RockBLOCK

RockBLOCK is our range of message-based satellite IoT modules for developers building connected products beyond terrestrial networks.

 

Choose from compact OEM boards for low level integrations, or more integrated RockBLOCK Pro devices that take care of more of the satellite communications stack.

 

RockBLOCK is built for remote sensors, trackers, autonomous systems, industrial equipment, and other devices that need to send and receive useful data from hard to reach places.

  • RockBLOCK 9704

    From $279.00
    From $279.00

    Iridium IMT module for two way satellite messages up to 100 KB, with USB-C, UART, and Cloudloop self-serve airtime.

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  • RockBLOCK 9603

    $302.00
    $302.00

    Compact Iridium SBD module for low data telemetry, alerts, and embedded satellite messaging.

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  • RockBLOCK Plus

    From $419.00
    From $419.00

    Field-ready Iridium SBD device for low data telemetry, alerts, and remote commands, with integrated antenna, power conditioning, and an IP67 enclosure.

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  • RockBLOCK 9602

    $302.00
    $302.00

    Board-level Iridium SBD module for low data satellite telemetry, alerts, and remote commands. Available with built-in patch antenna or SMA connector for external antenna integration.

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  • RockBLOCK Plus 9704

    From $479.00
    From $479.00

    Field-ready RockBLOCK 9704 for remote equipment that needs IMT payloads up to 100 KB, integrated GNSS, RS-232, and IP67 sealing.

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  • RockBLOCK RTU Micrologger

    Connect field sensors, configure sampling and alerts, and send readings by satellite or cellular from remote sites without building your own logger or enclosure.

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  • RockBLOCK Pro

    From $770.00
    From $770.00

    Send larger satellite messages without managing the modem workflow yourself. RockBLOCK Pro handles IMT payloads up to 100 KB, queuing, retries, GNSS, and configurable I/O.

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  • RockBLOCK Pro OEM

    $600.00
    $600.00

    Board-level RockBLOCK Pro for custom products that need Iridium IMT messages up to 100 KB, onboard queueing and retries, Cloudloop device management, and RS232 or RS485 integration.

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Choosing the Right RockBLOCK

A quick developer guide to choosing the right RockBLOCK device.

Evan walks through the main options, including RockBLOCK 9603, RockBLOCK 9704, the rugged Plus form factors, and RockBLOCK Pro / Pro OEM, with guidance on message size, deployment environment, integration needs and edge capability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Airtime is purchased separately from the hardware.

For RockBLOCK devices, airtime is fully self serve in Cloudloop. Once your device arrives, you can activate it, choose airtime, and start sending messages.

You can also buy SBD and IMT airtime from Ground Control for compatible devices purchased elsewhere. If you buy RockBLOCK hardware from us but want to use another airtime provider, a device unlocking fee may apply.

RockREMOTE and Certus 100 airtime is set up separately, with Cloudloop available for ongoing subscription, usage, and device management.

Head over to https://docs.groundcontrol.com/ for product specifications, integration guides, Cloudloop services, APIs, AT command references, and device-specific resources.

You'll also find product-specific code examples and libraries linked from individual products - for example, our open source C and Python libraries created for the RockBLOCK 9704.

Cloudloop is Ground Control’s satellite IoT platform for managing devices, airtime, subscriptions, usage, and data routing.

For RockBLOCK devices, Cloudloop provides a self serve way to activate devices, buy and manage airtime, route messages, and connect your application using APIs and developer docs.

For RockREMOTE and Certus 100 devices, airtime setup is handled separately, but Cloudloop can still be used for remote device management, subscription management, usage monitoring, and other platform services.

Iridium Short Burst Data, or SBD, allows you to send 270 bytes of data to the device, and transmit 340 bytes of data from the device.

Iridium Messaging Transport, or IMT, allows you to send or receive up to 100 KB per message, however, there is a minimum billing session of 500 bytes, so we recommend setting your max queue size to 500 bytes where practical; this will ensure messages are transmitted as economically as possible.

For both, the round trip time for data is c. 10-15 seconds, with a good view of the sky.

Choose RockBLOCK 9603 if your application fits low data Iridium SBD messaging - we generally suggest this option if you're sending < 10 KB of data per month.

Choose RockBLOCK 9704 if you need larger IMT payloads up to 100 KB, and/or you're sending between 10 - 55 KB of data per month. Choose RockBLOCK Pro or Pro OEM if you want IMT with more of the integration work already handled.

Need more info before making a decision? Email hello@groundcontrol.com to be connected with one of our experienced team to discuss your specific requirements, and get a tailored recommendation.