Blues Starnote® Datasheet: Starnote for Skylo
Satellite IoT Fallback Device
Starnote for Skylo is an affordable satellite IoT backup device for NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networking) communications.
The Blues Starnote for Skylo is a low-cost, reliable, developer-accessible device that eliminates the complexity of adding satellite connectivity to any solution. As a cost-optimized "Notecard accessory", Starnote for Skylo only functions when used alongside a paired Notecard.
Starnote for Skylo is intended to disrupt the conventional wisdom that using satellite IoT requires a significant hardware investment and monthly device fees, even when devices aren't actively communicating with satellites.
Functional Description
As an accessory, Starnote for Skylo does not function like a standalone Notecard. Rather, Starnote for Skylo is paired with a Notecard and works alongside a Notecard Cellular, Notecard Cell+WiFi, or Notecard WiFi device (Notecard LoRa is not supported for use with Starnote for Skylo).
From a developer's point of view, Starnote for Skylo operates as an additional available RAT (Radio Access Technology) for Notecard. The developer uses the Notecard API to specify the Notecard's mode of operations for when to fallback to satellite, and Notecard handles all communications between itself and Starnote for Skylo.
Starnote for Skylo Variants
Starnote for Skylo is offered in two variants:
- The Starnote for Skylo with Ignion Antennas includes onboard LTE and GPS/GNSS antennas.
- The Starnote for Skylo with u.FL Connectors includes u.FL connectors for use with the included LTE and GPS/GNSS antennas.
Starnote for Skylo has a Notecard-like shape and it uses the same M.2 connector as Notecard, but it is unique in that both variants have two mounting holes. Despite using the same M.2 connector, Starnote for Skylo is only compatible with the Notecarrier XS and is not intended for use with any other Notecarrier. In addition to the M.2 connector, Starnote for Skylo can be connected to a Notecard via its 6-pin JST connector and a connector cable.
Satellite (NTN) Communications
Blues is partnering with Skylo to provide NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network) capabilities for Starnote for Skylo. The Skylo network operates a narrowband, high-latency, bi-directional, and reliable data-only NTN, using multiple existing GEO (Geosynchronous Equatorial Orbit) satellite networks.
Starnote for Skylo packets have a minimum size of 50 bytes and support a Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) of up to 256 bytes. Packets can be sent up to 10 times/minute using the NB-IoT protocol. As Starnote for Skylo provides support for S-Band / L-Band frequencies on B23, B255, B256 bands, no satellite antennas are needed and no additional power is used. The Starnote for Skylo u.FL must be used with the LTE antenna provided with the device.
Features
- Low-power. Designed to operate on battery power and be "always-on" while typically drawing less than ~4µA@5V when idle.
- Simple. Starnote for Skylo provides an NTN-capable satellite modem with zero-touch configuration. Starnote for Skylo uses Notecard's JSON command interface and communicates with a Notecard over UART.
- Hassle-free. No satellite provider subscriptions, fees, or monthly minimums apply.
- Extensive coverage. Provides blanket satellite coverage in supported regions.
- Integrated. M.2 Key E connector is provided for board-to-board usage and a six-pin JST for wire-to-board applications
- Built to minimize data usage. Bundled with 18.65KB of satellite data from Skylo. Additional data is priced $0.00075/byte, with a minimum of 50 bytes per transmitted or received satellite data packet, billed monthly in arrears.
Package Configuration
- Product Name: Starnote for Skylo
- NTN Module: Quectel CC660D-LS
- GPS/GNSS Module: Quectel L76L-M33
- Data Networks: 3GPP Rel-17 (IoT-NTN) at L-band (B255) and S-band (B256/23)
- Supported Regions: See Satellite Coverage
- Data included: 18.65KB
Module Datasheet
Block Diagram
Open hardware schematics for Starnote for Skylo are available on GitHub, making it a straightforward task to embed a Starnote for Skylo and its paired Notecard into a broad variety of host device designs.
