Introducing RockBLOCK 9704
RockBLOCK 9704 makes it easy to use Iridium Messaging Transport (IMT) services with your project.
The PCB assembly hosts an Iridium 9704 IMT transceiver, simplifies the power requirements, and provides a serial interface to your project. RF considerations are taken care of by RockBLOCK 9704's built-in antenna, or SMA connector for an external antenna.
Built on the Iridium Certus 9704 module and Iridium Messaging Transport, it provides highly-reliable, low-latency 2-way messaging from anywhere on Earth.
IMT is the natural successor to Iridium's SBD service, and enables messages up to 100kB - suitable for all kinds of IoT data, including images and audio clips.
RockBLOCK 9704 is available with an integrated patch antennna, or SMA for connection to an external Iridium certified antenna.
Quick Links
External SMA Antenna - RockBLOCK 9704-SMA
Integrated Patch Antenna - RockBLOCK 9704-ANT
What's in the box?
We ship you a RockBLOCK, and an activation card that you use to register on Cloudloop.
📘 Please Note
Accessories and External Antenna are not included. USB cable, 16-pin cable, mount, and Helical Antenna can be purchased separately.
What's not?
- For connection to the 16-pin header, we recommend The Molex C-Grid III series. Ground Control supply a 300mm version (2196591163), however the 219659 series is also available in 150mm and 600mm.
- USB-A to USB-C or USB-C to USB-C cable. We have tested USB cables and extenders up to 6m in length with no problems, however any USB cable used should be of good quality to minimise voltage drop and maximise signal integrity.
- For the RockBLOCK 9704-SMA only, an optional mounting accessory and Helical antenna are available from our website.
What RockBLOCK isn't...
RockBLOCK does not contain a GPS receiver and is not capable of autonomous operation., however it does support GNSS passthrough antenna sharing via onboard U.FL connector. It is not a tracking device, but could provide the satellite communications element of such a device when paired with a suitable controller and GPS receiver.
What could I do with RockBLOCK?
Lots of things. We have Python and C software libraries for ease of development.
The vast majority of applications involve some kind of sensor, some kind of processor to read data from the sensor and control communications with RockBLOCK. RockBLOCK forms the data transmission part of this system.
Can you give me some real real-world examples?
- Control systems for remote vehicles
- (Very) remote weather stations
- Systems to monitor the health of honey bee populations
- Monitoring of oil wells and pipelines
Our Ground Control Blog features a number of real-world applications - feel free to have a look at what people are using RockBLOCKs for!
Can I get some help?
Yes, but first, please read this manual carefully - we've tried to answer every conceivable question you might have!
You're very welcome to email our friendly support team at help@groundcontrol.com.
These documents are intended to provide early access information to interested parties during the development process. Whilst we strive to maintain accuracy, any part of the specification or design of these products may change without notice.
These documents were last reviewed for accuracy on May 1st 2025.