Update:Starlink Mini review (speed test & mounting options) , In motion supported!

[BoverW]

Update:
Thanks @STX Bronco for the update , mini can be ordered with a standalone plan ($50 per month) with in-motion use.

I just did a quick test on my way to the office. No more error about recalibrating orientation or no in-motion usage (so it is a software lock), just a warning saying orientation is off by x deg. I can use YT on my way.

If you drive straight, the connectivity is ok. If you turn at the intersection or u-turn ( worst case ), it takes about a few seconds (~10s) to reconnect (showing offline, then searching on the app).

Now I am very happy with it. The next step is looking for an interior mounting solution!


Old thread--------------------------
I think it is intersting to share my speed test results here. I also have a question regarding in motion usage, hope we can finger it out.

TL: DR summary:
Hardtop has little to no impact on the speed. However, a fixed interior mount may not be practical due to initial constellation alignment & in-motion usage limitations.

1. Speedtest
I conducted two scenarios: one in an open space and another inside a Bronco parked in a lot.

1. 1 Starlink mini placed on the ground with no obstructions.

1.2 Hand hold close to the hardtop. (TOR top)

Speeds were slightly slower in the second test, likely due to calibration differences. Overall, the speeds were comparable.
I did a few more tests and the test result is consistent.

2. Mounting options
The Starlink mini is surprisingly lightweight and versatile, suitable for mounting anywhere in the Bronco (dashboard, rear roll bar, or overhead molle panel if space permits). I really want to put it under the top.

3. Alignment
However, using Starlink in motion seems impossible. The device requires specific orientation alignment (facing north with a certain tilt range) upon startup, making a fixed interior mount impractical unless the vehicle can consistently face north when parked. And to maintain connection, it has to be in the same orientation.
To test this, I placed the Mini on the dashboard and drove around the parking lot, experiencing multiple disconnections.

I'm aware that Starlink offers a mobility priority plan and high-performance hardware for true mobile usage (e.g., in vehicles or boats). However, there are mentions of standard hardware with a roaming plan supporting similar usage. If you're familiar with workarounds, let me know.

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/starlink-mount-kit-for-bronco.96471/page-3#post-2272411

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[Steve B]

From the little research I just did, it seems like that is a pretty good speed. Is it consistently at the speed when stationary? We are looking into Starlink. We don't really want full internet in the woods, (We like to avoid screens out there) but we never have cell service where we go and some quick Gaia/ONX map updating would be great and being able to check on things at home with an email or using messenger while out and about would be nice.

 

[BoverW]

From the little research I just did, it seems like that is a pretty good speed. Is it consistently at the speed when stationary? We are looking into Starlink. We don't really want full internet in the woods, (We like to avoid screens out there) but we never have cell service where we go and some quick Gaia/ONX map updating would be great and being able to check on things at home with an email or using messenger while out and about would be nice.

Yes, the speed is pretty good.

During my test, the speed varies between 50-100+ if connected, but as I mentioned, I am trying to test mobile scenarios so some misalignment is there.
The speed is more than enough to message and check /update maps etc. What surprised me is the latency, it is around 20-40ms (<150ms), meaning you can make a VoIP call ( facetime, zoom etc ).

Many factors affect speed. Satellite numbers, their elevation angles, obstacles (dense tree foliage, valleys). I think my test is easy mode. I will use it in San Juan, CO this summer and test it in the field.

 

[351W-Bronco]

I don't think the StarLink Mini is deisgned to be used in-motion, stationary only, so if you're getting any sort of connectivity thay way, that's good news.

 

[BoverW]

I don't think the StarLink Mini is deisgned to be used in-motion, stationary only, so if you're getting any sort of connectivity thay way, that's good news.

Yeah, right now it is more for the camping. Pick a site & set up the starlink.

I am just curious about why it cannot do it. I understand that speed is limited by Doppler estimation/compensation during high-speed cruising. I personally would rather trade speed for connectivity.

 

[HotdogThud]

did you just have something running an AC plug for testing or is there a DC option as rumored?

 

[BoverW]

did you just have something running an AC plug for testing or is there a DC option as rumored?

I use its own AC plug, but I think a DC input is doable if you don't need waterproof.

See above pic, the rubber ring is designed for outdoor weatherproof. Other than that, it is just a DC port.

The voltage input range is 12-48V if I remember correctly, so a DC lighter adaptor works.

 

[HotdogThud]

I use its own AC plug, but I think a DC input is doable if you don't need waterproof.

See above pic, the rubber ring is designed for outdoor weatherproof. Other than that, it is just a DC port.

The voltage input range is 12-48V if I remember correctly, so a DC lighter adaptor works.

Nice. Big ask, but see if you can get a voltmeter on that thing and see what the adapter is putting out. Would be curious to see how I can get one powered

 

[BoverW]

Nice. Big ask, but see if you can get a voltmeter on that thing and see what the adapter is putting out. Would be curious to see how I can get one powered

ac plug is rated as 30V output (again, if I remember correctly). I think it is designed to reduced the current given it is a long cable

 

[cr117]

Nice. Big ask, but see if you can get a voltmeter on that thing and see what the adapter is putting out. Would be curious to see how I can get one powered

Looks like it fluctuates between 3A and 1A:

 

[Johnny Rebel]

We've got several different Starlinks at work including Gen2, High Performance, and Gen3 terminals, and just got our Mini earlier today. The Gen2 and HP units are mounted on trucks and include the mobile data plans. So far, they've worked flawlessly when driving. Our only Gen3 unit is stationary and mounted to a remote office, so I've never used it while moving.

