Ground Control has unveiled the robust RockBLOCK Pro satellite IoT gateway, a certified Iridium Certus 9704 device tailored for critical remote operations.
Utilizing the advanced Iridium Certus® 9704 module along with iridium Messaging Transport (IMT),the RockBLOCK Pro delivers enhanced data throughput,a significantly increased message capacity,and improved energy efficiency compared to its predecessors.
The RockBLOCK Pro leverages the Iridium 9704 module to facilitate bi-directional messaging, capable of transmitting data ranging from 25 bytes to 100 KB.This allows for the integration of aggregated sensor data, images, and audio files, with typical latency from end to cloud being under 10 seconds. In comparison to the Iridium 9602/9603 module, the 9704 boasts an notable 83% decrease in idle power usage.
Designed to withstand extreme outdoor and industrial conditions, the RockBLOCK Pro is rated IP66, offering options for both built-in and external antennas. It maintains compatibility with the traditional Iridium AT command set,allowing for seamless upgrades of existing SBD deployments without necessitating changes to host firmware or developer toolchains.
For thorough message management, the RockBLOCK Pro integrates seamlessly with Cloudloop Data, which facilitates message delivery thru direct cloud platform integrations such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, as well as via HTTP webhooks, MQTT, and email. Its built-in GNSS, Bluetooth capabilities, and configurable digital I/O further enhance its versatility for telemetry, tracking, environmental monitoring, and autonomous applications.
Alastair MacLeod,CEO of Ground Control,remarked,“The RockBLOCK Pro revolutionizes the satellite IoT gateway sector by combining energy efficiency,a rugged design,and significant data capacity within a compact unit,enabling smarter and more responsive systems in the most isolated regions. as the first to market with a certified Iridium Certus 9704 product, we are excited to spearhead the next phase of global IoT.”
Tim Last, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Iridium, added, “The Iridium Certus 9704 is a powerhouse in a compact form, making it perfect for IoT applications that demand real-time data processing, analytics, and automated decision-making. Ground Control has been a reliable partner of Iridium for many years, consistently delivering high-quality developer hardware based on Iridium technology. We are thrilled to see them at the forefront of innovative solutions that provide high-performance satellite IoT connectivity to the most remote areas of the globe.”
