RockBLOCK APNT Evaluation Kit
RockBLOCK APNT is a rugged, self-contained satellite device using Iridium PNT signals. Unlike GPS-based signals, the Iridium PNT service delivers resilient positioning, navigation and timing data (A-PNT) even in GPS-denied or spoofed environments, making it ideal for mobile asset tracking – such as vehicles and drones – and any application where trusted positioning and timing is essential. RockBLOCK APNT is intended for development, integration, and field evaluation, and is not a finished commercial product.
Important note about the evaluation kit
RockBLOCK APNT is designed for customers testing APNT performance, integration, and resilience in challenging environments. It’s not a production product. Antenna placement, cable length, environment, and asset speed can all affect performance. Please get in touch, and we’ll talk through your application to help you assess whether RockBLOCK APNT is the right fit.
Key Features
RockBLOCK APNT delivers assured positioning, navigation and timing data (A-PNT) even in GNSS-denied or spoofed environments, and is designed specifically for customers testing A-PNT performance, integration, and resilience.
Enables mobile asset tracking in GNSS-denied environments
Protects vehicles and drones from jamming and spoofing
Built for harsh, remote environments
Send messages up to 100 KB for richer data transfer
Continued operation during power-constrained deployments
How It Works
Iridium PNT provides a highly secure and spoof-resistant alternative to traditional GNSS/GPS for acquiring A-PNT data anywhere on Earth.
The Iridium PNT signal, delivered from Iridium’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, is up to 1,000 times stronger than GPS, allowing it to penetrate buildings, and maintain accuracy in environments where GNSS/GPS signals are blocked or degraded.
Iridium’s LEO satellites orbit approximately 25 times closer to Earth than GNSS, ensuring the Iridium PNT service delivers a faster, more reliable signal, in even the most remote locations.
RockBLOCK APNT is currently offered as an evaluation kit for customers assessing APNT performance, integration, and resilience in challenging environments.
Why Choose RockBLOCK APNT?
Assured positioning, navigation, and timing
Supports A-PNT capabilities, helping mobile assets such as vehicles and drones maintain reliable positioning, navigation, and timing in GPS and GNSS denied environments.
Reliable tracking beyond traditional GNSS reliance
By combining multiple data sources and resilient connectivity, RockBLOCK APNT keeps mobile assets visible and operational when GPS is degraded, denied, or unavailable.
Designed for demanding operations
Stay connected in the toughest conditions with a rugged, military-grade design built to withstand harsh environments and heavy weather exposure through an IP66-rated enclosure.
Faster awareness during outages and emergencies
Bidirectional messaging via Iridium Messaging Transport (IMT) with message payloads of up to 100 KB enables continuity of communication during outages or as a failover.
Supports continuity in contested environments
Helps vehicle and drone operators maintain navigational confidence and operational continuity when operating in areas affected by GNSS interference, spoofing, or jamming.
Assess navigation resilience in GNSS-challenged environments
Offered as an evaluation kit for customers assessing APNT performance, integration, and resilience in challenging mobile asset tracking environments.
Clear operational visibility for operational teams
Through Cloudloop Tracking, trusted and verified asset positions and updates give operating teams improved oversight of asset movements and activity.
Continued operation during power-constrained deployments
Operating with a low power consumption (<200mW idle), RockBLOCK APNT supports remote and power-constrained mobile asset tracking scenarios.
Product Specifications
Communications
- Satellite Service
- Iridium Messaging Transport (IMT)
- Satellite Coverage
- Global Iridium network coverage
- Two Way Messaging
- Two-way communication via the Iridium network
- Compatible Devices
- App available for Android and iOS (RockCONNECT IoT)
- Satellite Message Size
- 10 bytes to 100,000 bytes
- Tracking Frequency
- Configurable from every 15 seconds to every 24 hours
- Location Services
- GNSS: Concurrent reception of 4 GNSS – BeiDou, Galileo, GLONASS, GPS / QZSS
Physical and Environmental
- Dimensions
- 121 × 75 × 53 mm (188 × 91 × 57 mm including antenna, connectors, and foot)
- Device Weight
- 400 g (including antenna) / 388 g (SMA version)
- Operating Temperature
- -40°C to +70°C, <95% RH
- External Antennas
- Optional Iridium, GNSS and cellular SMA connections
- Ingress Rating
- IP66
Electrical
- Maximum power consumption
- 2.5W
- Idle Power Consumption (APNT active)
- <1.7W
- USB Supply Requirement
- Minimum 1.3 A
- Power Connection
- 2 m 12-core cable or USB-C
- Voltage
- 5-30V DC, 5V USB-C
- Regulatory Compliance
- CE, UKCA, FCC, IC, and RCM
Interfaces and Integration
- Data Delivery
- Data can be delivered to Ground Control’s platform or sent to a customer web service using HTTP POST
- Bluetooth
- BLE 5.0. App for configuration/status. Future sensor connectivity planned
- Serial Interface
- RS485 or RS232. Proprietary serial API & support for legacy 9603 AT commands
- USB-C
- Serial port. MSD file system
- Tracking Platforms
- Compatible with Cloudloop Tracking and established third party aviation platforms
- Digital GPIO
- All 4 channels independently configurable as either 0-10V analog input, open drain digital output or digital input suitable for dry contacts. Connection via 12 way cable assembly
Resources
Here are a few useful resources to help you assess RockBLOCK APNT, including airtime rates, technical specifications and coverage information.
Frequently Asked Questions
RockBLOCK APNT is designed to provide assured positioning, navigation, and timing (A-PNT) in environments where GPS/GNSS signals may be jammed, spoofed, blocked, or degraded. It uses the Iridium PNT service delivered through low Earth orbit satellites, providing a resilient alternative or complement to GNSS for vehicles, drones, maritime systems, and tactical platforms.
Iridium PNT signals are transmitted from low Earth orbit satellites and are up to 1,000 times stronger than conventional GPS signals. This improves resistance to interference and allows operation in environments where GPS signals struggle, including indoors, urban canyons, or contested RF environments.
No. The current offering is positioned as an evaluation and integration platform rather than a finished production product, intended for customers assessing APNT performance, resilience, and integration in real-world environments.
The device is designed for straightforward integration into embedded and tactical systems. The platform supports multiple interfaces and includes dual SMA antenna connections for A-PNT and Iridium Messaging Transport (IMT). Integrators should plan for external antennas and consider antenna placement carefully during installation.
Yes. In addition to resilient positioning and timing, the device supports two-way satellite messaging through the Iridium Messaging Transport (IMT), with payloads up to 100 KB. This enables telemetry, failover communications, status reporting, and command messaging in disconnected environments.
Typical use cases include unmanned systems, vehicles, convoy tracking, autonomous systems and mobile command units operating in GPS-contested environments. The platform is particularly valuable where resilient navigation and trusted timing are mission-critical.
Do you have any questions?
For a quick RockBLOCK APNT hardware and airtime quote to assess APNT performance, integration, and resilience for your mobile asset tracking, please complete the form, and our connectivity team will respond within one working day.