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RockBLOCK 9704 - Patch Antenna

SKU: WRL-28896 Brand: Sparkfun

The RockBLOCK 9704 by Ground Control is a breakout board for the new Iridium 9704 including a built-in patch antenna and a supercap charger to enable low...

Special Price $499.74 AUD, inc GST

Regular Price $590.31 AUD, inc GST

$454.31 AUD, exc GST

Special pricing ends 25 August 2025

* this special may end earlier than shown

Available with a lead time
Expect dispatch between Jun 05 and Jun 09

The RockBLOCK 9704 by Ground Control is a breakout board for the new Iridium 9704 including a built-in patch antenna and a supercap charger to enable low power operation. If you need low data rate connectivity over the entire globe, Iridium is the answer. RockBLOCK 9704 leverages the Iridium Certus 9704 satellite IoT module to deliver truly global bi-directional messaging from 25 bytes up to 100 KB, with typical end-to-cloud latency of < 10 s.

Hardware interfaces include a TTL 3.3 V UART, USB-C serial bridge, U.FL for GNSS passthrough, and SMA or integrated patch antenna options. It runs from 4.0-5.3 V DC (3.6-4.5 V battery), peaks at 1.4 W, idles at < 60 mW, and sleeps at < 5 mW – perfect for battery-sensitive deployments.

In addition to top notch hardware, Ground Control has done an exquisite job easing the task of getting the message data from the field to your target with their Cloudloop Data interface. Once messages leave the device, Cloudloop Data seamlessly routes uplinks and downlinks to your HTTPS or MQTT endpoint, and exposes a REST API and dashboard for device metadata, transmission status, and message history.

Each device requires a monthly fee and a data pack purchase. With flexible, pay-per-message billing and real time usage dashboards, Ground Control delivers true full-stack support – from hardware and network transport through to data delivery – so you can prototype fast and scale instantly.

Check out Ground Control's RockBLOCK product page for airtime costs, coverage maps, and tons of example code and libraries.

Features & Specs

Physical – Patch Antenna

Dimensions: 72 (95) x 75 x 16.5 mm
Weight: <50g (inc. patch antenna)
Form Factor: PCB assembly with 4mm mounting holes
Antenna: Integrated patch antenna

Environmental

Operating temperature: -40C to +70C, <95% RH
Vibration & Shock: SAE J 1455
Ingress Rating: n/a

Connections

16-pin 0.1" pitch male header
USB-C
U.FL for GNSS

Electrical & Power

Voltage: 4.0-5.3 V DC, 3.6-4.5 V Battery, 5 V USB-C
Power consumption (max): 1.4 W
Power consumption (min): < 5 mW (sleep mode)
Power consumption (idle): < 60 mW (registered with network, listening, ready to transmit/receive)

Communication Interfaces

Iridium Messaging Transport: 4.8kbps bi-directional messages from 10 to 100,000 bytes. Latency typically < 10s between remote and cloud applications
GNSS: U.FL connector available for separate GNSS Passthrough
Serial: TTL UART connection (default: 230400baud)
USB-C: USB-Serial bridge (default: 230400baud)
Digital GPIO: 5x inputs, 3x outputs. Connection via 16 way cable assembly

Developer & Platform Support

C & Python libraries, tutorials, and example code
Cloudloop integration for message handling and cloud service delivery
Prepaid airtime with automatic suspension for cost control

Documentation

This product is listed in:

Wireless>Satellite communication

Product Comments

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We deliver Australia-wide with these options (depends on the final destination - you can get a quote on the view cart page):

$3+ for Stamped Mail (typically 10+ business days, not tracked, only available on selected small items)
$7+ for Standard Post (typically 6+ business days, tracked)
$11+ for Express Post (typically 2+ business days, tracked)
Pickup - Free! Only available to customers who live in the Newcastle region (must order online and only pickup after we email to notify you the order is ready). Orders placed after 2PM may not be ready until the following business day.

Non-metro addresses in WA, NT, SA & TAS can take 2+ days in addition to the above information.

Some batteries (such as LiPo) can't be shipped by Air. During checkout, Express Post and International Methods will not be an option if you have that type of battery in your shopping cart.

International Orders - the following rates are for New Zealand and will vary for other countries:

$12+ for Pack and Track (3+ days, tracked)
$16+ for Express International (2-5 days, tracked)

If you order lots of gear, the postage amount will increase based on the weight of your order.

Our physical address (here's a PDF which includes other key business details):

Unit 18, 132 Garden Grove Parade
Adamstown
NSW, 2289
Australia

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