Blues Starnote® Datasheet

Satellite IoT Fallback Device

Starnote is an affordable satellite IoT backup device for NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networking) communications.

The Blues Starnote 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 only functions when used alongside a paired Notecard.

Starnote 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 does not function like a standalone Notecard. Rather, Starnote 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). From a developer's point of view, Starnote operates as an additional available RAT (Radio Access Technology) for the Notecard. The developer uses the Notecard API to specify the Notecard's mode of operations for when to fallback to satellite, and the Notecard handles all communications between itself and Starnote.

Starnote Variants

The Starnote is offered in two variants:

1. The Starnote with Ignion Antennas includes onboard LTE and GPS/GNSS antennas.
2. The Starnote with u.FL Connectors includes u.FL connectors for use with the included LTE and GPS/GNSS antennas.

Starnote has a Notecard-like shape and it uses the same M.2 connector as the Notecard, but it is unique in that both variants have two mounting holes. Despite using the same M.2 connector, Starnote 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 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. 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 packets are at least 50 bytes at a minimum, with a Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) of 256. Packets can be sent up to 10 times/minute an application using the NB-IoT protocol. As Starnote provides support for for S-Band / L-Band frequencies on B23, B255, B256 bands, no satellite antennas are needed and no additional power is used. The Starnote 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 provides an NTN-capable satellite modem with zero-touch configuration. Starnote uses the Notecard's JSON command interface and communicates with the 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 18KB of satellite data from Skylo.

Package Configuration

• Product Name: Starnote
• 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: 18KB

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Module Datasheet

• Quectel CC660D-LS

Block Diagram

Open hardware schematics for Starnote are available on GitHub, making it a straightforward task to embed a Starnote and its paired Notecard into a broad variety of host device designs.

Starnote with u.FL Connectors

Starnote with Ignion Antennas

Typical Application

Starnote is meant to be used alongside a Cellular, Cell+WiFi, or WiFi Notecard in a fallback (failover) capability. The Starnote'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 provides a new, expanded connectivity option for Notecard-powered solutions, enabling the following capabilities:

• Extensive Coverage

  Starnote 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 the Notecard and consuming ~4µA@5V when idle, Starnote is a power-efficient satellite IoT option.

• Interoperability

  Since Starnote 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 is a low-cost satellite IoT option that is bundled with 18KB of prepaid satellite data from Skylo.

Antenna Requirements

Starnote with u.FL Connectors

The Starnote with u.FL Connectors includes two u.FL connectors for use with external antennas.

1. The SAT u.FL connector must be attached to the included LTE-capable antenna that supports S-Band / L-Band frequencies on B23, B255, B256 bands.
2. The GPS u.FL connector must be attached to a passive GPS/GNSS antenna.

Both antennas must be placed outdoors and oriented towards the sky.

Starnote with Ignion Antennas

The Starnote with Ignion Antennas includes onboard antennas for both LTE and GPS/GNSS. The Starnote must be placed outdoors with a clear view of the sky.

Antenna Performance

Actual RF performance of the Starnote 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 is provided by Skylo. Please consult Skylo's map for more specific information on regional satellite coverage.

Pin Information

The Notecard communicates with Starnote via the Starnote's M.2 or JST connectors. The core interface between a Notecard + Notecarrier and Starnote is:

• GND
• VIO - I/O-level supply (generally 3V3 or 1V8)
• VMAIN or VMODEM - supplying up to 1A at 2V5-5.5V
• RX/TX pair

The wire-to-board connector on the Starnote is a 6-pin JST SH (side-entry SM06B-SRSS-TB) connector.

Pin Definitions

Specifications

Starnote with u.FL Connectors

Starnote with Ignion Antennas

Electrical Characteristics

Absolute Maximum Ratings

DC Characteristics

Ordering Information

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Certifications

• PTCRB
• CE
• FCC
• UK

PTCRB

Pending

CE

Pending

FCC

Pending

UK

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

Contact Information

Blues Inc.
https://blues.com
50 Dunham Ridge Suite 1650
Beverly, MA 01915
support@blues.com