RockBLOCK DocumentationContents:
1 Introducing RockBLOCK 1 1.1 What is RockBLOCK? . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.2 A bit about Iridium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 1.3 About Short Burst
Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . 5 1.4 Who are Rock 7? . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.5 Can I get some help? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2 Important things we have to tell you 7 2.1 Legal notices . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . 7 2.2 Product safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.3 Regulatory and standards compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3 Physical Specification 9 3.1 Photographs . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. 9 3.2 Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 3.3 Environmental
specification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . 9 3.4 Mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. 9 3.5 Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
4 Electrical & RF Specification 11 4.1 Power supply . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . 11 4.2 Serial Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
4.3 RF specification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
5 Using RockBLOCK 15 5.1 Transmit your first message : Hello World!
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
5.2 Transmit binary data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 5.3 Receiving
messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 5.4 All about Ring Alerts . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . 15 5.5 What’s the time? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 5.6
RockBLOCK Gateway commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 5.7 SBDIX command in detail . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . 15 5.8 Making your data smaller . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
6 RockBLOCK Web Services 17 6.1 Iridium contracts costs . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . 17 6.2 RockBLOCK management system . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
i
6.3 Receiving MO messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 6.4 Sending MT messages
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . 17
7 Useful Resources 19 7.1 AT Command Reference . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
7.2 SBD Best Practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 7.3 Makersnake . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . 19
8 Indices and tables 21
ii
1.1 What is RockBLOCK?
RockBLOCK makes it easy to use Iridium Short-Burst Data services
with your project. The PCB assembly hosts an Iridium
short-burst-data transceiver, simplifies the power requirements,
and provides a serial interface to your project. RF considerations
are taken care of by RockBLOCK’s built-in antenna, or SMA connector
for an external antenna.
1
RockBlock 9602
The original version of RockBLOCK was based on the Iridium 9602
module. This module was superseded by the 9603N, which is
significantly smaller and functionally equivalent. Rock 7 still
manufacture this version to support existing applications, but it
is strongly recommended that new projects use the RockBLOCK
9603.
2 Chapter 1. Introducing RockBLOCK
RockBLOCK Documentation, Release
RockBLOCK 9603
RockBLOCK 9603 is designed to host the Iridium 9603N module, and is
as small as is practically possible. The minimum size is defined by
the ground plane required for the 25mm patch antenna.
RockBLOCK Plus
RockBLOCK Documentation, Release
Iridium Edge
You might notice that the Iridium Edge product is rather similar to
RockBLOCK Plus!
In case you’re wondering, RockBLOCK came first. They say imitation
is the sincerest form of flattery. . .
RockBLOCK Plus is supplied in a ‘finished’, rugged enclosure. It is
fully waterproof and designed to be installed outside.
1.1.2 What isn’t RockBLOCK?
RockBLOCK does not contain a GPS receiver and is not capable of
autonomous operation. It is not a tracking device, but could
provide the satellite communications element of such a device when
paired with a suitable controller and GPS receiver.
1.1.3 What could I do with RockBLOCK?
Lots of things.
Amazing things.
1.2 A bit about Iridium
“The Iridium constellation of 66 cross-linked Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
satellites, plus several in-orbit spares, means truly global
coverage and real mobility everywhere.
The network is considered a meshed constellation of interconnected,
cross-linked satellites so that each satellite “talks” with the
other nearby satellites in adjacent orbits.
Unique to Iridium, this architecture provides inherent advantages
in performance and reliability over other mobile satellite services
providers.”
(from www.iridium.com)
Importantly, Iridium operates in the microwave L-band, which means
that successful data transmission relies on having an unobstructed
line-of-sight view of a satellite. Satellites travel quite quickly
- from horizon to horizon in under 10 minutes - so with sensible
application design, it is possible to transmit data, even with a
heavily obstructed view of the sky.
The Iridium website (www.iridium.com) has more information. Rock
Seven has been an Iridium Partner since 2008.
1.2.1 Constellation Replacement
4 Chapter 1. Introducing RockBLOCK
RockBLOCK Documentation, Release
1.3 About Short Burst Data
SBD is a bandwidth-limited messaging system, capable of
transmitting packets of up to 340 bytes, and receiving packets of
270 bytes. With a good view of the sky, it is possible to
send/receive approximately once every 10 seconds.
It is suitable for applications which need to regularly send or
receive small amounts of information - typically these would
include tracking, telemetry, system control and monitoring
applications.
