Skip to main content

Antenna Options

📣 Firmware Update Release:
Firmware Version v0.13 is now released! Please follow the link here or update via Cloudloop Device Manager.

9704 Modem Output characteristics

ParameterValue
Frequency Range1616 MHz to 1626.5 MHz
Input / Output Impedance50 Ω
Average RF power (Conducted i.e. measured at the RF connector)+32 dBm (1.58W)
Peak RF power (Conducted i.e. measured at the RF connector)+37 dBm (5W)
important

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.
  • have a clear view of the sky.
  • be mounted so that the axis of the antenna is pointing vertically upwards.

RockBLOCK PRO-ANT

Supplied with the ACC-HELANT-9704 Maxtena (100-00003-02) already fitted directly to the product end cap.

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 AntennaMFT Part NumberGainAntenna end ConnectorPRO-SMA CableMin lossMax loss
ACC-HELANT-9704Maxtena
100-00003-02
2.8 dBic (typical)SMA socket - SMA socket bulkhead adaptor (e.g RS 246-9405)LMR240 SMA plug to SMA plug, 0.5m maximum0dB0.25dB

PRO-OEM

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

9704 qualified AntennaMFT Part NumberGainPRO-OEM CableMin lossMax loss
ACC-HELANT-9704Maxtena
100-00003-02
2.8 dBic (typical)RG178 MMCX plug to SMA socket (e.g Gradconn CAB497RF-0200-A-1)0dB0.5dB

ACC-HELANT-9704 3D CAD (STEP)

ACC-HELANT-9704 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. Coupler to sealing surface dimensions