Starlink

[Bob Nodine]

It’s the Gen 3 Starlink. With the Starmount there is no need to modify the Starlink antenna. It drops tightly right into the mount. Gen 2 has to be modified I guess.

I saw where Starlink now recommends the high performance flat mount with the priority in motion data plan. When I bought the Gen 3 for the RV it was also a recommended package. Why it isn’t now, I have no clue. So I’m hoping when I test it in a quick multi day trip soon it’ll work out out okay.

I also called Starmount after seeing the lack of recommending Gen 3 for priority mobile, and they said they use the Gen 3 with their Starmount and have been up to speeds of 85 MPH and he told me it worked just fine.

Fingers crossed

I’ll keep ya posted.

Good to hear. Keep us informed how it works on the road. We are getting close to purchasing a Starlink and think we will go with the Gen3 mounted flat on the roof with a removable mount. Looking at the Mobile Regional in-motion plan. If we get in a spot with to many trees we can remove the Gen 3 and use a long cable to find a clear view of the sky.

 

[atreis]

I'm currently using my Gen 2 on a flagpole mount in Pukaskwa National Park (near Marathon, Ontario, NE corner of Lake Superior). I've had this Starlink setup for a couple years now and it works great, but does require setting it up and taking it down. That takes about 10 minutes. I also use Starlink for my Internet service at home, also Gen 2, and have been very happy with it.

 

[Leupme]

Starlink install

Hi All,

I’m jumping onto this thread and my apologies if it is inappropriate. We just purchased the Starlink mobile and need it installed. We have a dearth of providers in our area (Sonoma County) Northern Ca. Any recommendations? We can travel to Napa, Vallejo for a good resource. Thanks

 

[Chateau_Nomad]

I just ordered Starlink Mini. Should have it in a few days. Starting with the $50 50 Gig plan. Will report results.

 

[Judge64]

I upgraded to the GEN 3 in the past month or so. I like the Ethernet connection much better than the GEN 2 proprietary connections.

I installed an waterproof ethernet port on the new coach and switched to an off-the-shelf CAT 8 cable (although CAT 6 is all that is needed).

I carry one cable with just enough length to put it up on the pole and another longer cable in case I need to place it on the ground to move around the coach to avoid any trees. The wider field of view does seem to help when there are trees around.


I'll be interested to see how good the WiFi signal is on the mini. Since it has the router built-in to the dish, I'm thinking the WiFi signal won't be as strong as the dedicated router of the full systems. The mini was designed for the backpacker / biker as a small portable system.

It will be good to get some real-life data on how the signal-to-noise and bandwidth is inside the coach with the lower powered router outside the coach.

 

[Chateau_Nomad]

I also got a Harbor Freight 20' collapsible flag pole, which I'm going to mount on the ladder. Not sure how much advantage that will give, but worth a try. That would make the router distance <>20' plus the interference factor of the RV shell.

The unit has an ethernet port, so if signal is badly handicapped I can still run an ethernet cable to a router in the motorhome. If that becomes the norm, I'll likely install a port (or coupler) in a storage compartment... or get tips from you how you did yours.

I was at first leery of the dish size and "non aiming" setup thinking it would hamper functionality, but countless reviews show otherwise. Seems the alignment has been integrated into a nifty real-time visual in the app... just a tweak manually of the dish and you're good! When on the flagpole that would translate to a slight twist of the pole. In reality this seems analogous to automatic vs manual motorhome leveling!

I liked the Mini because of the size (storage) and low power consumption. I believe it's around 40 watts vs 100 for the Gen 3?

Brother-in-law just got his new Gen 3 set up and working, so when we hit WV next month it will be a good side-by-side comparison.

 

[ducksface]

I received this BIG discount offer yesterday.

 

[Chateau_Nomad]

I received this BIG discount offer yesterday.

We got a similar ad; maybe the same. I think that's for home based? We're okay with what we have for home... at least it's still under $100 / month. At $150 Starlink unlimited is a little steep for our home use. The $50 will be a good test to see how much data we use when mobile.

