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Astrocast Documentation

website·Indexed 34 days ago

https://docs.astrocast.com/

Technical documentation for the Astrocast IoT satellite network, including the Astronode API, hardware guides for Astronode S, S+, and DevKit, and the Astrocast Portal. Covers satellite communication protocols, device management, downlink commands, and global market access coverage.

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What's inside Astrocast

  1. Overview of Astronode S module communication

    The Astronode S module communication protocol specifies how to interact with the module via UART and various IO lines. This protocol is used across several Astrocast products, including the Astronode Satellite DevKit, the Astronode Wi-Fi DevKit, and the standalone Astronode S solder-down module.

  2. Astrocast API Overview

    The Astrocast API allows developers to programmatically interact with the Astrocast backend platform to retrieve device messages and automate device deployment. The API base URL is https://api.astrocast.com and supports data retrieval in both JSON and CSV formats.

  3. Understand Astronode API application layer messaging

    The Astronode API documentation describes messages at the application layer level, meaning they are presented without encapsulation or encoding. To send these messages over a physical interface, they must first be processed according to the transport layer specifications (encapsulation and encoding).

  5. Astronode S protocol layering architecture

    The Astronode S communication protocol is organized into three distinct layers:

    1. Physical layer: Handles UART and optionally RS232 communication.
    2. Transport layer: Manages message synchronization, encoding, and integrity checking.
    3. Application layer: Defines the specific messages, operation IDs, and parameters.

  6. Read last satellite contact details using LCD_R

    The LCD_R command (available since firmware v2.5.0) retrieves information about the most recent satellite contact. The response uses a Type-Length-Value (TLV) format, where multi-byte values are encoded in little-endian format.

    Request:

    • Command ID: LCD_RR (0x6A)
    • Parameters: None

    Answer:

    • Command ID: LCD_RA (0xEA)
    • Parameters: N bytes of TLV data

    Available Detail Types:

    • 0x51 (UInt32): Start time of last contact (seconds since 2018-01-01 00:00:00 UTC). Zero if no contact.
    • 0x52 (UInt32): End time of last contact (seconds since 2018-01-01 00:00:00 UTC). Zero if no contact; reflects last successful demodulation if ongoing.
    • 0x53 (UInt8): Peak RSSI of last pass (typical range 0-30).
    • 0x54 (UInt32): Time of peak RSSI in last contact (seconds since 2018-01-01 00:00:00 UTC).

  7. Read module environment details using END_R

    The END_R command (available since firmware v2.5.0) provides information about the module's environment. The response uses a Type-Length-Value (TLV) format with little-endian encoding for multi-byte values.

    Request:

    • Command ID: END_RR (0x6B)
    • Parameters: None

    Answer:

    • Command ID: END_RA (0xEB)
    • Parameters: N bytes of TLV data

    Available Detail Types:

    • 0x61 (UInt8): Last MAC Result (see MAC Result table below).
    • 0x62 (UInt8): Last satellite search peak RSSI (typical range 0-30).
    • 0x63 (UInt32): Time since last satellite search in seconds (relative time).

    MAC Result Values:

    • 0: None
    • 1: Success
    • 2: Satellite not detected
    • 3: Sync demodulation fail
    • 4: Signalling demodulation fail
    • 5: Ack signalling fail
    • 6: No ack in frame
    • 7: Error
    • 8: Timeout
    • 9: Blacklisted
    • 10: Test Satellite
    • 11: Satellite Low Power Interruption

  9. Astronode S Module Overview

    The Astronode S is a satellite communication module designed to connect IoT devices to the Astrocast network. It supports bidirectional communication over the L-band (1-2GHz spectrum) and is optimized for long battery life (up to 10 years). The module is suitable for integration into ATEX/IECEx certified devices as it operates at low power without current pulses or built-in voltage step-up converters.

  10. Astronode DevKit Overview

    The Astronode DevKit is powered by Astronode S and is used to connect assets to the Astrocast Nanosatellite Network. The kit includes a Satellite Board (IP67 waterproof housing), a Wi-Fi Board for indoor simulation, a 1.8m UART cable (FTDI 3.3V), and a 5m RS232 cable (FTDI 5.0V).

  11. Astronode S+ Product Overview

    The Astronode S+ is a ready-to-install satellite communication device combining an Astronode S and an Astronode Patch Antenna. It supports bidirectional data communication (sending messages and receiving commands/acknowledgments). It is designed for applications such as environment monitoring, asset monitoring, system health monitoring, and logistics tracking backup. Note: Minimum environmental protection against humidity and extreme temperatures is required for operation.

  12. Use the Astrocast Homologation Kit for product certification

    Because standard Astrocast products restrict test modes due to radio regulations, the Homologation Kit is provided to enable product certification (CE, UKCA, FCC). The kit consists of a satellite board variant with special firmware, a satellite emulator kit for maintaining radio links, a User Manual, and an Application Note.