RockBLOCK 9602
RockBLOCK 9602 enables developers to add global satellite IoT connectivity to your solution. Maybe you want to transmit weather information from mid-ocean? Or control your robot in the middle of the desert? Perhaps you need to communicate in an emergency, when other networks might not be available? The small and robust RockBLOCK 9602 can help you.
Key Capabilities
A proven Iridium Short Burst Data modem for integrating compact, two way satellite messaging into remote devices and systems.
Global satellite connectivity through the Iridium network
Messages up to 340 bytes sent and 270 bytes received
Simple integration through a 3.3 V TTL UART interface
Integrated patch antenna or SMA external antenna option
Flexible data delivery through Cloudloop and web services
Designed for Straightforward Integration
At the heart of RockBLOCK 9602 is an Iridium 9602 satellite modem. RockBLOCK hosts the modem and simplifies its antenna and power supply requirements, giving developers a more straightforward way to incorporate Iridium Short Burst Data connectivity into their products.
The modem’s serial interface is exposed through a breakout header, allowing it to communicate directly with a microcontroller or other host system. It can also be powered and controlled from a USB port using an optional FTDI USB-to-serial adaptor.
RockBLOCK 9602 is available with either an onboard patch antenna or an SMA connector for an external antenna. The selected antenna must have a clear view of the sky to communicate reliably with the Iridium satellite network.
From Your Device to Your Application
RockBLOCK 9602 provides the satellite connectivity component between your host controller and the Iridium network, while Ground Control’s services route your data to and from its final destination.
Iridium SBD Hardware Comparison
All four products use the Iridium Short Burst Data service, providing global two way satellite messaging with payloads of up to 340 bytes sent and 270 bytes received. Under optimal conditions, messages can be delivered in around 10 seconds, although performance depends on factors including antenna placement and a clear view of the sky.
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RockBLOCK 9602
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 RockBLOCK 9603
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 RockBLOCK Plus
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 RockBLOCK RTU
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| Best Suited To | General purpose integration and development | Space- and weight-constrained designs | Exposed outdoor installations | Direct sensor monitoring and control |
| Product Type | PCB satellite modem | PCB satellite modem | Ruggedized satellite modem | Micro data logger and controller |
| Dimensions | 76 x 51.5 x 19 mm | 45 x 45 x 15 mm | 137 mm diameter x 40 mm | 137 mm diameter x 40 mm |
| Weight | 67 g patch / 61 g SMA | 39 g | 108 g (exc. antenna) | Dependant on variant |
| Environmental | None | None | IP67 | IP67 |
| Power | 5 V DC | 3.4-5.4 V DC | 9-30 V DC | 8-32 V DC |
| Antenna | Integrated patch or external SMA version | Integrated patch and SMA connector | Integrated patch antenna | Integrated patch antenna |
| Host or Sensor Interface | TTL UART through 0.1-inch header | TTL UART through Molex connector | RS-232 through integrated cable | Analog and digital sensor I/O |
| Onboard Processing | Controlled by the host system | Controlled by the host system | Controlled by the host system | Local logging, buffering and threshold processing |
| Buy Now | View Product | View Product | View Product |
Metocean Buoys
Transmit wave, wind, temperature, pressure and location data from drifting or anchored buoys. Two way messaging can also support remote commands and firmware management during long deployments.
Environmental Monitoring
Return readings from weather instruments, water level gauges and other environmental sensors in remote or difficult to access locations. RockBLOCK 9602 enables frequent reporting without relying on local communications infrastructure.
Precision Agriculture
Connect soil, weather and irrigation monitoring systems on farms without dependable cellular coverage. Compact reports can support better informed decisions about watering, fertilizer use and crop management.
Water Level Monitoring
Send water level, rainfall, equipment status and network-health data from rivers, drainage systems and flood-prone areas. Satellite connectivity can maintain the flow of warning data when terrestrial networks are unavailable or disrupted.
Conservation Monitoring
Transmit sightings, sensor alerts and other compact metadata from remotely deployed conservation equipment. This can give field teams earlier visibility of wildlife movements, equipment status or potential threats.
Research Instruments
Send location and sensor data from compact, battery-powered instruments deployed at sea, on ice or in other remote environments. The small message format is well suited to concise scientific measurements.
Technical Essentials
Key integration details covering message capacity, power, interfaces, antenna options and physical fit.
