Any MCU or SBC
Regardless of the microcontroller or single-board computer you’re using, there is a compatible Notecarrier for your project.
Notecarriers
Notecarriers are companion project accelerator boards designed to make it easy to prototype and deploy IoT solutions with the Notecard.
The bridge between your host and Notecard
Fast prototyping and deployments
Each Notecarrier model provides an easy connectivity method to your existing IoT solution, whether it’s via header pins for prototyping or castellated edge connectors for embedding in a production solution.Developer Friendly Features
Notecarriers include helpful extras like status LEDs, Qwiic ports, JST connectors, and USB connectivity — making development and debugging easier.Power options galore
Supporting LiPo, solar, and micro-USB, there are Notecarrier models that support virtually any type (and combination) of power supply.
Meet the Notecarriers
Notecarriers make it easy to prototype and deploy IoT solutions with Notecard.
Notecarrier CX
Reduce development cost and complexity with a built-in host MCU.
Notecarrier F
Notecarrier X
The Notecarrier X is our most capable small-form factor Notecarrier with JST connectors for LiPo battery and charging support, as well as Qwiic and ESLOV ports for connecting the Notecard to host MCUs over I2C.
Notecarrier XM
The Notecarrier XM is our most minimal Notecard, containing essential circuitry for the Notecard and a USB port for USB Serial access to the Notecard. The Notecarrier XM was designed as a low-cost companion to the Notecard LoRa and Notecard WiFi, though it can be used with any Notecard.
Notecarrier XS
Notecarrier XS is the companion Notecarrier to Starnote and Notecard, providing a platform for prototyping with Satellite failover.
Notecarrier Pi
Notecarrier A
Which Notecarrier is right for me?
Discover the right Notecarrier for your host, power supply, and deployment stage.
Notecarrier F
Best when using Feather-compatible MCU.
- 103mm x 51mm
- Adafruit Feather-compatible
- Bring Your Own Antenna
- Two Qwiic I2C Ports
- LiPo/Solar/V+
- Micro USB
- External Nano-SIM Socket for Additional Carriers View Datasheet
Notecarrier Pi
Best when using a Raspberry Pi-compatible SBC
- 56mm x 61mm
- Raspberry Pi
- External Cellular/WiFi Antenna
- One Grove I2C Port
- Pi HAT
- Micro USB
- External Nano-SIM Socket for Additional Carriers View Datasheet
Notecarrier A
Best when prototyping with any other MCU
- 68mm x 75mm
- Any MCU
- Embedded Antennas
- Two Qwiic I2C Ports
- LiPo/Solar/V+
- USB-C
- External Nano-SIM Socket for Additional Carriers View Datasheet
Notecarrier X
Best for small form factor deployments
- 66mm x 38mm
- Any MCU
- Bring Your Own Antenna
- One Qwiic & One ESLOV I2C Port
- 2.5V-5.5V to V+
- USB-C
- External Nano-SIM Socket for Additional Carriers View Datasheet
Take Your Next Step
Whether you own the business, product, tech stack (or all three!), we're ready to chat or to help you dive right in.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Notecarrier is a carrier board for a Notecard.
Notecarriers expose a Notecard’s interfaces through convenient breakout connections, and integrate essential supporting circuitry, including power regulation, protection, and signal conditioning. This allows developers to focus on firmware, connectivity, and system behavior without first designing a complete custom carrier board.
Every Notecard-based project requires a carrier board to power and interface with Notecard. You don’t have to use a Blues Notecarrier specifically. For production designs, many customers build their own custom carrier board instead of using an off-theshelf Notecarrier.
However, for development and prototyping, we strongly recommend using a Blues Notecarrier to get up and running quickly. Some customers also choose to use Blues Notecarriers in production deployments.
No. Connectivity is determined by Notecard, not Notecarrier. Notecarriers provide the physical connections needed for Notecards to operate, but they don’t change how connectivity works.
Some Notecarriers, like Notecarrier XS and Notecarrier XI, include slots for Starnote modules. These slots make it easy to add satellite connectivity, but the connectivity itself is still provided by Starnote, not Notecarrier.
Notecarrier A provides onboard cellular/WiFi and GPS antennas. For other Notecarrier models, you’ll connect external antennas directly to the Notecard. All Notecards ship with flexible antennas that you can use for development.