HelmOS Activation
NORTHSTARSHOW SYSTEMS
HelmOS Activation
Activating a HelmOS install with a Northstar license token
| Document Number | Revision | Date | Platform Version |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSSS-DOC-0032 | A | 2026-05-20 | 1.0 |
Why Activation Is Required
HelmOS will start its HTTP and WebSocket services without a license but refuses to fire cues, accept deploys, or push OTA updates. The Cuemaster dashboard shows a full-screen activation overlay until a valid token is applied.
Procedure
- Open Cuemaster at http://<helm-ip>:3000/. The activation overlay appears.
- Read the device fingerprint (16 hex characters formatted XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX).
- Submit the fingerprint plus your customer information to your Northstar reseller.
- Receive a license token beginning with NSSS1.
- Paste the token into the textarea and click Activate.
- On success the overlay clears and the dashboard becomes live.
What's in the Token
- Format version
- Issuer (always NSSS)
- Product key (compose, helmos, or northstar)
- Device fingerprint binding
- Customer name
- Issued and optional expiry timestamps
- Ed25519 signature
Common Activation Errors
| Error | Cause |
|---|---|
| Signature invalid | Token was modified or copied incorrectly |
| Device fingerprint mismatch | Token was issued for a different machine |
| Product mismatch | Token is restricted to Compose-only (prod compose); reissue with prod helmos or northstar |
| Expired | Token's expires field is in the past |
| Token must start with NSSS1. | Wrong format — check for leading whitespace or wrong line copied |
Re-activation
A license remains in effect until explicitly deactivated or until the expiry date passes. If you migrate HelmOS to new hardware, the device fingerprint changes and a new token is required.
Related Documents
- NSSS-DOC-0013Security Model
- NSSS-DOC-0031HelmOS Installation
Revision History
| Revision | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| A | 2026-05-20 | Initial publication |