Who is the RockBLOCK 9704 for?

Designing the 9704 module into your own product means handling power and the antenna, and going through certification. N3D brings in Ground Control's RockBLOCK 9704 so customers can build products at lower cost and in less time.

What it is

The RockBLOCK 9704 is a Ground Control product: a small board carrying an Iridium Certus 9704, with power handled and a serial interface over USB-C and TTL. It comes in two versions:

Why it saves time and cost

• No RF design: the module, power and antenna are ready-made.
• Much less certification work: Ground Control has already certified the RF side. A product still needs Iridium ICE certification before it is sold, including by a reseller, but there may be less to add than when integrating the module from scratch.
• Code is available: Ground Control provides Python, C and Arduino libraries.
• Try it from a computer: connect over USB-C and start sending and receiving, without the Launch Pad's 32 KB RAM limit.

Limits to know

• No processor of its own: it cannot run on its own and needs a computer, a Raspberry Pi or your controller.
• Larger than the module: it may not fit very small products.
• Unit cost at volume: at high volume, integrating the module yourself may cost less, but you carry the design and certification.

Using it with IMT CC

RockBLOCK 9704 units bought from N3D are activated directly on IMT CC, with no separate registration on Ground Control's Cloudloop, and the first two months of the IMT CC monthly fee are waived. N3D will sell them once Iridium ICE certification is obtained; it is in preparation.