Herbie Murray
The RockBLOCK 9603 is a compact plug-and-play satellite transmitter that utilizes the Iridium satellite network to send and receive short messages from anywhere on Earth with a view of the sky. It is targeted at systems integrators and product developers seeking a dependable, field-tested solution for remote environments. The device features a sleep pin (on/off control) and a sleep mode that conserves power when not in transmission. However, the sleep signal is internally pulled high, allowing users to leave the modem 'awake' all the time if desired. This article will explore the RockBLOCK 9603's features, functionality, and whether utilizing the sleep mode is mandatory.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Size | 45 x 45mm |
| Weight | 45 grams |
| Power Input | 5v DC power input or 3.7v DC battery |
| Sleep Mode | Conserves power when not in transmission |
| Antenna | Integrated Antenna, optional external antenna |
| Waterproofing | Not waterproof |
| Subscription | Requires monthly rental service to exchange information with the Iridium satellite network |
| Line Rental | Sold in one-month blocks, costs vary by region |
| Data Transmission | Can send and receive short messages from anywhere on Earth with a clear view of the sky |
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$29.95
What You'll Learn
- The RockBLOCK 9603 is a compact, plug-and-play satellite transmitter
- It is not waterproof and requires a monthly subscription service
- The device can send and receive short messages from anywhere on Earth with a view of the sky
- It has a sleep mode to conserve power when not in transmission
- The RockBLOCK 9603 is ideal for integrators and developers seeking a dependable, field-tested solution
The RockBLOCK 9603 is a compact, plug-and-play satellite transmitter
The RockBLOCK 9603 offers reliable, low-power messaging through its mature firmware and established global network. It can be powered by a 5V DC power input or a 3.7V DC battery, and its Sleepmode feature conserves power when not in transmission. The device has a built-in 1621 Mhz tuned patch antenna, but also supports an optional SMA connector for external antennas if required.
RockBLOCK 9603 uses an Iridium 9603N modem and exposes its serial interface via USB or a breakout connector over serial. It is compatible with Arduino, Windows, Mac, Linux, and Raspberry Pi computers, as well as other platforms with serial or USB ports. The device is easy to integrate with existing systems and can be controlled using simple AT commands.
In terms of data plans, RockBLOCK 9603 offers two formats: a line rental plus pay-as-you-go option and an annual contract option. The former is ideal for development and testing, while the latter is more cost-effective for fully operational projects. Line rental is paid monthly, and users only pay for the months they use the device.
Overall, the RockBLOCK 9603 is a versatile, compact, and reliable satellite transmitter, suitable for a range of applications, especially those requiring a small and lightweight solution.
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It is not waterproof and requires a monthly subscription service
The RockBLOCK 9603 is a compact, plug-and-play satellite transmitter ideal for systems integrators and product developers. It is not waterproof and requires a subscription service for usage.
The RockBLOCK 9603 is designed to be compact and robust, with a small form factor that can easily fit into tight enclosures. It is powered by the Iridium satellite network, specifically using the Iridium "short burst data" (SBD) service. This allows the device to send and receive short messages from anywhere on Earth with a clear view of the sky.
While the RockBLOCK 9603 is not waterproof, it does offer flexibility in terms of antenna options. It features both an onboard patch antenna and an SMA connector for external antenna use. The patch antenna is suitable for applications where the device has a view of the sky, such as under plastic but close to the top of the enclosure. For situations where the device is deeply enclosed or has a metal barrier obstructing the sky, the SMA connector allows for the attachment of an external antenna.
In terms of subscription services, the RockBLOCK 9603 offers two formats: line rental plus pay-as-you-go, and an annual contract. The line rental option is paid in monthly blocks, allowing the device to exchange information with the Iridium satellite network only during the months you choose to use it. This option is ideal for development and testing, providing flexibility and control over airtime usage.
The annual contract option, on the other hand, is more cost-effective for fully operational projects. While specific pricing details are not publicly available, Ground Control, the company behind RockBLOCK, encourages users to visit their SBD pricing page for more information on the annual contract rates.
In summary, the RockBLOCK 9603 is a versatile and compact satellite communication device that offers reliable messaging capabilities globally. While it is not waterproof, its antenna options provide flexibility for various applications. The subscription services, including line rental and annual contracts, cater to different usage needs and offer value for money, especially for those seeking to use less than 10 KB of data per month.
