Sparkfun RockBLOCK 9704 - SMA

The RockBLOCK 9704 by Ground Control is a compact breakout board designed for the Iridium 9704 satellite IoT module, featuring an SMA connector and a supercap charger for efficient low-power operation. It offers global bi-directional messaging with data rates from 25 bytes up to 100 KB, and an end-to-cloud latency of less than 10 seconds. Key hardware interfaces include 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. Operating efficiently between 4.0-5.3 V DC (or 3.6-4.5 V battery), it peaks at 1.4 W, idles at less than 60 mW, and sleeps at under 5 mW, making it ideal for battery-sensitive applications.

Perfect for remote monitoring and tracking applications, the RockBLOCK 9704 excels in providing reliable connectivity in areas where traditional networks fail. Whether you're managing assets in remote locations or conducting environmental monitoring, this device ensures that your data is transmitted seamlessly across the globe.

The integration of the Cloudloop Data interface simplifies the task of data transmission by routing messages to your chosen endpoints, whether HTTPS or MQTT. This service also provides a REST API and dashboard to track device metadata, transmission status, and message history, ensuring you stay informed and in control.

Ground Control offers flexible billing options with a monthly fee and data pack purchases, allowing you to pay per message. Real-time usage dashboards provide transparency and control over your data consumption, supporting rapid prototyping and effortless scaling from initial development to full deployment.