Installation

RockBLOCK PRO

important

Before you commence installation of RockBLOCK PRO please ensure that you have considered the following items.

1. You have read and fully understood the provided instruction material
2. You have a physical installation plan for the Device and Antenna(if installing the PRO-SMA).
   • With the appropriate connections to power and any equipment that you wish to connect to the device
   • Ensuring that the available antenna cable length is properly considered
3. You have all the required additional equipment needed. Including:
   • An appropriate power supply unit
   • An SMA male 50 Ohm RF terminator if the device is to be used in testing without a connected antenna
   • An appropriate antenna mounting solution
4. You have a clear end to end service design with the appropriate land network connections in place

Power Connection Options

RockBLOCK PRO can be powered by a conventional DC supply (5-30VDC) or via USB-C. The supply should be capable of delivering 3W to be able to provide sufficient power during peak draw (Iridium transmit and start up).

12-way connector pin assignments.

Pin	Colour	RS4XX full duplex (Recommended)	RS4XX half duplex (See Note)	RS232
1	White	Sleep (Pull to PWR- to activate sleep)		-
2	Brown	Serial RS485 TX (inverting)	⇄ TX/RX (inverting)	RS232 TX
3	Green	Serial RS485 RX (inverting)	Not connected	RS232 CTS
4	Yellow	IO 4		-
5	Grey	IO 3		-
6	Pink	IO 2		-
7	Blue	IO 1		-
8	Red	PWR+		-
9	Black	PWR-		-
10	Violet	0V - REF for IO and serial		-
11	Grey/Pink	Serial RS485 RX (non-inverting)	Not connected	RS232 RX
12	Red/Blue	Serial RS485 TX (non-inverting)	⇄ TX/RX (non-inverting)	RS232 RTS

e-SIM

info

The 9704 modem used inside RockBLOCK PRO is supplied with an e-SIM already installed.

Factory Reset Procedure

important

Ensure the RockBLOCK PRO is disconnected from power before removing the end panel.

• Unscrew the 4 screws on the plain (or antenna) end panel (the panel without connectors) using a 2.5mm socket head screwdriver.
• The gasket should be retained in the end panel. Take care not to remove or stretch the gasket and keep it free from contamination.
• Locate the RESET button on the left edge of the PCB.
• Hold the RESET button whilst powering on the PRO.

info

This causes the User Configuration settings to be returned to default.

Mounting RockBLOCK PRO

info

RockBLOCK PRO is IP66 ingress rated. This means it is suitable for permanent mounting in outdoor locations.

RockBLOCK PRO should be mechanically fastened to a bulkhead or pole using the mounting holes provided. The mounting feet are dual purpose - they have holes for screw mounting or can accept band clamps.

Connecting The Antenna's and Power cables

Step 1a - Connect the Iridium Antenna Cable

Ensure that the Antenna cable is securely connected using the provided Connector.

Customer provided cables should have IP67 rated SMA plugs.

In marine applications, additional protection should be provided to the metallic surfaces by wrapping with amalgamating tape.

note

Note that in order to comply with the Iridium certification the antenna must be mounted at least 1 metre above the ground or at least 1 metre above any metallic surface that could act as a ground plane.

If the device is being set up prior to installation it is recommended that a 50 Ohm RF terminator is attached to the Iridium antenna connector prior to the device being powered.

Step 2 - Connect the 12 way combined power and serial cable

Insert the power/serial connector into the 12 way port on the device and then switch on the power.

Step 3 - Powering Up

Normal start: Sounds a sequence of notes.

The RockBLOCK PRO does NOT have any external LED indication.

Connectors and cable assemblies

Power and Serial IO 12-pin

Connector	Manufacturer	Part Number
Cable assembly - 5m length	Amphenol LTW	M12A-12BFFM-SL8D05

USB-C

Connector	Manufacturer	Part Number
Cable assembly - 2m length	GTC	GT21C320-01-02 (to USB-C)
Cable assembly - 2m length	GTC	GT21C320-04-02 (to USB-A)