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

[Steve B]

You might look into a WeBoost for this use case. We use this on our trips and I have it connected to an aux switch and can turn it off when not in use. Dead is dead, but as long as you can get one bar the WeBoost will usually boost the signal up to 2-3 bars.

Thanks. I will look into it. We are also looking into the SpotX Satellite phone.

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[Roofus]

Thanks. I will look into it. We are also looking into the SpotX Satellite phone.

We are as well, but I want to see what the SOS satellite and trail mapping updates to iOS look like before we pull the trigger. I've had a Garmin inReach Mini 2 for a little over a year and have not found it to be user friendly. I think the Spot X looks much better and seems to have more flexible messaging options at basically the same monthly service price point.

 

[flashpunk]

I've got a starmounts converted 2nd gen Starlink.

It runs on DC power and has an integrated gli.net router. It's pretty neat that all I need to do is plug in a 12v power source and away I go (usually about 200mbps).

However this mini looks so compact, I might consider it once I see some DC conversions for it.

If anyone is interested in seeing that setup, let me know I can post photos. Don't want to hijack this thread.

 

[Roofus]

“The device requires specific orientation alignment (facing north with a certain tilt range) upon startup”

This could be a cool problem to solve. Initial thought is getting a Rasperry Pi and motorized mount of some sort for the starlink device. Wondering if you could program the Rasperry Pi so it always knows true north and then input the telemetry data starlink needs at start up so the RP makes the necessary adjustments for you and then keeps it aligned as you drive. Hardware probably be less than 100 bucks and then some engineering time. Then open source it, throw it on GitHub and let everyone have it for free. Or, Elon could use his money and engineering time to just make it work. Sounds like the software may do this on the gen2 device already. Regardless, might be fun to do.

I would love to stick the mini in an IP67 case and mount it on my roof rack. So when you figure this out, please let me know.

 

[MrGreen55]

Starlink 2 mini looks cool would work great in a bronco but only if we can define our self's as Central America then I'm all board the train.

 

[Johnny Rebel]

After testing this morning, in-motion usage doesn't work for my Mini with the Mini Roam plan. I got an error in the Starlink app stating "Starlink Disabled while Moving".

I checked the Starlink Support site and found the following, which suggests that in-motion use below 10MPH is possible by adding the Mobile Priority plan. However, the cost goes from $30/mo for the Mini Roam plan to $250/mo for the Mobile Priority plan.

 

[KT_bronco]

A little help with the starlink ecosystem for me please.

The mini isn't available standalone yet correct?
The mini doesn't work in motion unless 10mph or less and with an expensive plan?
The mini requires a base subscription and then a mini subscription on top?

Like some others I'm also looking for basically an emergency option. I don't mind paying 150 for the month that I go out, but just confused how much it costs to get this done today and which combination of subscriptions are required for those looking to just use it once in a while on camping trips.

 

[BoverW]

A little help with the starlink ecosystem for me please.

The mini isn't available standalone yet correct?
The mini doesn't work in motion unless 10mph or less and with an expensive plan?
The mini requires a base subscription and then a mini subscription on top?

Like some others I'm also looking for basically an emergency option. I don't mind paying 150 for the month that I go out, but just confused how much it costs to get this done today and which combination of subscriptions are required for those looking to just use it once in a while on camping trips.

To have a mini, you need
1. Gen 1-3 starlink (300+, one time cost)
2. a subscription (120 at least)
3. mini (600)
4.mini subscription(30)

It is not cheap to own it now. But thing could change once they ramp up the production, likely a standalone plan. And that's why I want to test it.

 

[BoverW]

After testing this morning, in-motion usage doesn't work for my Mini with the Mini Roam plan. I got an error in the Starlink app stating "Starlink Disabled while Moving".

I checked the Starlink Support site and found the following, which suggests that in-motion use below 10MPH is possible by adding the Mobile Priority plan. However, the cost goes from $30/mo for the Mini Roam plan to $250/mo for the Mobile Priority plan.

.Really hope it could work. No need to have a mount then.

 

[Johnny Rebel]

.Really hope it could work. No need to have a mount then.

I think you hit the nail on the head in your previous post. They're just starting to roll these out in a very limited fashion, but I'd guess that they'll eventually offer them as standalone units with a subscription similar to the others including in-motion use.

I feel like a mount such as the Star-Mount MINI Explorer could still have value for the right use case, but the size and simplicity of the Mini makes it much easier to stow in the vehicle until it's needed.

 

[flashpunk]

I think you hit the nail on the head in your previous post. They're just starting to roll these out in a very limited fashion, but I'd guess that they'll eventually offer them as standalone units with a subscription similar to the others including in-motion use.

I feel like a mount such as the Star-Mount MINI Explorer could still have value for the right use case, but the size and simplicity of the Mini makes it much easier to stow in the vehicle until it's needed.

Oh dang, didn't realize they already had a mount for it.

Is the router integrated into the mini? My "all in one" gen 2 does not and requires a router. The router is integrated into the conversion: https://star-mountsystems.com/colle...s/all-in-one-flat-mount-with-integrated-modem

 

[BoverW]

Oh dang, didn't realize they already had a mount for it.

Is the router integrated into the mini? My "all in one" gen 2 does not and requires a router. The router is integrated into the conversion: https://star-mountsystems.com/colle...s/all-in-one-flat-mount-with-integrated-modem

Yes, it has a wifi 5 router integrated.

 

[Johnny Rebel]

Oh dang, didn't realize they already had a mount for it.

Is the router integrated into the mini? My "all in one" gen 2 does not and requires a router. The router is integrated into the conversion: https://star-mountsystems.com/colle...s/all-in-one-flat-mount-with-integrated-modem

When I got the Gen 2, the all in one conversion was new and delivery times were several months out, so I opted for the case without it. Instead, I ordered an all-in-one solution from Boondocker that can be mounted in the truck.

For the High Performance terminals, I followed the same concept, but mounted a DC transformer, POE Injector, and USB-C powered router in a small pelican case that can also be mounted in the truck.

To me, the real beauty of the Mini is that it's an all-in-one package in a much smaller form factor with a single wire that is easily transported. The only missing link right now seems to be affordable in-motion capability, but surely that's in the works.

 

[flashpunk]

When I got the Gen 2, the all in one conversion was new and delivery times were several months out, so I opted for the case without it. Instead, I ordered an all-in-one solution from Boondocker that can be mounted in the truck.

For the High Performance terminals, I followed the same concept, but mounted a DC transformer, POE Injector, and USB-C powered router in a small pelican case that can also be mounted in the truck.

To me, the real beauty of the Mini is that it's an all-in-one package in a much smaller form factor with a single wire that is easily transported. The only missing link right now seems to be affordable in-motion capability, but surely that's in the works.

Yeah I had the boondocker power supply too in my van. Used a glinet router with a sim card so I could use either/or (this was in my van). The integrated unit makes so much more sense though. No fuss, just a cable. Stoked about the mini, will need to think about if I want to go that route for a size reduction

 

[BoverW]

I think you hit the nail on the head in your previous post. They're just starting to roll these out in a very limited fashion, but I'd guess that they'll eventually offer them as standalone units with a subscription similar to the others including in-motion use.

I feel like a mount such as the Star-Mount MINI Explorer could still have value for the right use case, but the size and simplicity of the Mini makes it much easier to stow in the vehicle until it's needed.

Based on what I know, the first batch is almost 'hand-made', thus limited.
The mini +$30 plan could be the Model 3 for starlink. Compared with Garmin's inreach system, this is a better SOS setup.

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