RockBLOCK 9603 Satellite Communication Device
Satellite Communicator

RockBLOCK 9603 Satellite Communication Device

  • Vendor:Rock Seven
  • Category: Latest Products, M2M / IoT, Satellite Tracking, Short Burst Data
Availability: In Stock
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RockBLOCK 9603 Satellite Communication Device

The RockBLOCK 9603 Satellite Communication Device allows you to send and receive short messages from anywhere on Earth with a clear view of the sky. It works far beyond the reach of WiFi and GSM networks. The RockBLOCK has so many different uses. For instance, you can transmit weather information from mid-ocean, use it to control your robot in the middle of the desert, or perhaps you need to communicate in an emergency when other networks might not be available. In any case, the RockBLOCK can help and exceed expectations. Also, since the RockBLOCK is from Rock Seven you can count on it to perform as expected.


A tiny satellite communications device that boasts a small form factor Molex connector which facilitates easier use within solutions with space constraints. This allows the 9603 to be used with a wider range of setups bringing convenience to the global communications setups of even more clients that need it!

RockBLOCK 9603 - bgStrip4

The RockBLOCK 9603 is the smaller version of the standard RockBLOCK product. It has the same capabilities, but is specifically designed to be as small and light as possible. The RockBLOCK 9603 is targeted primarily at systems integrators and product developers where space inside your enclosure is at a premium.

At the heart of RockBLOCK 9603 is an Iridium 9603 modem. RockBLOCK hosts the 9603 and provides it with an antenna, and its power supply requirements. It exposes the modem’s serial interface via a breakout connector over serial, and also offers an SMA connector for external antenna usage.


Product Details

Powered By Direct Header Connector, 5v
Built-in Antenna Yes (or use optional SMA connector for external antenna)
Transmits Using Iridium
Weight 36 grams including antenna
Size 45.0 x 45.0 x 15.0mm
Waterproofing RockBLOCK 9603 is not waterproof. If you need a waterproof unit, look at the RockBLOCK+
Ideal For Integration into existing devices

Iridium SBD (Short Burst Data) Airtime Service Plans for IOT & M2M SBD

Plan Name Billing Period Contract Period Includes / Monthly Allowance Additional Usage Per KB Monthly Price
Base SBD  1 Month  3 Months 0 KB (0.00 bytes) $1.50 / KB (1000 bytes)  $26.00
Starter SBD  1 Month  6 Months 8 KB (8000 bytes) $1.45 / KB (1000 bytes)  $28.00
Standard SBD  1 Month  12 Months 12 KB (12000 bytes) $1.35 / KB (1000 bytes)  $32.00
Research SBD  1 Month  12 Months 17 KB (17000 bytes) $1.25 / KB (1000 bytes)  $44.00
Enterprise SBD  1 Month  12 Months 30 KB (30000 bytes) $1.15 / KB (1000 bytes)  $54.00

RockBlock 9603 BrochureBrochure

How do I control the sleep pin?
The sleep signal is internally pulled high on the RockBLOCK and RockBLOCK+ products, so you can leave it disconnected if you want to leave the modem 'awake' all of the time.

To turn 'off' the modem, pull the line to ground.

Unit refuses to give me data using the SBDRT command?
If you are using the SBDRT command, and the modem appears to 'hang' when you issue the command, it is probably due to flow control configuration. The default state for the RockBLOCK and RockBLOCK+ units has flow control turned ON in the modem. When running in 3-wire serial mode, flow control should be turned OFF, which will ensure you get responses to your requests. Use the command AT&K0 at the start of your command sequence. This turns flow control off, and should solve the problem.

How does it work?
RockBLOCK uses the Iridium Satellite network. Specifically, it uses an Iridium service called ‘Short Burst Data’ (SBD). There’s some official info here. At the heart of RockBLOCK is an Iridium 9602 modem. The RockBLOCK hosts the 9602 and provides it with an antenna, and its power supply requirements. It exposes the modem’s serial interface via USB (or directly – PCB assembly version only). Full documentation for the 9602 modem can be found here: Iridium 9602 SBD Transceiver Product Developers Guide.

How is it powered?
RockBLOCK takes its power from the direct header connector, or alternatively via the optional FTDI/USB adaptor. If you’re using the PCB assembly version with a direct header, your host needs to supply a minimum of 100mA @ 5V.

How much data can I send/receive
340 bytes FROM RockBLOCK. 270 bytes TO RockBLOCK.

How quickly can I send a message?

How frequently can I send a message?

Can I connect an external antenna?
Yes, there is a version of the RockBLOCK available with an SMA connector (instead of the built-on antenna) which allows you to attach an external Iridium antenna.

Do you have USB drivers for my XYZ platform?
Almost certainly. If you have purchased the optional FTDI-USB adaptor then you will need to install the FTDI drivers. You can check on their website (, where you will find drivers for Linux, Mac, Windows, Android and others.

What about software?
The RockBLOCK appears as a serial interface, and you can talk to it using a simple set of AT commands. It is expected that you'll be able to integrate it into your own software with minimal effort.

Could you give us some sample code to get started?
There is a Node.js library available and an Arduino library which you can get via the RockBLOCK page - There is also an excellent Python project for Raspberry Pi, which would make a great starting point for any Raspberry Pi users which can be found here - Rock Seven is working on publishing some samples for other languages as well.

How do my messages get back to me (on Earth)?

Messages sent from RockBLOCK can either be delivered to your chosen email address, or sent to your own web service as a simple HTTP POST. The message data will be hex encoded so there are no character set problems. Full details of RockBlock's web service are available in their Web Service Guide available for download here.

RockBlock 9603 - FAQ1

How do I send data to my RockBLOCK?
You can make a simple HTTP POST to RockBLOCK's web service. The message is queued on the satellite network almost instantly, ready for RockBLOCK to download (on your command).

Does RockBLOCK get notification of a new message waiting?
Yes, as long as you configure it correctly. Check the 9602 documentation for the 'Ring Alert' feature.

How Rugged/Waterproof is it really?
Very! The RockBLOCK+ is a completely encapsulated design, so it is at least IP68 (submersible for extended periods). Just don't expect it to send messages from under water!

Do I get positions with my messages?
The RockBLOCK does not have a GPS chip inside it. It‚Äôs invisaged that if you want position reports, you would use an off-the-shelf GPS module with your solution, and get position data from that. However, it is worth noting that with each Iridium transmission we do get an approximate position report - this varies in accuracy from 100km to 1km, and therefore cannot be relied upon for very accurate tracking, but RockBLOCK does provide this information for you (along with the approximate accuracy, 'CEP' in km) with your messages. If you are looking for a dedicated tracking satellite tracking device, then you might want to consider our RockSTAR product.

If I have a whole set of RockBLOCK's, how does billing work?
Billing is flexible, and allows you to pay only when you are using your devices. Line rental is sold in one-month blocks, and credits are bought in packs. If you have several RockBLOCKs, credits are shared from a credit pool amongst all your devices and you don't need to buy separate packs of credits for each device. Similarly, if only some of your devices are being used at any one time, you don't need to pay for line-rental on those which aren't in use.