I'll also test the Mini at home to see how much we use. A lot of the wife's TV viewing is OTA (Tablo) so the subscription data is all that uses internet. In any case it will be a good backup. Our cable just randomly disconnects... and there's no other true competitor to choose from.

 

[atreis]

I just ordered Starlink Mini. Should have it in a few days. Starting with the $50 50 Gig plan. Will report results.

I'm interested in hearing what you think of it after you've had a chance to use it. I've been thinking about replacing the one I use in the RV with a Mini. With the Gen 2, it's very easy to get dirt/sand in the proprietary connector and tough to clean it out. I also think not having a separate router would be nice.

 

[Chateau_Nomad]

I'm interested in hearing what you think of it after you've had a chance to use it. I've been thinking about replacing the one I use in the RV with a Mini. With the Gen 2, it's very easy to get dirt/sand in the proprietary connector and tough to clean it out. I also think not having a separate router would be nice.

Just got the Mini this evening. Had about enough time to go out and do a quick setup, but not really a thorough test.

Got a little over 100 down and 20 something up on initial tests. The antenna laying in the middle of the backyard with me on our deck about 30 feet away.

A pole adapter comes in the box, but I'm going to need to 3D print a spacer to make it fit tighter. It has a threaded bolt that runs through the adapter and pole... it will be totally secure and sturdy after mods.

Hopefully by the first of next week I'll have a better handle on speeds and how much difference having the router in the outside antenna makes.

I still need to think through mounting the flag pole on the RV ladder, and testing using a CAT 6 cable between the antenna and a Linksys router inside the RV. So lots of setup left to do.

 

[Chateau_Nomad]

Preliminary testing. Mini dish on roof of motorhome. First screenshot is sitting inside motorhome. Second screenshot is standing in yard approximately 60 feet away from motorhome.

BTW, uploading these screenshots with Starlink was nearly instantaneous!

 

[Chateau_Nomad]

Power usage... lower wattage is idle. Higher wattage is while running speed test.

 

[Scubawise]

I received this BIG discount offer yesterday.

Can I be a family member?

 

[Davii]

I upgraded to the GEN 3 in the past month or so. I like the Ethernet connection much better than the GEN 2 proprietary connections.

I installed an waterproof ethernet port on the new coach and switched to an off-the-shelf CAT 8 cable (although CAT 6 is all that is needed).

I carry one cable with just enough length to put it up on the pole and another longer cable in case I need to place it on the ground to move around the coach to avoid any trees. The wider field of view does seem to help when there are trees around.


I'll be interested to see how good the WiFi signal is on the mini. Since it has the router built-in to the dish, I'm thinking the WiFi signal won't be as strong as the dedicated router of the full systems. The mini was designed for the backpacker / biker as a small portable system.

It will be good to get some real-life data on how the signal-to-noise and bandwidth is inside the coach with the lower powered router outside the coach.

I just bought the Gen3 on my last trip as I had enough of the crappy Winegard on the roof. Had very fast internet within 5 mins out of the box!

Curious what you used for the external connector, looking at a few options for the same so I can permanently mount the router in the bedroom area and have a plug right near the base of the ladder somewhere for the Cat-6/8 cable

 

[Davii]

Can I be a family member?

It's still a discount off what's available now, but the overall price dropped as well. I bought mine a couple weeks ago at Best Buy for $299 and the price for home is $120.

 

[Chateau_Nomad]

Got the Mini dish mounted on the 20' Harbor Freight flagpole. Several 3D printed items to make it fit perfectly.

The flagpole came with a length of PVC pipe intended to be used as an in-ground install. I printed a rubber cup to fit the bottom of the pipe which mounts to the rear bumper. The pole sits in the PVC, then two straps secure it to the ladder.

Still a couple slight mods to make... but the idea is to make for a quick and easy setup/takedown that's also secure.

Everything stows except for the permanently mounted rubber cup.

