Starlink Questions

cek

cek

Active member
Joined
May 6, 2021
Messages
225
Reaction score
175
Looking to add starlink to my dune setup. Anyone using starlink? Is there a downside to the mini? I’d like to use a portable one like on a tripod since we do camp in the Oregon dunes also with lots of tree. Any help would be appreciated.
 
Not sure I'd go with the mini unless I was mounting it to a vehicle. Looks like the main difference is coverage area ...if it is just you inside your rig then the mini is probably enough, if ou plan to use it outside of your rig or share wifi with neighbors then I'd go standard.

I have the gen2 and did St Anthony with a guy that had the gen3 this summer. Pros and cons to both, decided it wasn't worth me upgrading to the gen3 for now.

One huge advantage is the cable... instead of the proprietary Starlink cable of the gen2, the gen3 uses a network cable that can easily be replaced next day from Amazon.... the gen2 cable is a two week lead time and $90 for a 75' replacement. I had a kinked/bad cable last season, literally my only complaint and now carry a spare.

The ability to find the northern sky is your only limit... if you have a fixed bracket that you plan to use as a mount have a plan B that is more mobile... in case you get into a campground or area where a tree blocks the view from your mounting location.

You can add routers/mesh to the network (more cables) that can extend your range.

Starlink has been a game changer for me.
 
Been using it 6 months while we fulltime in the RV. I'd skip the Mini and the "tripod" style and go with the standard roaming package instead. Just toss the panel out in the dirt facing north and you're good to go. I bought cheap mounts via Amazon to tidy up the power supply/router and cable.
 

Attachments

  • 20241005_064914.jpg
    20241005_064914.jpg
    3.5 MB · Views: 49
  • 20241005_065005.jpg
    20241005_065005.jpg
    2.4 MB · Views: 49
The only reason I was thinking the mini is because I would be able to move it between my two rv’s and wouldnt have to mess with moving the router or buying an extra. Might be worth buying a second router if it’s available. It would be for rv only and not home use.
 
I use Starlink for my house and take it every time when using the Rv. Mine is a Gen 2 and I have no experience with the mini but Gen 2 setup is a piece of cake. Great speeds everywhere I camp.
 
Dzrtrat1111 said:
I use Starlink for my house and take it every time when using the Rv. Mine is a Gen 2 and I have no experience with the mini but Gen 2 setup is a piece of cake. Great speeds everywhere I camp.
Click to expand...
You take the router and everything or do you use separate router?
 
cek said:
You take the router and everything or do you use separate router?
Click to expand...
Gen 2 the router/power supply are a single piece. Gen 3 they are 2 separate components but it's still super easy to move. Two router/power supplies would make it even easier.
 
  • Like
Reactions: cek
the standard is on sale for 299 until tomorrow so I’d really like to make a decision soon. I’m leaning towards the standard just for price.
 
Fwiw there are a number of threads on here that talk about different things (Portability, speed, cost, etc) about them.
 
Bobalos said:
Fwiw there are a number of threads on here that talk about different things (Portability, speed, cost, etc) about them.
Click to expand...
I know but there have been a lot of updates for the mini since last year. Wanted to see if there are any real world experiences on the updated mini compared to standard. Not looking for info on starlink just info comparing the two.
 
You do not need the Starlink brand router for the non-mini units. I recently changed mine from 110v oem Starlink router to a 12v powered router. Routers are only $60 and the conversion kit is $200ish. Looks like it came down in price. Btw the router they give you in the kit is trash and slow.

xtar-link.com

XTAR-LINK | Creative Starlink Power Solutions & Accessories

We create innovative energy-saving DC power supplies for mobile Starlink satellite internet users. Ideal for RVs, camping, and off-grid cabins. Fast shipping!
xtar-link.com xtar-link.com
 
The mini is a smaller dish that is more finicky to picking up a signal says a buddy with the gen 2 and a newer mini.

Also the mini requires a full time subscription while the roam units can be paused. And a trick to the bigger units are the $150 is prorated. Closer to your bill date the cheaper it is.

Two years plus on our roam unit and we turn it on and off as needed.
 
  • Like
Reactions: cek
megadesertdiesel said:
You do not need the Starlink brand router for the non-mini units. I recently changed mine from 110v oem Starlink router to a 12v powered router. Routers are only $60 and the conversion kit is $200ish. Looks like it came down in price. Btw the router they give you in the kit is trash and slow.

xtar-link.com

XTAR-LINK | Creative Starlink Power Solutions & Accessories

We create innovative energy-saving DC power supplies for mobile Starlink satellite internet users. Ideal for RVs, camping, and off-grid cabins. Fast shipping!
xtar-link.com xtar-link.com
Click to expand...
That pretty much makes it an easy decision. Looks like standard it is. Thank you.
 
www.roamsat.com

I'm bias, I make the housings for this company. Doesn't really matter wich option you go with. They will all work great for your application. The nice thing about the mini, is the portability in just about every situation. I personally have the gen 2 version and have been very happy with it. It does have the ability to pause and also the premium option for mobile use. There not the cheapest, but they are the best that I have seen, (i've made housings for another company as well) We were on lake mojave last season with absolutley no cell service and was pinging about 200 mbs on the lake. The router is not the stock factory one, roamsat uses a $600 router in there unit. We can have as many devices as you want and still get great service. The battery lasts about 7-10 hours depending on how many users. The new mini version lasts about 6-8 hours and the battery is small enough to be allowed on commercial flights. It's really a game changer for truly wireless internet.
20240626_144256.jpg
 
cek said:
You take the router and everything or do you use separate router?
Click to expand...
I take the router and the dish. I bought a separate cable to keep in the Moho. I keep the router in the basement storage where I have a power outlet so no need to run cables to the inside. No coverage issue when stored there.
 
  • Like
Reactions: cek
cek said:
Keep me posted please. Would like to just move the dish from rv to rv instead of the whole thing.
Click to expand...
It’s been working great for the last two days. Uses much less power too. Instead of the battery bank running the inverter then powering the 110v Starlink router. The whole kit with upgraded router is much better.

I added a switch so I can turn it off and on while keeping all the equipment behind the cabinets.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_7062.jpeg
    IMG_7062.jpeg
    2.9 MB · Views: 21
On year 3 or 4 with mine. Cant remember now. I have the Gen 2. Have taken it everywhere. Middle of nowhere Wyoming, Mexico, Lake Powell, Glamis, South Dakota, Deep pines in AZ.

Also our houseboat in Lake powell has one hard mounted and runs non stop. They just updated that the roam package now includes in motion. We tried it on my power boat and we were going 50 ish and it was running at 200MBS +_ the whole time with zero cell service.
Take 10 mins setting it up, 10 taking it down. Easy enough.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top