QWIIC iridium 9603N

Qwiic System
1

Hello,

The module is advertised to come with a build in antenna but I don’t see any when I get the product.

From the past month I am trying to get into iridium network and send a sample message but I am getting signal strength of zero. So I am suspecting it is due to lack of antenna to communicate.

I don’t mind buying one but I just want some kind of conformation :slight_smile:

Thank you.

2

The product description https://www.sparkfun.com/products/14498 mentions needing a subscription to the iridum satellite network; is one being used? The module does have an integrated antenna, or you can add a (better) external one

Try some of the examples (after confirming account!) here https://github.com/sparkfunX/Qwiic_Iridium_9603N and see how that goes

3

Is it SPX-16394 you’re using?

https://www.sparkfun.com/products/16394

I see an antenna socket but not an antenna built into the board.

The product page recommends the antenna below.

https://www.sparkfun.com/products/16838

4

I am taking about https://www.sparkfun.com/products/16394

I see an antenna socket but not an antenna built into the board. So can anyone adapt the product description page?

5

benarji, did you ever get the Iridium 9603N working? if so, can you provide any information?

I am having similar issues as you (i.e. “signal strength of 0”, “can’t connect to the network”) using some of the basic example scripts and connecting the PWR, GND, SDL, and SCL to the respective pins on an Arduino Mega. I have a subscription and am testing out the modem outdoors with clear skies. I’ve waited for 10-20 minutes at times but never could make a connection. I did not attach any additional antennas, just the one that is integrated.
Link: Qwiic Iridium 9603N

6

There is no antenna on the linked product. You will need an appropriate antenna, the one in the link below should work.

7

Hello,
There is no antenna. I just made a basic diy antenna using a copper wire and attached to the external antenna port and then it started working again.

8

I strongly recommend you purchase an actual Iridium antenna. The correct antenna will be tuned to the specific frequency band Iridium uses while a DIY antenna likely isn’t the exact correct frequency. Using the incorrect antenna can permanently damage your 9603N and isn’t covered under warranty.

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9

Thank you both for the quick replies! I’ll go ahead and purchase one of the iridium antennas.

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