 

[Bob Nodine]

I pulled the trigger

Until October 5th you can buy the Gen 3 Standard Starlink hardware for $299.00 plus tax. I ordered mine yesterday. Total was $348.51. You sign up for a plan when you activate the hardware. I have downloaded the app to my phone and will be ready when the kit gets here.

There are two plans:

Mobile Regional with unlimited data for $150 a month. You deactivate the plan in monthly increments. Will work land based in North America. Not for in-motion.

Mini Roam with 50 GB of mobile data for $50 a month. This one is in-motion and I have heard it will work up to 250 MPH. I do not know if this plan can be deactivated when not in use.

I am toying with the idea of going with the in-motion plan and flat mounting the Gen 3 antenna on the roof with a removeable mount so it can be relocated if necessary. Since we only camp about once a month may just pay for the extra data if we go over 50 GB. I am sure when we go to Newfoundland we will go over 50 GB but it is a bucket list trip so will just pay for it. Considering you can put your cellphone on WiFi calling and use it thru Starlink we would have cell service anywhere we go.

 

[Davii]

Until October 5th you can buy the Gen 3 Standard Starlink hardware for $299.00 plus tax. I ordered mine yesterday. Total was $348.51. You sign up for a plan when you activate the hardware. I have downloaded the app to my phone and will be ready when the kit gets here.

There are two plans:

Mobile Regional with unlimited data for $150 a month. You deactivate the plan in monthly increments. Will work land based in North America. Not for in-motion.

Mini Roam with 50 GB of mobile data for $50 a month. This one is in-motion and I have heard it will work up to 250 MPH. I do not know if this plan can be deactivated when not in use.

I am toying with the idea of going with the in-motion plan and flat mounting the Gen 3 antenna on the roof with a removeable mount so it can be relocated if necessary. Since we only camp about once a month may just pay for the extra data if we go over 50 GB. I am sure when we go to Newfoundland we will go over 50 GB but it is a bucket list trip so will just pay for it. Considering you can put your cellphone on WiFi calling and use it thru Starlink we would have cell service anywhere we go.

I believe the Mini roam requires you to buy the starlink mini hardware. Can you do that plan with the standard gen 3 antenna?

 

[Chateau_Nomad]

The basic differences between the Gen 3 Standard dish and the new Mini dish:

Price of hardware:
The Mini is $600. Gen 3 (as Bob stated) $300
As with all things Starlink, time will tell if prices drop. They usually do...

Plans and pricing:
As I understand it, the Mobile Regional and Mini Roam plans are both available for EITHER Gen 3 or Mini hardware. I cannot find any verbiage stating that the plans are specific to hardware. I think the Mini Roam started as a "mobile plan" to fit in with the mobility of the Mini, and using "Mini" in the plan name has created confusion.
Either plan can be paused. I am starting with the 50 Gig $50 plan. Additional Gigs are $1.
Here's my logic: I am essentially paying $1 per Gig. I have estimated our streaming habits "on the road" to be within 50 Gig. Even if I double that usage, I would be paying $100 total... still $50 less than the Unlimited plan. If my calculations are WAY off, I could simply switch to the Unlimited $150 plan for the next billing cycle.


Mini has integrated router... all other dishes the router is separate:
The Mini dish has the router integrated into the dish itself... the approximately 50' cord carries power only (30 volts) to power the dish. The router inside the dish broadcasts data via Wi-Fi... no router inside the RV needed. However, there is a CAT6 port on the dish, so (using an appropriate length CAT6 cable) you have the option of using the dish "hardwired" to a router inside the RV. From inside the RV, I have not noticed any degradation of the signal from the dish itself - with the power cable fully extended.

Size and weight:
The Mini is not much larger than a tablet computer with similar weight. It is designed to be portable to fit in a backpack and powered from a portable battery if desired.

