RockBLOCK Plus 9704
RockBLOCK Plus 9704 builds on the RockBLOCK 9704 module by adding a rugged, IP67-rated enclosure, onboard u-blox MAX-M10S GNSS, dual RS-232 ports (Iridium and GNSS), simplified I/O, and wide input voltage support for power and control. Designed for IoT and M2M applications, it reduces integration time with comprehensive C and Python SDKs, and seamless cloud data routing via Cloudloop.
Key Capabilities
Combine higher capacity Iridium messaging, integrated GNSS and a field-ready form factor in one developer friendly device.
Send and receive IMT messages from 25 bytes to 100 KB
Access integrated multi-constellation GNSS data over RS-232
Install permanently outdoors in a rugged, UV-stable enclosure
Connect separately to the Iridium and GNSS serial interfaces
Build with Ground Control's C, Python and Arduino SDKs
RockBLOCK Plus 9704 is designed to take the hassle out of integrating Iridium connectivity and GNSS positioning into your hardware. Its marine-grade, IP67 rated enclosure houses a GNSS receiver to interpret the 9704’s native GNSS passthrough, removing the need for additional external antenna domes and streamlining installation. This configuration significantly reduces engineering overhead and helps you bring reliable, field-ready hardware to market faster.
Whether you’re deploying in maritime, environmental monitoring, remote industrial controls, or autonomous systems, RockBLOCK Plus 9704 delivers a proven mechanical and electrical form factor that is straightforward to mount, power, and interface via two RS-232 serial ports.
With its compact footprint, low power draw, and compatibility with Ground Control’s C and Python and Arduino SDKs, this device removes integration friction so you can focus on building your application.
While RockBLOCK Plus 9704 includes a highly sensitive multi-GNSS receiver, it isn’t a pre-packaged tracking device. Instead, it gives developers raw GNSS data access via serial so you can interpret and use the location data however your application demands. This approach avoids the constraints of a fixed tracking logic, allowing you to contextualize location data alongside other sensors, mission parameters, or business rules.
This also means your solution can evolve over time: apply filters, choose update intervals, or correlate with event-based triggers. Whether you’re building custom telemetry, geofencing alerts, or location-aware analytics, RockBLOCK Plus 9704 gives you the flexibility and control to design it your way. And because it shares its command set and architecture with the RockBLOCK 9704, you can leverage all existing documentation, examples, and tooling, including our robust libraries and Cloudloop Data integration.
Iridium Certus 9704 Hardware Comparison
 RockBLOCK 9704 SMA
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RockBLOCK Plus 9704
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 RockBLOCK Pro OEM
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 RockBLOCK Pro
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | PCB assembly with notched edge for slot-mounting | UV-stable ASA radome | PCB assembly with mounting frame | Aluminum enclosure |
| Dimensions | 48 × 52 × 16 mm | 137 mm diameter × 40 mm high | 104 x 65 x 29 mm | 121 x 75 x 57 mm |
| Weight | < 35 g (exc. antenna) | 460 g with 3 m cable | 108 g (exc. antenna) | 400 g (inc. antenna) |
| Environmental | None | IP67 | None | IP66 |
| Power | 4.0-5.3 V DC; 3.6-4.5 V battery; 5 V USB-C | 7-30 V DC | 5-30 V DC, 5 V USB-C | 5-30 V DC, 5 V USB-C |
| Antenna | SMA connector for Iridium/GNSS + U.FL for GNSS passthrough | Integrated Iridium and GNSS antenna | SMA connector; approved combined Iridium + GNSS antenna required | Optional built-in antenna; or use SMA connector |
| Protocol | IMT only | IMT only | IMT + 9603 AT commands | IMT + 9603 AT commands |
| Onboard Processing | ||||
| GNSS | External GNSS via U.FL passthrough | Concurrent reception of 4 GNSS | Concurrent reception of 4 GNSS | Concurrent reception of 4 GNSS |
| I/O Options | 5 x inputs & 3 x outputs via 16-way cable assembly | 2 x RS-232 ports and 2 x enable inputs | 2 x inputs & 2 x outputs via 30-way header | 4 x configurable channels (0–10 V analog input / open-drain digital output / dry-contact input) |
| View Product | Buy Online | View Product | View Product |
Environmental Monitoring
Transmit readings, alarms and supporting contextual data from remote monitoring stations, including water, weather, ground movement and ecosystem sensors.
Flood and Water-Level Monitoring
Send water level, rainfall, equipment status and network health data from rural, riverside or coastal locations.
Maritime and Metocean Data
Connect buoys, marine instruments and offshore monitoring equipment where cellular coverage is unavailable or unreliable.
Remote Industrial Controls
Exchange equipment status, operating data and commands with machinery or infrastructure installed at remote industrial sites.
Unmanned Systems
Provide two way telemetry and message-based command capabilities for unmanned surface, ground or airborne platforms while allowing the host system to retain control of mission logic.
Scientific Research
Move measurements and supporting datasets from remote field instruments without requiring researchers to retrieve data manually.
Technical Essentials
Use these headline figures to assess RockBLOCK Plus 9704’s fit with your host hardware, installation environment and expected data volumes.