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The device can send and receive short messages from anywhere on Earth with a view of the sky
The RockBLOCK 9603 is a compact, robust satellite transmitter that can send and receive short messages from anywhere on Earth with a clear view of the sky. It is a simple plug-and-play satellite communicator with a built-in antenna, although an external antenna can be added if required. The device is easy to set up and can be integrated into existing systems with simple AT commands. It is also highly compatible with other systems such as Windows, AWS, Linux, and Raspberry Pi.
The RockBLOCK 9603 is ideal for integrators and developers seeking a dependable, field-tested solution effective in even the most remote environments. It is designed to slot easily into tight enclosures, and its mature firmware and established global network mean users get reliable, low-power messaging. The device is also versatile, with a small form factor Molex connector to link the serial, power, and signalling lines to a controller.
The RockBLOCK 9603 operates at 3.3V logic level and has a serial baud rate of 19200. It runs on a 5V DC power input or a 3.7V DC battery, making it usable in remote environments with limited mains power supply. The device also has a Sleep mode to conserve power when not in transmission. Messages up to 340 bytes can be sent from the RockBLOCK, and messages up to 270 bytes can be received.
The RockBLOCK 9603 is not waterproof, but the RockBLOCK Plus offers a waterproof alternative. The device offers simple pay-as-you-go satellite communications, with line rental purchased in monthly increments and credits purchased to send and receive data.
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It has a sleep mode to conserve power when not in transmission
The RockBLOCK 9603 is a compact, robust piece of kit that can send and receive short messages from anywhere on Earth with a view of the sky. It is the smallest and lightest version in the RockBLOCK family. The device is designed for systems integrators and product developers, and can be easily integrated with existing systems. It is highly suited to projects where a compact solution is needed, such as weather balloons or ocean buoys.
The RockBLOCK 9603 has a sleep mode to conserve power when not in transmission. The sleep signal is internally pulled high, so the modem can be left 'awake' all the time if desired. The sleep mode can reduce power consumption to 20uA. The device runs on a 5v DC power input or on a 3.7v DC battery, making it usable in remote environments with limited mains power supply.
The RockBLOCK 9603 is not waterproof. It features a built-in 1621 Mhz tuned patch antenna, with the option to attach an external antenna if required. The device can be controlled by a series of simple AT commands. It operates at a 3.3v logic level and requires a 5v supply that can supply 470mA during startup and 100mA continuously.
The RockBLOCK 9603 works with the Iridium Satellite System and the Rock Seven Servers to connect between two points on Earth via space. It communicates with the Iridium satellites to send and receive data. The Iridium satellite network has 66 satellites in orbit, allowing coverage anywhere on Earth 24/7.
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The RockBLOCK 9603 is ideal for integrators and developers seeking a dependable, field-tested solution
The RockBLOCK 9603 is a dependable, field-tested solution for satellite communications. It is a compact, robust piece of kit that can send and receive short messages from anywhere on Earth with a clear view of the sky. This makes it ideal for integrators and developers seeking a proven solution for turnkey satellite IoT connectivity.
RockBLOCK 9603 is a smaller version of RockBLOCK 9602 but with all the same capabilities. Its compact form factor slots easily into tight enclosures, and its mature firmware and established global network mean you get reliable, low-power messaging without the guesswork.
RockBLOCK 9603 is easy to set up and can be integrated into existing systems with minimal effort. It is controlled by a set of simple AT commands and is highly compatible with other systems such as Windows, AWS, Linux, and Raspberry Pi.
The device has a small form factor Molex connector to link the serial, power, and signalling lines to a controller. At its heart is an Iridium 9603N modem, which is provided with a patch antenna and its power supply requirements. The patch antenna is suitable for applications where the RockBLOCK can 'see' the sky, for example, when placed under plastic but close to the top of the enclosure.
RockBLOCK 9603 is highly flexible and can be used in a variety of applications, including monitoring the health of honey bee populations, transmitting data from remote weather stations, and as part of control systems for unmanned vehicles.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you don't have to. The sleep signal is internally pulled high on the RockBLOCK and RockBLOCK+ products, so you can leave it disconnected if you want to leave the modem ‘awake’ all of the time.
Sleep mode conserves power when not in transmission.
The RockBLOCK can be controlled by a series of simple AT commands, which can be used to activate sleep mode. There is also a digital "on/off" pin that can put this into a sleep mode that draws microamps.
The RockBLOCK 9603 is a compact, robust piece of kit that can send and receive short messages from anywhere on Earth with a view of the sky.
