Small but mighty with Pole-to-pole coverage
Utilizing the Short Burst Data (SBD) element of the Iridium Satellite Network, our flagship RockBLOCK 9602 product is one of the most versatile and popular items in our SPD range. From use cases involving meteorological sensing, through to preventing fires in remote locations, the RockBLOCK has a few tales to tell from hobbyists and scientists, through to global corporations.
If you’re looking for a smaller version of the RockBLOCK 9602 unit, then the RockBLOCK 9603 might suit you – designed primarily for product developers and system integrators where space inside an enclosure is at a premium.
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How RockBLOCK Works
RockBLOCK takes its power from a standard 0.1″ pitch direct header connector, or alternatively via an FTDI to USB adaptor (to power/control from a USB port). If you’re using the PCB assembly version with a direct header, your host needs to supply a minimum of 100mA @ 5V.
At the heart of RockBLOCK is an Iridium 9602 modem. The RockBLOCK hosts the 9602 and provides it with an antenna, and its power supply requirements. It exposes the modem’s serial interface via a breakout connector over serial, or USB (via a USB/serial adaptor).
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Line rental is paid in blocks of 1 month, and allows the RockBLOCK to exchange information with the Iridium satellite network. You only pay for months in which you wish to use the RockBLOCK. No annual contract is required. Line rental costs $17.00 per month and includes access to the RockBLOCK management system for managing your devices.
Credits are used each time you transmit. 1 credit is used per tracking position or per 50 characters of message sent or received. 1 credit is also used if you check your mailbox and there are no messages waiting (A mailbox check). Credits do not expire unless you do not use your account at all for 12 months. Credits are shared/pooled between all of the devices on your account.
The RockBLOCK management system allows users to amend their account details, manage RockBLOCKs, top-up accounts, review invoice details, and set-up communication between HQ, individual devices and device groups.
Upon receiving your RockBLOCK(s), first time users will need to log on to our registration page: https://rockblock.rock7.com/Operations.
Having trouble registering?
If you are not registering new units, there’s a very high chance they have been already registered somewhere else. Contact support@groundcontrol.com, mentioning your RockBLOCK serial numbers and IMEIs so that we can look into the issue.
For full details of our Short Burst Data airtime plans, please visit our SBD pricing page.
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