25 Bytes to 100 KB per Message
Exchange compact status updates or substantially richer payloads through Iridium Messaging Transport.
Global Iridium L-band Connectivity
Send and receive messages from anywhere on Earth with a clear view of the sky.
Dual RS-232 Serial Interfaces
Communicate independently with the Iridium 9704 and the onboard GNSS receiver.
Integrated u-blox MAX-M10S GNSS
Access GPS/QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou and GLONASS positioning through NMEA or UBX protocols.
7-30 V DC Input
Connect the unit to a broad range of vehicle, industrial, battery or solar powered systems.
Under 2 W Transmit Consumption
Consumes less than 2 W during satellite transmission, helping support low power and battery operated deployments.
-40°C to +70°C Operating Range
Designed for permanent outdoor deployment across demanding temperature conditions; storage is specified from -40°C to +85°C.
UV-Stable, Fully Enclosed Construction
The ASA radome and enclosed form factor are intended for long term installation in hostile outdoor environments.
Product Specifications
Physical and Environmental
- Form Factor
- Fully enclosed satellite transceiver and GNSS receiver
- Dimensions
- 137 mm diameter × 40 mm high (5.39 × 1.57 in)
- Weight
- 460 g with 3 m cable (1.01 lb / 16.2 oz)
- Enclosure Material
- UV-stable ASA radome
- Ingress Protection
- IP67
- Operating Temperature
- -40°C to +70°C (-40°F to +158°F)
- Storage Temperature
- -40°C to +85°C (-40°F to +185°F)
- Installation Environment
- Intended for permanent outdoor installation
Antenna and Power
- Iridium Antenna
- Integrated patch antenna
- GNSS Antenna
- Integrated
- Input Voltage
- 7-30 V DC
- Transmit Consumption
- Less than 2 W
- Low Power Operation
- Iridium and GNSS can be enabled separately
- Cable
- Eight-core, 0.2 mm²
- Cable Lengths
- 3, 5, 10 and 15 m options
Interfaces and Integration
- Iridium Host Interface
- RS-232
- GNSS Host Interface
- Separate RS-232
- Iridium Protocol
- JSPR, handled through Ground Control C and Python libraries
- GNSS Protocols
- NMEA or UBX
- Development Support
- C, Python and Arduino SDKs
- Supported Operating Modes
- Sleep, Iridium only, GNSS only, or Iridium and GNSS together
- Cloud Delivery
- Cloudloop Data with integrated destinations and customer platform delivery options
Communications
- Satellite Network
- Iridium
- Satellite Service
- Iridium Messaging Transport (IMT)
- Communication Type
- Two way message-based satellite communication
- Message Size
- 25 to 100,000 bytes
- Iridium Transceiver
- Iridium Certus 9704
- GNSS Module
- u-blox MAX-M10S
- GNSS Constellations
- GPS/QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou and GLONASS
- GNSS Output
- Raw NMEA or UBX data via dedicated RS-232 interface
Regulatory
- Satellite Certification
- Iridium certified
- Product Certifications
- CE, FCC
Developer Support
RockBLOCK Plus 9704 is supported by open source C and Python libraries, with tutorials, example code and full developer documentation to help with integration. The libraries handle the underlying JSPR command flow, session management, message fragmentation and reassembly, so developers do not need to build those functions from scratch.
Cloudloop Data manages message delivery between deployed devices and cloud applications. Data can be routed to HTTPS or MQTT endpoints, while the REST API provides access to device, message and delivery information. Prepaid and contract airtime options are available, with usage and billing managed through Cloudloop.
RockBLOCK 9704 Product Showcase
In this overview, we explain how the RockBLOCK 9704 family compares with the classic 9603, where Iridium Messaging Transport fits, and the differences between the developer module, ruggedized options and products with more built-in functionality.
Our aim is to help you identify the right RockBLOCK for your application. If you would like to talk it through, our team is always happy to help.
FAQs
No, the 9704 module uses a proprietary protocol which Iridium call JSPR (JSON-Based Serial Protocol for REST). It’s a little more complicated than an AT style interface, and requires you to exchange JSON documents with the module. Due to the limited on-board memory, when sending large messages, there are some quite strict timing rules too.
All of this complexity is handled elegantly by our open-source C library, so in practice we don’t expect people to implement the JSPR protocol themselves, and will instead use our library in their projects.
That said, the RockBLOCK Pro and Pro OEM devices do offer a backwards-compatible AT command interface, which mimics the 9602/9603 hardware.
No, the RockBLOCK Plus 9704 does not integrate with the existing RockBLOCK admin dashboard. Instead, it’s managed through Cloudloop – our modern platform that provides all the same functionality and more.
You’ll still be able to activate units, manage delivery groups, and send mobile-terminated (MT) messages manually via the user interface. Cloudloop supports these features across all devices and transport types, offering a more flexible and scalable approach to device management.
No. Although GNSS is integrated, you must implement your own logic to contextualize raw position data.
Would you like to know more?
Ready to get started? Order your RockBLOCK Plus 9704 today and bring reliable satellite connectivity to your project. The standard device comes with a 3 meter cable; if you need a different length, please get in touch.
Have a question first? Just complete our online form, or email hello@groundcontrol.com, and we’ll be in touch within one working day.