Antenna Options

RockBLOCK PRO-SMA and PRO-OEM versions

For each antenna option, the total loss presented by cables and connectors used between the PRO and antenna must be within the Minimum and Maximum cable loss ranges specified below in order to meet Iridium certification requirements.

The options shown in the table below are based on the following cable and connector loss assumptions for the Iridium 9704 operating frequency range:

LMR240 loss 0.34dB/m

0.1dB per connector.

This page is intended only to act as a guide. Installers are advised to carry out their own calculation and measurement of loss for any RF cable assembly used. 9704 IMT services operate between 1616MHz - 1626.5MHz.

Outside enclosures connectors should have at least an IP66 ingress rating.

In all cases the antenna should be installed pointing vertically at the sky.

PRO-SMA

9704 qualified Antenna	Antenna end Connector	PRO-SMA Cable	Min loss	Max loss
Helix Geospace (HXDC16410-SA02)	SMA socket - SMA socket bulkhead adaptor (e.g RS 246-9405)	LMR240 SMA plug to SMA plug, 1m maximum	0dB	0.5dB
Maxtena (100-00003-02)	SMA socket - SMA socket bulkhead adaptor (e.g RS 246-9405)	LMR240 SMA plug to SMA plug, 0.3m maximum	0dB	0.14dB

PRO-OEM

Allowable loss is higher for the OEM version because the cable is connected directly to the PCB mounted MMCX

9704 qualified Antenna	PRO-OEM Cable	Min loss	Max loss
Helix Geospace (HXDC16410-SA02)	RG178 MMCX plug to SMA socket (e.g Gradconn CAB497RF-0200-A-1)	0dB	1dB
Maxtena (100-00003-02)	RG178 MMCX plug to SMA socket (e.g Gradconn CAB497RF-0200-A-1)	0dB	0.5dB

Helix Geospace (HXDC16410-SA02) sealing against a bulkhead

Details to follow shortly

Maxtena (100-00003-02) sealing against a bulkhead

The antenna is fitted with an o-ring in the base that acts as a gasket when the antenna is screwed down onto a flat smooth surface. In order to maintain both a good electrical connection and seal it is important that the dimensions match the drawing below.