a dash mount, and advises against mounting it under the dash. The antenna and IOX cable connect to the end of the modem with the status LEDs. If an alert button is used, an engine rule for the alert button diagnostic is created in MyGeotab, and a button press is the test that confirms the satellite link. Moving the modem to a new GO device later takes a pairing change ticket, and suspending the GO does not shut off the modem.

Who Is the IOX-SATIRDv2 Right For, and Who Should Choose Something Else?

It fits fleets that regularly operate outside cellular coverage and need to know about emergencies, ignition and collisions during those stretches. It is not full satellite tracking; by default it sends events, not a continuous breadcrumb trail. A fleet that only needs a driver alert button and always works in cell range can use the IOX-ALERT instead. Satellite service terms and messaging costs are not covered in the install document, so we confirm those with you before anything is ordered.

What Are Common Questions About the IOX-SATIRDv2?

Does the truck show live on the map while out of cell range?

Not continuously. By default it sends specific events and answers location polls. A periodic satellite location update, such as every 15 minutes, is listed among Geotab's advanced parameters.

Can we use an IOX-AUXM input to trigger a satellite alert?

Yes. With the IOX-AUXM daisy chained to the IOX-SATIRDv2 and a custom parameter applied while in coverage, an Aux 1 trigger can send its alert by satellite.

What happens if the GO device is replaced?

The modem stays tied to the old pairing until a pairing change ticket is filed with both serial numbers.

API Signal handles the modem activation ticket ahead of time, then supplies and installs the full IOX-SATIRDv2 kit at your yard while the trucks are still in good cell coverage. To book it, call 803-513-1009 or fill in Get a Quote with the number of vehicles that work out of range.

Sources: Geotab Support, IOX-SATIRDv2 installation document; Geotab blog, IOX expansion. GEOTAB is a registered trademark of Geotab Inc. API Signal is an independent installer and is not Geotab.

Every Geotab Product →Trackers, cameras, asset trackers and IOX add-ons. Get a Quote →The IOX-SATIRDv2 supplied and installed on one written quote.

Geotab IOX-SATIRDv2