Add satellite connection

Keep your BRNKL 5G connected when it's outside mobile network coverage by adding a satellite connection. This requires a compatible satellite device and a BRNKL satellite service plan.

Video walkthrough

Overview

Setting up a satellite connection has two parts:

1. Add a satellite device — physically install the RockBLOCK+ and connect it to your BRNKL

2. Add satellite service — purchase a BRNKL satellite plan and verify the connection

Before you start

What you need

In the box (BRNKL Satellite Kit)

• RockBLOCK+ satellite device with BRNKL-compatible cable

• Mounting plate

Optional

• ROKK Rail Mount for RockBLOCK+ (sold separately, for railing installation)

Devices

• BRNKL 5G, setup complete

• iOS or Android mobile device with internet connection and BRNKL app installed

Services

• BRNKL user account and password

• Active BRNKL subscription

• Credit card (for satellite plan)

Tools

• Wire stripper and crimper tool

• Heat gun or lighter

You may also need

• Multi-head screwdriver

• Wrench set

• Power drill and bit set

• Non-conductive fish tape

• Flashlight or headlamp

Supplies

• Marine grade wire, 18 AWG (red)

• Marine grade wire, 18 AWG (black or yellow)

• 2× heat-shrink ring terminals, 22–18 AWG (one sized to battery bus terminal, one to common ground)

• In-line fuse holder, 18 AWG, ATC/ATO

• 1× 2 A fuse, ATC/ATO

• 3× heat-shrink butt connectors, 22–18 AWG

• Cable ties and cable tie mounts

You may also need

• Marine grade 4-conductor cable, 22–18 AWG (for longer cable runs)

• 4× #12 316 stainless steel screws matched to mounting surface (for surface mount)

• 4× additional heat-shrink butt connectors, 22–18 AWG

• Electrical tape

Part 1 — Add a satellite device

Step 1 — Position the satellite device

Select a permanent mounting position for the RockBLOCK+ before running any cables.

• Place outdoors, facing the sky, with a 360° clear view of the horizon

• Provide a stable mounting surface — options are:

  • Surface mount: flat horizontal surface, using the supplied mounting plate

  • Rail mount: horizontal railing, 20–34 mm (0.8–1.3") diameter, using the ROKK Rail Mount kit

• Allow for a discreet cable run to the BRNKL 5G or BRNKL Mate

• Maintain at least 1 m (3 ft) distance from any GPS antenna

Step 2 — Prepare satellite device wiring

Run the serial cable

• From the RockBLOCK+, run the cable to either the BRNKL 5G device port, or the BRNKL Mate red port (R) if a Mate is connected

• To make longer cable runs, see the cable lengthening instructions at the end of this page

• Hide the cable in conduit, wall cavities, or wiring channels

Run power wiring

• From the power leads on the serial cable, run a red wire to a battery bus (constant 9–30 V DC) and a black wire to a common ground terminal

• To route through small openings, remove the serial cable plug (see end of page)

• Leave 20 cm (8") of slack at each end and secure with cable ties

Prepare power wiring splices

1. Trim excess wire. Strip 10 mm (½") from the ends of the red and black wires, and the red and black power leads.

2. Crimp the red wire and red power lead together with a heat-shrink butt connector. Heat-seal.

3. Crimp the black wire and black power lead together with a heat-shrink butt connector. Heat-seal.

Prepare battery bus wiring

1. Trim excess red wire at the battery end. Strip 10 mm from the end and one fuse holder lead. Crimp together and heat-seal.

2. On the remaining fuse holder lead, strip 10 mm and crimp on a ring terminal sized to the battery bus terminal. Heat-seal.

Prepare ground wiring

1. Trim excess black wire at the ground end. Strip 10 mm. Crimp on a ring terminal sized to the common ground terminal. Heat-seal.

Step 3 — Connect the satellite device

Connect to battery bus

1. Attach the fuse holder ring terminal to a positive terminal on the battery bus. Secure with cable ties.

Connect to common ground

1. Attach the black wire ring terminal to the common ground terminal. Secure with cable ties.

Insert fuse

• Insert a 2 A fuse into the fuse holder.

Connect serial cable to BRNKL device

Connect directly to BRNKL 5G: Unplug any camera from the device port, then plug the serial cable in and turn the collar to fasten.

Connect to BRNKL Mate: Plug the serial cable into the Mate's red port (R) and turn the collar to fasten.

Step 4 — Link the satellite device

1. In the BRNKL app, go to Settings > Add device > RockBLOCK+.

2. Scan the QR code on the underside of the device, or enter the printed serial number.

3. Follow the on-screen instructions.

4. Go to Settings > BRNKL > Satellite settings to confirm the device appears.

Step 5 — Test the satellite device connection

Connected directly to BRNKL 5G: Press and release the Connection test button on the bottom of the BRNKL. A solid blue indicator light means the satellite device is connected. Flashing means not connected — check cables and retry.

Connected to BRNKL Mate: In the app, go to Settings > BRNKL > Satellite settings > Test cable connection > Test.

Step 6 — Install the satellite device

Surface mount (plate included)

1. Attach the mounting plate to the base using the supplied 8 mm hex screws and plastic washers.

2. Mark and drill screw holes in your selected position. Secure with four #12, 316 stainless steel screws (not supplied).

3. Secure the cable at the nearest fixed point, allowing a 5 cm (2") bend radius.

Rail mount (ROKK kit, not included)

1. Attach the mount to the base using the supplied 12 mm hex screws and washers, oriented for your railing direction.

2. Remove the 35 mm hex screws and bottom bracket. Clamp onto the rail and reattach the bracket loosely.

3. Align the device with the horizon before tightening. Secure the cable with cable ties, allowing a 5 cm (2") bend radius.

Part 2 — Add satellite service

Step 1 — Add a satellite plan

1. In the BRNKL app, go to Settings > BRNKL > Satellite settings > Plan > +.

2. Select a plan and complete payment.

Step 2 — Test satellite service

1. In the BRNKL app, go to Settings > BRNKL > Satellite settings > Test signal > Test.

2. Wait 5 minutes, then check Last signal. If the time has updated, the BRNKL connected to the Iridium network successfully.

Reference

• B5G RockBLOCK+ Connections

Related tasks