The previous units don't require the orientation alignment process that the Gen 3 does. When booting them up, they do an auto-orientation routine that takes a couple of minutes, but it doesn't require the initial tilt and Northward orientation that the Gen 3 does.

I am also curious about the in-motion capabilities of the Mini, so will test that in the next few days.

As @HotdogThud mentioned, it was unclear whether the Mini comes with the DC option when I ordered it. However, if it doesn't, I'll just modify it like I did the others to run off of DC power instead of running them through an inverter in the trucks. I found that the OEM inverter in the Bronco doesn't provide enough power to run the HP terminals, so a larger inverter or a DC conversion was necessary.

Also, as @BoverW mentions, the latency is really surprising! I was off the beaten path in Colorado last week on a Teams call while remoting into a site to troubleshoot a network issue and the performance was phenomenal!

 

[BoverW]

We've got several different Starlinks at work including Gen2, High Performance, and Gen3 terminals, and just got our Mini earlier today. The Gen2 and HP units are mounted on trucks and include the mobile data plans. So far, they've worked flawlessly when driving. Our only Gen3 unit is stationary and mounted to a remote office, so I've never used it while moving.

The previous units don't require the orientation alignment process that the Gen 3 does. When booting them up, they do an auto-orientation routine that takes a couple of minutes, but it doesn't require the initial tilt and Northward orientation that the Gen 3 does.

I am also curious about the in-motion capabilities of the Mini, so will test that in the next few days.

As @HotdogThud mentioned, it was unclear whether the Mini comes with the DC option when I ordered it. However, if it doesn't, I'll just modify it like I did the others to run off of DC power instead of running them through an inverter in the trucks. I found that the OEM inverter in the Bronco doesn't provide enough power to run the HP terminals, so a larger inverter or a DC conversion was necessary.

Also, as @BoverW mentions, the latency is really surprising! I was off the beaten path in Colorado last week on a Teams call while remoting into a site to troubleshoot a network issue and the performance was phenomenal!

It's good to know more details about the previous generation!

So you mean this initialization is new since Gen3? I like the option to mount the mini under the hardtop but this feature is a deal-breaker if I need to align it every time. It is a pity they cannot do real-time orientation calibration/tracking.

As for the power consumption, it is around 25-40W so I won't worry too much about it, but a DC option would be better indeed. I also plan to make a DIY lighter adaptor in the future.

 

[Johnny Rebel]

So you mean this initialization is new since Gen3

Yep. The older terminals still take a minute to auto-calc their orientation, but they don't require the tilt or the northward orientation and it can be done while in motion.

As I think about it, when I first set up the static Gen3 dish at one of our remote offices, I just stuck it on the roof and powered it up. After a few minutes, I had Internet connectivity, but got a message in the Starlink app that said something along the lines of performance being affected unless it was moved to the correct orientation. It also provided a graphic that showed the desired tilt and orientation vs the actual so that it could be adjusted appropriately. Perhaps the Mini will still work without it being in the desired position.

On another note, I just unboxed the Mini and can't believe how much smaller it is than the other units! I also found an ethernet port that was covered with a rubber plug. I'm gonna grab a POE injector and see if it'll power up. The power input listed on the unit shows 12-48V, 5.0A, so I should have something that'll work. Fingers crossed!

 

[BoverW]

Find a good one explaining the power supply.

 

[BoverW]

Yep. The older terminals still take a minute to auto-calc their orientation, but they don't require the tilt or the northward orientation and it can be done while in motion.

As I think about it, when I first set up the static Gen3 dish at one of our remote offices, I just stuck it on the roof and powered it up. After a few minutes, I had Internet connectivity, but got a message in the Starlink app that said something along the lines of performance being affected unless it was moved to the correct orientation. It also provided a graphic that showed the desired tilt and orientation vs the actual so that it could be adjusted appropriately. Perhaps the Mini will still work without it being in the desired position.

On another note, I just unboxed the Mini and can't believe how much smaller it is than the other units! I also found an ethernet port that was covered with a rubber plug. I'm gonna grab a POE injector and see if it'll power up. The power input listed on the unit shows 12-48V, 5.0A, so I should have something that'll work. Fingers crossed!

Yes, mini integrates both Starlink terminal + wifi router so an ethernet port could mean a bypass to allow you to use your router.

'but got a message in the Starlink app that said something along the lines of performance being affected unless it was moved to the correct orientation. It also provided a graphic that showed the desired tilt and orientation vs the actual so that it could be adjusted appropriately.' <---Exactly what I see. Hope you can give me some good news.

12-48V 5A <--- 5A is the worst-case current rating meaning 12*5= 60W. I think we cannot reuse the OEM skinny cable with a low voltage, but a 14 or 12 AWG wiring should work.

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