RockBLOCK Pro
RockBLOCK Pro is a satellite IoT gateway that utilizes the Iridium 9704 module with Iridium Messaging Transport (IMT) to send data packets of up to 100 kB. Available in two form factors, this version is IP66 rated and vibration tested, suitable for use in harsh outdoor conditions. It will transmit your IoT data quickly and reliably from anywhere on Earth with a clear view of the sky.
Key Capabilities
A rugged, low power satellite gateway for applications that need to transmit larger messages from remote locations.
Messages up to 100 kB via Iridium Messaging Transport
Global two way satellite connectivity
Onboard message queuing, retries and network management
Four configurable analog or digital I/O channels
Integrated multi-constellation GNSS
Larger Messages With Iridium Messaging Transport
RockBLOCK Pro incorporates the Iridium 9704 module, a small, lightweight unit that connects to the globally available Iridium Messaging Transport.
IMT is the natural successor to Iridium’s SBD service, delivering faster throughput and significantly larger message sizes of up to 100 kB. This is large enough to accommodate aggregated sensor data, images and audio clips, while helping to reduce data costs in many use cases.
For teams migrating from SBD and RockBLOCK 9602 or 9603 deployments, RockBLOCK Pro offers a familiar AT command-based serial interface, along with a modern proprietary API, to help smooth the transition to IMT.
While it’s not a drop-in hardware replacement for a 9602 or 9603 module, support for legacy 9603-style AT commands means you can reuse much of your existing approach as you adapt your application and back end for IMT’s cloud-native workflow.
Designed to Reduce Development Complexity
RockBLOCK Pro is a rugged, IP66-rated terminal with either a built-in antenna or provision for an external antenna. It is also available as an OEM version for integration into your enclosure.
It’s designed to operate on very low power. When idle, RockBLOCK Pro consumes less than 200 mW, with sleep consumption below 75 mW and maximum consumption of 2.5 W. This makes it well suited to remote, unmanned applications powered by batteries or solar.
RockBLOCK Pro has an onboard processor that handles message queuing, retries and network management, helping you get up and running faster.
For message handling, Cloudloop Data delivers messages to and from your application, supporting AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud and standard delivery methods including HTTP webhooks, MQTT and email.
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) |
| View Product | View Product | View Product | Buy Now |
Autonomous and Unmanned Systems
Exchange status data, mission updates and low-bandwidth commands with UAVs, USVs and other unmanned platforms.
Ocean and Metocean Data
Send aggregated readings, equipment status and selected images from buoys, offshore platforms and marine research instruments.
Environmental Monitoring
Transmit measurements from weather stations, flood sensors, air quality instruments and other monitoring equipment operating beyond reliable terrestrial coverage.
Remote Equipment Monitoring
Monitor operating conditions, alarms and diagnostic data from machinery or infrastructure in isolated locations.
Scientific Research
Return larger datasets from remote research equipment, including environmental measurements, logs and compressed media files.
Custom Tracking Integrations
Combine RockBLOCK Pro’s integrated GNSS with your own controller and application to build a custom location-reporting system.
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.
Global Iridium Connectivity
Send and receive data anywhere on Earth with a clear view of the sky, without relying on terrestrial communications infrastructure.
Integrated Multi-Constellation GNSS
Receive positioning data from GPS/QZSS, Galileo, GLONASS and BeiDou for tracking and location-aware applications.
Four Configurable I/O Channels
Configure each channel as a 0–10 V analog input, dry-contact digital input or open-drain digital output.
Under 200 mW While Idle
Keep the gateway registered and ready to communicate while limiting power consumption in battery- and solar-powered systems.
5-30 V DC or 5 V USB-C
Connect RockBLOCK Pro to a wide range of industrial, battery and development power supplies.
IP66-Rated Aluminum Enclosure
Deploy the vibration-tested terminal in demanding outdoor environments where protection from dust and water is required.
Product Specifications
Physical and Environmental
- Versions
- PRO-ANT with integrated antenna; PRO-SMA for an external antenna
- Enclosure
- Aluminum
- Enclosure Dimensions
- 121 × 75 × 57 mm / 4.76 × 2.95 × 2.24 in
- Overall Dimensions
- 188 × 91 × 57 mm / 7.40 × 3.58 × 2.24 in, including antenna, connectors and mounting foot
- Weight: PRO-ANT
- 400 g / 0.88 lb, including antenna
- Weight: PRO-SMA
- 388 g / 0.86 lb
- Ingress Protection
- IP66
- Operating Temperature
- -40°C to +65°C / -40°F to +149°F
- Relative Humidity
- Less than 95%
- Compliance
- Iridium certified; UKCA, CE, FCC, Canada ISED and RCM compliance
Antenna and Power
- PRO-ANT Antenna
- Combined Iridium and GNSS antenna fitted directly to the product
- PRO-SMA Antenna Connection
- SMA connector for an approved combined Iridium and GNSS antenna
- Antenna Installation
- Requires a clear view of the sky and vertical mounting
- DC Input
- 5-30 V DC
- USB Power
- 5 V through USB-C
- Maximum Consumption
- 2.5 W
- Sleep Mode Consumption
- Less than 75 mW
- Idle Consumption
- Less than 200 mW while registered, listening and ready to communicate
- Recommended Supply Capacity
- At least 3 W to support startup and Iridium transmission peaks
- Power and Interface Cable
- Combined 12-way power, serial and GPIO cable
- Antenna Cable
- Cable and connector loss must remain within the limits required for Iridium certification
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
- Physical Serial Interface
- RS232 or RS485 through the combined power, serial and GPIO cable
- Default Control Method
- AT-command serial interface
- SBD Migration Support
- Supports legacy 9603-style AT commands, with differences and extensions for RockBLOCK Pro
- USB-C
- Power, mass-storage file system and two virtual serial ports
- Configurable I/O
- Four independently configurable channels
- Analog Input
- 0-10 V
- Digital Input
- Suitable for dry-contact inputs
- Local Configuration
- BLE application and user configuration file
- Device Management
- Firmware and supported configuration updates through Cloudloop Device Manager
- Developer Resources
- Developer documentation, serial-interface guide, configuration guidance and firmware releases
Mounting and Installation
- Installation Location
- Suitable for permanent outdoor installation
- Mounting Method
- Mechanically fastened to a bulkhead or pole
- Mounting Feet
- Support screw mounting or band clamps
Would You Like to Know More?
If you would like to know more about RockBLOCK Pro, please contact us at hello@groundcontrol.com or complete the form. We will come back to you within one working day.
Our team can help you assess your application, data requirements, antenna configuration, mounting and cable options, airtime and Cloudloop Data integration.