It is not suitable if very low latency is required, or if the data
to be transmitted is larger than a few thousand bytes. Sending
images, or GRIB files, is usually not sensible.
1.4 Who are Rock 7?
Lovely folks.
1.5 Can I get some help?
Yes, but first, please read this manual carefully - we’ve tried to
answer every question you might have!
You’re very welcome to email our friendly support team at
[email protected]
1.3. About Short Burst Data 5
CHAPTER 2
2.1 Legal notices
2.2 Product safety
7
8 Chapter 2. Important things we have to tell you
CHAPTER 3
Physical Specification
3.1 Photographs
3.2 Dimensions
Dimensions Weight RockBLOCK 9602 X x Y x Z XX g RockBLOCK 9603 X x
Y x Z XX g RockBLOCK Plus X x Y x Z XX g
3.3 Environmental specification
3.4.2 Inside other enclosures
CHAPTER 4
4.1.1 How RockBLOCK manages power
The internal Iridium module requires a very stable voltage source
during short bursts of high current during transmis- sion. All
versions of RockBLOCK contain a voltage regulation circuit which
includes a super-capacitor, which meets the demands of the Iridium
module and simplifies the power requirements from your host
system.
When power is first applied to RockBLOCK, the super capacitor is
charged. The Iridium module will only be switched on once
sufficient charge has been accumulated. This is typically a delay
of about 10 seconds.
It is possible to switch off the RockBLOCK, but maintain the charge
in the super capacitor to ensure an immediate startup. Please refer
to the On/Off control section below.
4.1.2 DC supply
The host system must provide DC power to RockBLOCK. Nominally this
is 5V for RockBLOCK 9602/9603 and 12-24V (e.g. vehicle power
supply) for RockBLOCK Plus.
You do not need to limit the current from your power supply -
RockBLOCK has it’s own current limiter. You can supply a limited
current, but this will affect the charging time of the super
capacitor, which means slower startup from cold, and may mean you
have to pause for a few seconds between successive transmissions to
avoid brownout.
It is also possible to provide power directly from a Lithium cell
at 3.7V for RockBLOCK 9603. This feature was also available on the
9602 version, but the implementation has been greatly improved with
the RockBLOCK 9603. Specifically, the old implementation didn’t
limit in-rush current Note that there is a specific pin for this
purpose, which offers some protection to the battery.
The power and ground inputs are reverse polarity protected.
11
RockBLOCK Documentation, Release
Minimum (V) Maximum (V) Maximum (mA) RockBLOCK 9602 (5V) 4.5 5.4 XX
RockBLOCK 9603 (5V) 3.5 5.4 470 @ 5V RockBLOCK 9603 (3.7V) 3.4 5.4
check RockBLOCK Plus 9.0 30.0 check
When installing RockBLOCK Plus in a vehicle, it is recommended that
a 2A inline fuse be used.
4.1.3 Current consumption
Idle average* (mA) Maximum (mA) Off (uA) RockBLOCK 9602 (5V) 40 470
200 RockBLOCK 9603 (5V) 40 470 50 RockBLOCK Plus (12V) ?? ??
??
The Idle measurements are taken over a 3 minute period of
inactivity (no radio transmission), with the Iridium module powered
on. In this mode, you will observe regular bursts of approx 100mA
every 20 seconds. The module will receive ring alerts in this
mode.
4.1.4 On/Off control
The On/Off control enables the host controller to put RockBLOCK
into a minimal-power ‘off’ mode. The internal super capacitor
charge is maintained so that RockBLOCK can be used immediately when
switching back on.
If you do not need this functionality, it is recommended that you
do not connect the On/Off control. It can be left floating, and
RockBLOCK will remain on when powered.
Off (V) On (V) Absolute Max (V) Absolute Min (V) RockBLOCK
9602/9603 <2.0 >2.4 5.0 0.0 RockBLOCK Plus <-1.5 >1.5
30.0 -30.0
4.1.5 Load dump protection
RockBLOCK is designed to operate through voltage transients and
survive large temporary voltages observed in vehicle starting (for
example). What standard??
4.1.6 LED indications
The RockBLOCK 9603 (only) has two LEDs to indicate power status.
The Red LED indicates the presence of a DC power supply. The Green
LED indicates that the super capacitor has sufficient charge to
switch on the Iridium module, and successfully transit.
12 Chapter 4. Electrical & RF Specification
RockBLOCK Documentation, Release
4.2 Serial Interface
4.2.1 3-wire interface
The data serial interface is an RS-232 interface over which
RockBLOCK Plus and your host controller transfer com- mands,
responses, and SBD message data. With respect to this interface,
RockBLOCK behaves as a DCE (Data Communication Equipment), and the
FA behaves as a DTE (Data Terminal Equipment).