Performance and power usage:
The Gen 3 is capable of higher data speeds. In tests with the Mini, I've found speeds very similar to what I get with our home based Spectrum cable (typical 122 down, 12 up). This is fine for us on the road... we can easily stream video with that speed... more would be a waste. Someone working on the road might want more, it's dependent on YOUR use case.
There's a penalty for the extra speed though - The Mini uses about half the power (I've confirmed 20 - 40 watts) of the Gen 3... which may or may not be an issue depending on shore power, etc.

"In Motion" use:
There are YouTube videos of tests using the Mini in a fixed mounted position on a van roof... WHILE IN MOTION at 45 - 50mph. The tester DID NOT have the upgraded "in motion" plan; just the basic "Mini Roam" plan ($50). Other than basic obstacles interfering as with ALL Starlink dishes, it worked great.

We will be taking the Mini setup to the mountains in West Virginia in a couple weeks for a 3 to 4 week trial. The brother-in-law will accompany us with his motorhome. He has a new Gen 3 setup. I will post results occasionally along the way.

 

[Bob Nodine]

The basic differences between the Gen 3 Standard dish and the new Mini dish:

Price of hardware:
The Mini is $600. Gen 3 (as Bob stated) $300
As with all things Starlink, time will tell if prices drop. They usually do...

Plans and pricing:
As I understand it, the Mobile Regional and Mini Roam plans are both available for EITHER Gen 3 or Mini hardware. I cannot find any verbiage stating that the plans are specific to hardware. I think the Mini Roam started as a "mobile plan" to fit in with the mobility of the Mini, and using "Mini" in the plan name has created confusion.
Either plan can be paused. I am starting with the 50 Gig $50 plan. Additional Gigs are $1.
Here's my logic: I am essentially paying $1 per Gig. I have estimated our streaming habits "on the road" to be within 50 Gig. Even if I double that usage, I would be paying $100 total... still $50 less than the Unlimited plan. If my calculations are WAY off, I could simply switch to the Unlimited $150 plan for the next billing cycle.


Mini has integrated router... all other dishes the router is separate:
The Mini dish has the router integrated into the dish itself... the approximately 50' cord carries power only (30 volts) to power the dish. The router inside the dish broadcasts data via Wi-Fi... no router inside the RV needed. However, there is a CAT6 port on the dish, so (using an appropriate length CAT6 cable) you have the option of using the dish "hardwired" to a router inside the RV. From inside the RV, I have not noticed any degradation of the signal from the dish itself - with the power cable fully extended.

Size and weight:
The Mini is not much larger than a tablet computer with similar weight. It is designed to be portable to fit in a backpack and powered from a portable battery if desired.

Performance and power usage:
The Gen 3 is capable of higher data speeds. In tests with the Mini, I've found speeds very similar to what I get with our home based Spectrum cable (typical 122 down, 12 up). This is fine for us on the road... we can easily stream video with that speed... more would be a waste. Someone working on the road might want more, it's dependent on YOUR use case.
There's a penalty for the extra speed though - The Mini uses about half the power (I've confirmed 20 - 40 watts) of the Gen 3... which may or may not be an issue depending on shore power, etc.

"In Motion" use:
There are YouTube videos of tests using the Mini in a fixed mounted position on a van roof... WHILE IN MOTION at 45 - 50mph. The tester DID NOT have the upgraded "in motion" plan; just the basic "Mini Roam" plan ($50). Other than basic obstacles interfering as with ALL Starlink dishes, it worked great.

We will be taking the Mini setup to the mountains in West Virginia in a couple weeks for a 3 to 4 week trial. The brother-in-law will accompany us with his motorhome. He has a new Gen 3 setup. I will post results occasionally along the way.

Good info. I think we came to the same conclusion about the unlimited data plan. If we were full time might be a better plan but at $1 a GB the Mini Roam looks good to me.

Just noticed you are from Lancaster, OH. I have made many trips to the Nuclear facilities in Piketon. Usually stayed in Waverly and sometimes ventured north of Waverly. When you said you were going to West Virginia it caught my attention because I have also made quite a few trips to Pittsburgh, Pa working with a company there.