Sparkfun RockBLOCK 9704 - Patch Antenna

The RockBLOCK 9704 by Ground Control is a compact breakout board featuring the Iridium 9704 satellite IoT module, equipped with a built-in patch antenna and a supercapacitor charger for efficient low-power operation. It offers global bi-directional messaging capabilities, handling data from 25 bytes up to 100 KB with an end-to-cloud latency typically under 10 seconds. The board supports multiple hardware interfaces including a TTL 3.3 V UART, USB-C serial bridge, U.FL for GNSS passthrough, and options for either an SMA or integrated patch antenna. It operates on 4.0-5.3 V DC (3.6-4.5 V battery), with a peak power consumption of 1.4 W, idle power under 60 mW, and sleep mode at less than 5 mW, making it ideal for battery-sensitive applications.

This versatile module is perfect for applications requiring global connectivity, such as remote monitoring, asset tracking, and environmental sensing. Its robust design ensures reliable communication even in the most isolated locations, making it an invaluable tool for industries like agriculture, logistics, and research.

One of the standout features is its integration with Ground Control's Cloudloop Data interface, which simplifies data transmission from the device to your chosen endpoint. Whether you prefer HTTPS or MQTT, the interface ensures seamless routing of uplinks and downlinks. Additionally, it provides a REST API and a user-friendly dashboard for monitoring device metadata, transmission status, and message history.

With a flexible billing model that includes pay-per-message options and real-time usage dashboards, the RockBLOCK 9704 offers a comprehensive solution for rapid prototyping and scaling. Ground Control's full-stack support covers everything from hardware and network transport to data delivery, ensuring a smooth and efficient deployment process.