Satellite IoT Fallback Device

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

Blues Starnote for Iridium 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 Iridium only functions when used alongside a paired Notecard.

Starnote for Iridium 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 Iridium does not function like a standalone Notecard. Rather, Starnote for Iridium 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 Iridium).

From a developer's point of view, Starnote for Iridium 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 Iridium.

Starnote for Iridium has a Notecard-like shape (though much wider) and it uses the same M.2 connector as Notecard. However, the position of the mounting hole makes it unmountable on Notecarriers that are intended for Notecards only.

Starnote for Iridium is only compatible with the Notecarrier XI and is not intended for use with any other Notecarrier.

Satellite (NTN) Communications

Blues is partnering with Iridium to provide NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network) capabilities for Starnote for Iridium. Iridium is a satellite communications company that operates a global LEO (Low Earth Orbit) constellation providing connectivity anywhere, including oceans, polar regions, and other remote areas.

Starnote for Iridium packets have a minimum size of 10 bytes and support a Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) of up to 340 bytes. Starnote for Iridium uses the Iridium 9704 module operating in the L-band and requires a dedicated Iridium satellite antenna for connectivity. The Starnote for Iridium u.FL connector must be used with the Iridium-certified L-band antenna supplied with the device.

Features

• Global coverage. Provides blanket satellite coverage globally.
• Integrated. M.2 Key E connector is provided for board-to-board usage.
• Built to minimize data usage. Bundled with 18.65KB of satellite data from Iridium. Additional data is priced $0.00075/byte, with a minimum of 10 bytes per transmitted or received satellite data packet, billed monthly in arrears.
• Simple. Starnote for Iridium provides an NTN-capable satellite modem with zero-touch configuration. Starnote for Iridium uses Notecard's JSON command interface and communicates with a Notecard over UART.
• Hassle-free. No satellite provider subscriptions, fees, or monthly minimums apply.

Package Configuration

• Product Name: Starnote for Iridium
• NTN Module: Iridium Certus™ 9704 Module
• GPS/GNSS Module: Quectel L76L-M33
• Supported Regions: Global
• Data included: 18.65KB

Module Datasheet

• Iridium Certus™ 9704

Block Diagram

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

Typical Application

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

• Global Coverage

  Starnote for Iridium ensures truly global connectivity across remote, rural, maritime, and polar regions, delivering coverage that terrestrial networks cannot reach. This makes it ideal for applications such as maritime asset tracking, remote environmental and agricultural monitoring, and global logistics and supply chain visibility anywhere on Earth.

• Interoperability

  Since Starnote for Iridium 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 Iridium is a low-cost satellite IoT option that is bundled with 18.65KB of satellite data from Iridium. Additional data is billed at $0.00075/byte, with a minimum of 10 bytes per transmitted or received satellite data packet, billed monthly in arrears.

Antenna Requirements

Starnote for Iridium includes a single u.FL connector for use with the included Iridium-certified antenna, which supports both satellite and GPS/GNSS connectivity. The antenna must be installed outdoors with a clear view of the sky.

Antenna Performance

Actual RF performance of Starnote for Iridium 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 Iridium is provided by the Iridium satellite network, offering global coverage anywhere on Earth.

Pin Information

Notecard communicates with Starnote for Iridium via Starnote for Iridium's M.2 connector.

More information coming soon.

Specifications

Dimensions and Weight

Electrical Characteristics

Absolute Maximum Ratings

DC Characteristics

Ordering Information

Blues Shop

Certifications

CE

Pending

FCC

Pending

ISED

Pending

Terms and Conditions

Starnote for Iridium has been certified for transmission to Iridium's satellite network using only the included antenna. Use of any other antenna risks unintended interference in adjacent bands, and thus is prohibited without prior testing and certification by Iridium.

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