Up to 340 Bytes Sent and 270 Bytes Received
Exchange compact two way messages using the Iridium Short Burst Data service.
Global Iridium Satellite Coverage
Communicate anywhere on Earth where the antenna has a clear view of the sky.
Around 10 Seconds Latency in Optimal Conditions
Send and receive short messages quickly where antenna placement and operating conditions are favorable.
52 × 76 × 19 mm Form Factor
Integrate the PCB assembly into a suitable host product or enclosure.
Integrated or External Antenna Options
Choose an onboard patch antenna or an SMA connection for greater installation flexibility.
Simple Serial Integration
Power RockBLOCK 9602 from a regulated supply with capacity for short transmission peaks.
-40°C to +85°C Operating Range
Support deployments across a wide range of environmental conditions when installed in a suitable enclosure.
61-67 g Device Weight
The SMA version weighs 61 g, while the integrated patch antenna version weighs 67 g.
Product Specifications
Physical & Environmental
- Dimensions
- 52 x 76 x 19 mm
- Weight
- 61 g / 67 g with patch antenna
- Form Factor
- PCB assembly
- Operating Temperature
- -40°C to +85°C
- Waterproofing
- Not waterproof; requires a suitable enclosure
- Rugged Alternative
- RockBLOCK Plus
Interfaces and Integration
- Host Connection
- Serial connection to a microcontroller or other host system
- Communication Interface
- 3.3 V TTL UART
- Control Method
- Standard Iridium AT commands
- Development Connection
- Optional USB to serial adaptor
Electrical and Power
- DC Input
- 4.5-5.4 V DC
- Maximum Current with Supercapacitors Fitted
- 470 mA
- Power Connection
- 0.1 inch header
- Alternative Connection
- Optional FTDI USB to serial cable
- Power Conditioning
- Integrated regulation and supercapacitor
- Sleep Control
- Dedicated On/Off control
- Supercapacitor Charging Delay
- Approximately 10 seconds after initial power-up
Connector and Signals
- Main Connector
- 0.1-inch header for straightforward product integration
- Serial Connections
- Transmit, receive and ground
- Power Connections
- 5 V input and ground
- Control Input
- On/Off line for placing the modem into sleep mode
- Status Outputs
- Network availability and incoming message indication
- Full Pinout
- Available in the RockBLOCK developer documentation
Developer Support
RockBLOCK 9602 is supported by full developer documentation, integration guides and example code covering power, serial communication, AT commands and message handling. It connects to a microcontroller or host system through a straightforward TTL UART interface, allowing developers to use the Iridium command set without having to manage the satellite modem at a lower hardware level.
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. Device subscriptions and usage can also be managed through Cloudloop, with further airtime information available on our dedicated satellite airtime page.
FAQs
RockBLOCK 9602 and RockBLOCK 9603 are functionally identical, providing the same Iridium Short Burst Data connectivity and message sizes. The main differences are their size, antenna configuration and the Iridium modem used.
RockBLOCK 9603 is the smaller device and includes both an onboard patch antenna and an SMA connector. It’s supplied with one antenna option configured for use, but this can be changed later if required.
RockBLOCK 9602 is larger and is supplied with either an onboard patch antenna or an SMA connector. The antenna configuration is fixed at the point of purchase and cannot be switched later.
Yes. RockBLOCK 9602 can connect to an Arduino, Raspberry Pi or another host controller through its serial interface. The host device gathers or processes the data and uses standard Iridium AT commands to send and receive messages through RockBLOCK.
Yes. RockBLOCK 9602 provides the satellite communication link but doesn’t independently collect or process sensor data. It must be connected to a microcontroller, computer or other host system that prepares outgoing messages and handles incoming data.
For applications that need to connect directly to sensors and perform local logging, threshold monitoring or control, RockBLOCK RTU may be more suitable.
RockBLOCK 9602 can be purchased through the Ground Control online store. You can also set up self service pay-as-you-go airtime using prepaid credits.
For larger deployments or customers who prefer post-pay billing, our team can help arrange a contract airtime service.
Would you like to know more?
Complete the form, or call / email us to see if RockBLOCK 9602 is a good choice for your tracking and two way communication requirements. With over 20 years of experience, we can help you make the best choices for your connectivity needs.
We’re not invested in selling you a specific product or connections, just the best solution for your needs. If you prefer to speak to someone directly, call us on +44 (0) 1452 751940 (Europe, Asia, Africa) or +1.805.783.4600 (North and South America).