RockBLOCK Pro OEM
RockBLOCK Pro OEM is a developer-ready satellite IoT device built around the Iridium 9704 module, offering truly global connectivity via the Iridium Messaging Transport (IMT) protocol. With onboard message handling, GNSS, and configurable I/O, it simplifies integration for remote and embedded systems.
Key Capabilities
A compact, developer-ready gateway for embedding reliable Iridium IMT connectivity within your own product.
Messages from 25 bytes to 100 kB
Compact PCB assembly for OEM integration
Onboard message queuing, retries and network management
Single 30-way header for power, serial and I/O
Integrated multi-constellation GNSS
Built for Integration Within Your Product
RockBLOCK Pro OEM provides the same core messaging, GNSS and network-management capabilities as the enclosed RockBLOCK Pro in a compact PCB assembly with mounting frame.
All essential non-RF connections are provided through a single 30-way header, simplifying integration with your host controller, power supply and supporting electronics. Four mounting points provide secure mechanical installation within your enclosure.
The OEM assembly measures 104 × 65 × 29 mm, or 104 × 82 × 29 mm including its mounting feet, and weighs 108 g excluding cables and antenna.
RockBLOCK Pro OEM includes an onboard processor that manages IMT message queuing, transmission retries and satellite network interaction. This removes the need for your host application to manage the Iridium 9704 module at a low level.
It runs the same firmware and uses the same serial interface as the enclosed RockBLOCK Pro. Cloudloop Data handles message delivery between the device and your application, with support for webhooks, MQTT, email and cloud integrations. This gives developers a more complete, ready-to-integrate gateway than the lower level RockBLOCK 9704 board, while retaining the freedom to design the final enclosure and supporting hardware.
Iridium Certus 9704 Hardware Comparison
 RockBLOCK 9704 SMA
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 RockBLOCK 9704 Patch
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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 | PCB assembly with 4 mm mounting holes | PCB assembly with mounting frame | Aluminum enclosure |
| Dimensions | 48 × 52 × 16 mm | 72 × 72 × 16.5 mm | 104 x 65 x 29 mm | 121 x 75 x 57 mm |
| Weight | < 35 g (exc. antenna) | < 50 g (inc. patch antenna) | 108 g (exc. antenna) | 400 g (inc. antenna) |
| Environmental | None | None | None | IP66 |
| Power | 4.0–5.3 V DC; 3.6–4.5 V battery; 5 V USB-C | 4.0–5.3 V DC; 3.6–4.5 V battery; 5 V USB-C | 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 patch 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 | External GNSS via U.FL passthrough | Concurrent reception of 4 GNSS | Concurrent reception of 4 GNSS |
| I/O Options | 5 x inputs & 3 x outputs via 16-way cable assembly | 5 x inputs & 3 x outputs via 16-way cable assembly | 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) |
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Autonomous and Unmanned Systems
Embed reliable messaging and GNSS within UAVs, USVs and other autonomous platforms.
Ocean and Metocean Data
Integrate IMT connectivity into buoys, marine instruments and offshore monitoring platforms.
Environmental Monitoring
Add global satellite messaging to custom weather, water quality and environmental monitoring equipment.
Remote Equipment Monitoring
Build satellite connectivity into remote data loggers, control equipment and condition-monitoring systems.
Scientific Research
Transmit aggregated measurements and status information from custom research equipment operating beyond terrestrial coverage.
Custom Tracking Integrations
Combine integrated GNSS with your host controller and application to create a purpose-built tracking product.
Technical Essentials
Key integration details covering message capacity, power, interfaces, antenna options and physical fit.
25 Bytes to 100 KB per Message
Exchange anything from compact commands and status updates to aggregated sensor datasets using Iridium Messaging Transport.
Simplified Host Integration
Onboard message queuing, transmission retries and satellite network management reduce the development work required from the connected host.
104 × 65 × 29 mm PCB Assembly
Integrate the gateway within your own enclosure, with mounting feet increasing the overall length to 82 mm.
