RockBLOCK Documentation
25
RockBLOCK Documentation Release Richard Searle Feb 25, 2018
Transcript of RockBLOCK Documentation
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
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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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CHAPTER 7
Useful Resources
CHAPTER 8
Important things we have to tell you
Legal notices
Product safety
Transmit binary data