RockBLOCK 9602/9603 operate the same interface at 3.3V digital
signal levels (LVTTL), and are 5V tolerant. If RS-232 voltage
levels are needed, the host must include an LVTTL/RS-232
level-shifter.
Table 4.1: RockBLOCK Plus Serial interface voltage levels Parameter
Value Tx Low Maximum -0.5V Tx High Minimum 0.5V Rx Input Low
Threshold -0.5V Rx Input High Threshold 0.5V Absolute maximum
32.0V
Table 4.2: RockBLOCK 9602/9603 Serial interface voltage levels
Parameter Value Tx Low Maximum 0.6V Tx High Minimum 3.0V Rx Input
Low Threshold 0.6V Rx Input High Threshold 3.0V Absolute Maximum Rx
5.0V
4.2.2 TX/RX labelling
4.2.3 Baud Rate
Host controllers connecting to RockBLOCK should be configured to
the baud rate settings in the table below. Auto baud is not
supported.
Table 4.3: Baud rate settings Parameter Value Baud rate 19200 Data
bits 8 Parity None Stop bits 1
The baud rate can be set via the AT+IPR command. You are advised
not to change the baud rate so the RockBLOCK uses a reliable, fixed
baud rate.
4.2. Serial Interface 13
RockBLOCK Documentation, Release
4.2.4 Flow control
It is strongly recommended to use RockBLOCK with flow control
disabled.
The flow control setting can be set by AT commands. RockBLOCK has
flow control disabled during manufacture, but should the device be
reset to defaults then the following commands will disable flow
control:
AT&K0 (disable flow control) AT&W0 (save configuration in
non-volatile memory)
4.2.5 Network availability indicator
The RockBLOCK Network Available signal is driven directly by the
internal SBD modem. When active, the Network status indicates if
the RockBLOCK has visibility to an Iridium satellite. As an
alternative to using the Network Available hardware output, a host
controller can use AT commands to poll the network status. If the
Network Indicator function is not required, this signal should be
left disconnected.
Network Available is not a guarantee that a message can be
successfully sent; instead it reports if it can see an Iridium
satellite by measuring the level of the incoming satellite channel.
The Network Available state is evaluated every time the satellite
channel is received or missed. If the satellite channel is visible,
then the update interval is typically every 4 seconds. If the
satellite is not currently visible, then the update period can be
as long as 2 minutes, depending on how long the lack of satellite
visibility existed. The duration increases during lack of satellite
visibility as the Iridium module backs off its attempts to conserve
power by increasing the satellite channel search interval. Every
time a satellite search fails, the time to wait is increased and
eventually limits at 120 seconds.
The specifications for the Network Indicator are listed in the
table below. The Network Indicator is an output and should not be
driven by an external source.
Off (V) On (V) RockBLOCK 9602/9603 <0.5 >2.4 RockBLOCK Plus
<?? >??
4.3 RF specification
The RF specifications for RockBLOCK are listed in the table below.
These specifications are not required to use the RockBLOCK, but may
be required for some local regulatory equipment approvals.
Table 4.4: RF Specifications Parameter Value Frequency Range 1616
MHz to 1626.5 MHz Duplexing Method TDD (Time Domain Duplex)
Polarization RHCP Multiplexing Method TDMA/FDMA Average Power
during Transmit slot (max) 1.6W
14 Chapter 4. Electrical & RF Specification
CHAPTER 5
Using RockBLOCK
5.2 Transmit binary data
5.6 RockBLOCK Gateway commands
5.6.1 Flush MT queue
5.7 SBDIX command in detail
5.8 Making your data smaller
15
CHAPTER 6
6.1 Iridium contracts costs
6.1.1 Can I use my RockBLOCK with a different service
provider?
6.1.2 Can I use other SBD devices with RockBLOCK contracts and web
services?
Of course! If you have an existing collection of Iridium Edge, or
other SBD devices, or if you’ve integrated the bare Iridium 9603N
module into your product, we’d be happy to provide all of the same
services as for RockBLOCK.
6.1.3 Can you do me a better price for loads of
data/RockBLOCKs?
6.2 RockBLOCK management system
6.3 Receiving MO messages
6.3.1 HTTP Webhook API
17
CHAPTER 7
Useful Resources
CHAPTER 8
Important things we have to tell you
Legal notices
Product safety
Transmit binary data