Starnote for Skylo with u.FL Connectors
| Front | Back |
|---|---|
 |  |
Starnote for Skylo with Ignion Antennas
| Front | Back |
|---|---|
 |  |
Typical Application
Starnote for Skylo is meant to be used alongside a Cellular, Cell+WiFi, or WiFi Notecard in a fallback (failover) capability. The Starnote for Skylo's paired Notecard is programmed by the developer to facilitate efficient failover to satellite data utilizing the same Notecard API they are already using, while minimizing consumption of satellite data.
Key Features
Starnote for Skylo provides a new, expanded connectivity option for Notecard-powered solutions, enabling the following capabilities:
-
Extensive Coverage
Starnote for Skylo ensures connectivity across remote, rural, and near-shore maritime regions, offering a reach that terrestrial networks can't match. This is pivotal for applications in areas like maritime tracking, agricultural monitoring in remote locations, and global supply chain management.
-
Low Power Consumption
Built on the same STM32L4 MCU as Notecard and consuming ~4µA@5V when idle, Starnote for Skylo is a power-efficient satellite IoT option.
-
Interoperability
Since Starnote for Skylo requires a paired Notecard to function, developers continue using the same Notecard API while making only minor firmware changes to enable satellite connectivity.
-
Cost-Effectiveness
Starnote for Skylo is a low-cost satellite IoT option that is bundled with 18.65KB of satellite data from Skylo. Additional data is billed at $0.00075/byte, with a minimum of 50 bytes per transmitted or received satellite data packet, billed monthly in arrears.
Antenna Requirements
Starnote for Skylo with u.FL Connectors
The Starnote for Skylo with u.FL Connectors includes two u.FL connectors for use with external antennas.
- The
SATu.FL connector must be attached to the included Skylo-certified LTE-capable antenna that supports S-Band / L-Band frequencies on B23, B255, B256 bands. - The
GPSu.FL connector must be attached to a passive GPS/GNSS antenna.
Both antennas must be placed outdoors and oriented towards the sky.
warningStarnote for Skylo with u.FL connectors is certified on Skylo's network exclusively with the antenna provided in the kit. If you replace or modify the antenna, Skylo classifies the device as uncertified and may block it.
Should you wish to pursue Skylo certification with a different antenna, you'll need to work with your test house to produce a report that demonstrates that the combination of device + antenna does not exceed an EIRP of 30dBM. This delta test lab report demonstrates that the transmission power of the device does not exceed regulatory limits and can be done by any lab that is authorized to do CTIA/OTA testing. If you don’t have a test house that can perform this test, Blues can recommend one.
Regardless of antenna choice, we strongly advise comprehensive field testing in the final enclosure and deployment environment to ensure reliable connectivity.
Starnote for Skylo with Ignion Antennas
The Starnote for Skylo with Ignion Antennas includes onboard antennas for both LTE and GPS/GNSS. The Starnote for Skylo must be placed outdoors with a clear view of the sky.
Antenna Performance
Actual RF performance of the Starnote for Skylo depends on a variety of physical factors, including:
- The choice of antenna(s).
- The physical environment.
- The trace layout, dimensions, and/or PCB tolerance of the carrier board (e.g. Notecarrier) used.
Satellite Coverage
Satellite coverage for Starnote for Skylo is provided by Skylo. Please consult Skylo's map for more specific information on regional satellite coverage.
Pin Information
Notecard communicates with Starnote for Skylo via the Starnote for Skylo's M.2 or JST connectors. The core interface between a Notecard + Notecarrier and Starnote is:
GNDVIO- I/O-level supply (generally 3V3 or 1V8)VMAINorVMODEM- supplying up to 1A at 2V5-5.5VRX/TXpair
The wire-to-board connector on Starnote for Skylo is a 6-pin JST SH (side-entry SM06B-SRSS-TB) connector.
noteAs Starnote for Skylo must be connected to Notecard via UART, your host must interface with Notecard using I2C.
