Rock Seven - Ocean Business 2017: Rock Seven launches world's smallest two-way satellite communications platform with integrated antenna

• New miniaturised RockBLOCK system delivers global data connectivity for any application, with a design footprint approximately half the size of the current RockBLOCK product

Iridium satcom specialist Rock Seven is introducing the worlds’ smallest plug & play two-way satellite communications system with integrated antenna at Ocean Business in Southampton this week. RockBLOCK 9603 is an even smaller variant of the sophisticated RockBLOCK MK II ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT) satellite communication technology platform, which already provides Machine-to-Machine (M2M) data communication over Iridium’s global satellite network for thousands of professional users at sea and on land.

Utilising the latest Iridium modem technology, Rock Seven engineers have managed to shrink the already compact RockBLOCK form factor down to just 45 mm x 45 mm x 15 mm, including its powerful antenna. Compared to the standard RockBLOCK MK II dimensions of 76 mm x 51.5 mm x 19.0 mm, the new RockBLOCK 9603 is even easier to integrate on space limited scientific and commercial remote sensing and instrument platforms, while offering identical performance in terms of data throughput and link reliability anywhere in the world (including the Arctic and Antarctic). Weight has also been reduced, from 76 grams to just 36 grams, including the antenna. RockBLOCK 9603 is uniquely delivered as a complete system with electronics, antenna and power conditioning in a single compact module, ready for users to integrate in minutes.

The innovative RockBLOCK concept has been embraced by ocean science and marine equipment manufacturers because of its low-cost, straightforward approach to adding data connectivity to almost any research platform or commercial product. It interfaces seamlessly with all mainstream computing platforms from Windows, Mac and Linux through to the new breed of miniature computing hardware such as Arduino™, Raspberry PI™ and Intel Edison, which are widely used to power compact scientific and environmental research systems in addition to marine technology innovations such as smart navigation buoys and remote weather stations.

RockBLOCK 9603 is just £159, making it a cost-effective way to turn any system into a fully connected IoT device, even with limited space available. Considering that much of RockBLOCK’s core user-base is developing distributed multi-sensor station networks for scientific research or commodity products, many of which are classed as disposable due to harsh environmental conditions, the low capital outlay for RockBLOCK is essential. Running costs are low too. RockBLOCK 9603 can send messages of 340 bytes and receive messages of 270 bytes using Iridium Short Burst Data (SBD), with flexible packages making the cost per message as low as £0.04. Line rental is £10.00 per month with no requirement for an annual contract, and includes access to the RockBLOCK management system for managing all devices in a network.

The pay-as-you-go model gives ultimate flexibility and cost saving for development – however, other tariffs are available for users with large numbers of devices and who are willing to give airtime commitment for 12 months or more.

“With space at a premium on many of the core RockBLOCK applications, due in part to the environmental and financial restrictions system designers and integrators face, RockBLOCK 9603 enables engineers to introduce global M2M communication with even less impact on the required form factor of their sensing platforms and products,” said Nick Farrell, Director, RockBLOCK. “Likewise, the overall cost, from capital expenditure through to satellite airtime is enabling our users to do more with less, especially when integrating RockBLOCK in tens or hundreds of identical systems.”

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Media contacts

Nick Farrell

Rock Seven

+44 (0) 2380 003888

nick.farrell@ybtracking.com

Saul Trewern

Saltwater Stone

+44 (0) 1202 669244

s.trewern@saltwater-stone.com