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HOME / PRODUCT CATEGORIES / SATELLITE / ROCKBLOCK 9603 - IRIDIUM SATCOMM MODULE
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RockBLOCK 9603 - Iridium SatComm Module
WRL-14498 ROHS
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DESCRIPTION INCLUDES FEATURES DOCUMENTS
The RockBLOCK 9603 allows you to send and receive short messages from
anywhere on Earth with a clear view of the sky. It works far beyond the reach of
WiFi and GSM networks. Maybe you want to transmit weather information from
mid-ocean? Or use it to control your robot in the middle of the desert? Perhaps
you need to communicate in an emergency, when other networks might not be
available? RockBLOCK can help.
RockBLOCK 9603 is the smaller version of the standard RockBLOCK Mk2. It
has the same capabilities, but is specifically designed to be as small and light as
possible. The RockBLOCK 9603 is targeted primarily at systems integrators and
product developers, where space inside your enclosure is at a premium.
It has a small form factor Molex connector to link the serial, power and signaling
lines to your controller. This may be marginally harder to use for hobbyists than
the 0.1" dot pitch header used on the standard RockBLOCK product.
At the heart of RockBLOCK 9603 is an Iridium 9603 modem. The RockBLOCK
hosts the 9603 and provides it with an antenna and power supply requirements.
It exposes the modem’s serial interface via a breakout connector over serial,
and offers an SMA connector for external antenna usage. Please be aware that
even though the RockBLOCK 9603 is a fantastic SatComm module, it isn’t a
GPS device. You will need to use your own GPS if you need accurate
positioning data.
Note: The RockBLOCK does require a monthly rental service to exchange
information with the Iridium satellite network. You only pay for months in which
you wish to use the RockBLOCK. No annual contract is required. Line rental
costs GBP (about USD) per month and includes access to the RockBLOCK
management system for managing your devices. The billing system is built-in,
and allows you to pay for only what you use.
Tags
IRIDIUM ROCKBLOCK SATCOMM SATELLITE WIRELESS
RockBLOCK 9603 - Iridium SatComm Module Product Help and Resources
SKILLS NEEDED
Core Skill: Programming
If a board needs code or communicates somehow, you're going to need to know how to program or interface with it. The programming skill is all about
communication and code.
Skill Level: Competent - The toolchain for programming is a bit more complex and will examples may not be explicitly provided for
you. You will be required to have a fundamental knowledge of programming and be required to provide your own code. You may need
to modify existing libraries or code to work with your specific hardware. Sensor and hardware interfaces will be SPI or I2C.
See all skill levels
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Core Skill: Electrical Prototyping
If it requires power, you need to know how much, what all the pins do, and how to hook it up. You may need to reference datasheets, schematics, and
Customer Reviews
know the ins and outs of electronics.
Skill Level: Competent - You will be required to reference a datasheet or schematic to know how to use a component. Your
knowledge of a datasheet will only require basic features like power requirements, pinouts, or communications type. Also, you may
need a power supply that?s greater than 12V or more than 1A worth of current.
See all skill levels
3
COMMENTS 11 REVIEWS 1
4 out of 5
Based on 1 ratings:
1 of 1 found this helpful:
Works Well
about 3 months ago by Member #12534 verified purchaser
Had this up and running in 30 min or so… Works reasonably well, although the GPS accuracy is very low, and
likely unusable for most applications at +/- several kilometers.
CF replied on December 13, 2017:
Hello, and thanks for the review!
It’s important to know that the RockBlock is NOT a GPS and is not intended to give accurate GPS
positions. The coordinates provided are a rough approximation of your true location and not intended
for precise positioning. If you need accurate location data, you should look into using a GPS and
transmitting latitude and longitude along with any other data you’re sending.
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