Rock Seven Launches Compact Satellite Communications Platform with Integrated Antenna

Iridium satcom specialist Rock Seven is introducing a compact plug & play two-way satellite communications system with integrated antenna at Ocean Business 2017 in Southampton (at stand V43). Utilising the latest Iridium modem technology, Rock Seven engineers have managed to shrink the compact RockBLOCK form factor down to just 45mm x 45mm x 15mm, including its antenna.

Compared to the standard RockBLOCK MK II dimensions of 76mm x 51.5mm x 19.0mm, the RockBLOCK 9603 is easier to integrate on space limited scientific and commercial remote sensing and instrument platforms, while offering identical performance in terms of data throughput and link reliability anywhere in the world (including the Arctic and Antarctic). Weight has also been reduced, from 76 grams to just 36 grams, including the antenna. RockBLOCK 9603 is uniquely delivered as a complete system with electronics, antenna and power conditioning in a single compact module, ready for users to integrate in minutes.

The RockBLOCK concept has been embraced by ocean science and marine equipment manufacturers because of its low-cost, straightforward approach to adding data connectivity to almost any research platform or commercial product. It interfaces seamlessly with all mainstream computing platforms from Windows, Mac and Linux through to the new breed of miniature computing hardware such as Arduino, Raspberry PI and Intel Edison, which are widely used to power compact scientific and environmental research systems in addition to marine technology innovations such as smart navigation buoys and remote weather stations.

Research or Commodity

Considering that much of RockBLOCK’s core user-base is developing distributed multi-sensor station networks for scientific research or commodity products, many of which are classed as disposable due to harsh environmental conditions, the low capital outlay for RockBLOCK is essential. Running costs are low too. RockBLOCK 9603 can send messages of 340 bytes and receive messages of 270 bytes using Iridium Short Burst Data (SBD).

A pay-as-you-go model gives flexibility and cost saving for development – however, other tariffs are available for users with large numbers of devices and who are willing to give airtime commitment for 12 months or more.