Pin Definitions
| Pin # | Pin Name | Func. Interface | Func. Interface | Pin Name | Pin # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NC | Power | VIO_P | 2 | |
| 3 | GND | Power | Power | VIO_P | 4 |
| 5 | GND | Power | Power | GND | 6 |
| 7 | NC | NC | 8 | ||
| 9 | NC | NC | 10 | ||
| 11 | GND | Power | NC | 12 | |
| 13 | NC | NC | 14 | ||
| 15 | NC | NC | 16 | ||
| 17 | NC | Power | GND | 18 | |
| 19 | NC | NC | 20 | ||
| 21 | NC | NC | 22 | ||
| 23 | NC | MODULE KEY | -- | 24 | |
| 25 | -- | MODULE KEY | MODULE KEY | -- | 26 |
| 27 | -- | MODULE KEY | MODULE KEY | -- | 28 |
| 29 | -- | MODULE KEY | MODULE KEY | -- | 30 |
| 31 | -- | MODULE KEY | NC | 32 | |
| 33 | GND | Power | NC | 34 | |
| 35 | NC | NC | 36 | ||
| 37 | NC | NC | 38 | ||
| 39 | GND | Power | NC | 40 | |
| 41 | NC | NC | 42 | ||
| 43 | NC | NC | 44 | ||
| 45 | GND | Power | NC | 46 | |
| 47 | NC | NC | 48 | ||
| 49 | NC | NC | 50 | ||
| 51 | GND | Power | NC | 52 | |
| 53 | NC | NC | 54 | ||
| 55 | NC | NC | 56 | ||
| 57 | GND | Power | NC | 58 | |
| 59 | NC | NC | 60 | ||
| 61 | NC | UART Serial | RX_P | 62 | |
| 63 | NC | UART Serial | TX_P | 64 | |
| 65 | NC | NC | 66 | ||
| 67 | NC | NC | 68 | ||
| 69 | NC | Power | VMODEM_P | 70 | |
| 71 | GND | Power | Power | VMODEM_P | 72 |
| 73 | GND | Power | Power | VMODEM_P | 74 |
| 75 | NC |
noteAll pins whose Functional Interface is marked "Power" must be connected.
All pins named NC MUST have no connection and be left open because they are
reserved for future use. Furthermore, any pin not used in a design MUST also be
left open.
Those pins ending with _P may be optionally protected from anomalous external
conditions on some Notecarrier designs, depending upon use-case specific
requirements.
Specifications
Starnote for Skylo with u.FL Connectors
| Width | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| 30mm | 42mm | 5g |
Starnote for Skylo with Ignion Antennas
| Width | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| 30mm | 60mm | 6g |
Electrical Characteristics
Absolute Maximum Ratings
| Description | Minimum | Maximum | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Storage temperature | -40 | 90 | °C |
| Ambient operating temperature | -40 | 85 | °C |
DC Characteristics
| Description | Minimum | Maximum | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supply Voltage | 2.5 | 5.5 | V |
Ordering Information
Certifications
Skylo
Starnote for Skylo is Skylo Certified. Starnote for Skylo has cleared Skylo's Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) Certification Program, validating full compliance with 3GPP Release-17 NB-IoT-over-NTN and Skylo's own "Standards Plus" enhancements. This firmware-level approval guarantees seamless, resource-efficient hand-off to Skylo satellites the moment terrestrial coverage drops, so Starnote for Skylo keeps sending data as long as it can see the sky.
CE
Pending
FCC
Pending
ISED
Pending
Terms and Conditions
Two versions of Starnote have been certified for transmission to Skylo's satellite network: one version with an integrated PCB antenna, and the other version with an adhesive "flex" antenna included with the Starnote product. Use of any other antenna risks unintended interference in adjacent bands, and thus is prohibited without prior testing and certification by Skylo.
Visit Blues Hardware Terms & Conditions
Security and Vulnerability Scanning
As a part of our regular audit and scanning process, Blues Inc. performs full vulnerability scanning every six months. Any identified vulnerabilities will be analyzed, reported, and patched in a timely fashion, where appropriate.
Revision History
| Author | Date | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Rob Lauer | 11 APR 2024 | Document drafted |
| Rob Lauer | 03 JUN 2025 | Added Skylo certification and updated antenna information |
| Rob Lauer | 19 SEP 2025 | Clarifying bundled satellite data |
| TJ VanToll. | 19 NOV 2025 | Changes to consistently use "Starnote for Skylo" as the product name |
Contact Information
Blues Inc.
https://blues.com
50 Dunham Ridge Suite 1650
Beverly, MA 01915
support@blues.com