108 g Excluding Antenna and Cables
The compact assembly is suited to embedded and weight sensitive product designs.
Integrated Multi-Constellation GNSS
Receive positioning data from GPS/QZSS, Galileo, GLONASS and BeiDou without adding a separate GNSS module.
Single 30-Way Integration Header
Connect power, serial communications, USB and I/O through one board-level interface.
Under 200 mW While Idle
Keep the gateway registered and ready to communicate while limiting power use in battery- and solar-powered products.
-40°C to +65°C Operation
Design the OEM assembly into equipment intended for demanding temperature conditions, with suitable enclosure protection and ventilation.
Product Specifications
Physical and Environmental
- Product Type
- PCB assembly with mounting frame
- Board Dimensions
- 104 x 65 x 29 mm / 4.09 x 2.56 x 1.14 in
- Dimensions Inc. Mounting Feet
- 104 x 82 x 29 mm / 4.09 x 3.23 x 1.14 in
- Weight
- 108 g / 3.81 oz, excluding cables and antenna
- Mounting
- Four 4.2 mm mounting holes on 70 × 72 mm centers
- Operating Temperature
- -40°C to +65°C / -40°F to +149°F
- Relative Humidity
- Less than 95%
Antenna and RF Integration
- Satellite and GNSS Antenna
- External approved combined Iridium and GNSS antenna required
- Board RF Connection
- MMCX
- Optional Adapter
- MMCX-to-SMA cable available as a development accessory
- RF Connector Support
- Mechanical support should be provided to protect the MMCX connection from cable weight and bending
- Antenna Approval
- Integration must follow Ground Control antenna guidance and be reviewed for Iridium certification
- Operation Without Antenna
- RF connection must be correctly terminated before powering the board without an antenna
Communications
- Satellite Protocol
- Iridium Messaging Transport
- Satellite Module
- Iridium Certus 9704
- Message Size
- 25 to 100,000 bytes
- Data Rate
- 4.8 kbps
- Communication Timing
- Typically under 10 seconds between remote and cloud applications, subject to operating conditions
- Coverage
- Global, with a clear view of the sky
- GNSS
- Concurrent reception from BeiDou, Galileo, GLONASS and GPS/QZSS
- Bluetooth
- BLE 5.0 for configuration and status
Interfaces and Integration
- Main Interface
- 30-way, 2 x 15, 2.0 mm-pitch header
- Host Serial Interface
- RS232 or RS485
- Control Method
- Proprietary serial API with AT-command support
- Host Integration
- Connected host controller, data logger or embedded processor
- Onboard Processing
- Manages IMT messaging, queues, retries and satellite network interaction
- USB
- USB serial and development access available through the optional OEM interface board or customer-designed interface
- Local Configuration
- BLE and supported configuration-file methods
- Device Management
- Firmware and supported configuration updates through Cloudloop Device Manager
- Cloud Data Integration
- Cloudloop Data handles message processing and delivery between the device and customer applications
- Developer Hardware
- Optional OEM interface board exposes the 30-way header functions and provides USB-C access
- Status Indication
- Onboard LEDs indicate power, file transfer, faults and Iridium connection status
- Firmware
- Same firmware platform as the enclosed RockBLOCK Pro
Power
- Power Inputs
- Regulated and unregulated power inputs through the 30-way header
- Maximum Power Consumption
- 2.5 W
- Idle Power Consumption
- Less than 200 mW while registered, listening and ready to communicate
- Sleep Power Consumption
- Less than 75 mW
- Inrush Current
- Approximately 400 mA
- Sleep Control
- Active-low hardware sleep input
- Power Supply Design
- Supply and wiring must accommodate transmission peaks without allowing the voltage to fall below the minimum input level
Discuss Your RockBLOCK Pro OEM Integration
RockBLOCK Pro OEM gives you the messaging, GNSS and network-management capabilities of RockBLOCK Pro in a compact format designed for integration within your own enclosure.
Speak to our team about your host interface, power supply, antenna design, enclosure, certification requirements, airtime and Cloudloop integration.