Starlink RV roaming version, initial test

[Artie]

After some trial and error, I finally found a pack out method for starlink that works for me. All you need is the wall mount installers bag, 2x2' rollercam straps, and a little Velcro. Everything packs up nicely. This is a case where simple was so much better.

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KISS method is often the best. What’s the point of the little bag thing that comes with the dish, is it just for carrying the dish?

I also ended up with something basic for storage. It just sits on the floor of my camper under the bed/table in a storage area. As long as it’s not stepped on it’s good.

My big wish would be a way to leave it mounted while driving. It’s so tall I don’t want it exposed and when it’s stowed it’s even taller. In stowage mode it’s impossible to lay flat while attached to the pivot mount. May future iterations will solve this, especially for its RV market.

 

[tincan45]

KISS method is often the best. What’s the point of the little bag thing that comes with the dish, is it just for carrying the dish?

I also ended up with something basic for storage. It just sits on the floor of my camper under the bed/table in a storage area. As long as it’s not stepped on it’s good.

My big wish would be a way to leave it mounted while driving. It’s so tall I don’t want it exposed and when it’s stowed it’s even taller. In stowage mode it’s impossible to lay flat while attached to the pivot mount. May future iterations will solve this, especially for its RV market.

The bag probably isn’t required, but it offered a little bit of protection from scuffs and scrapes while being transported.

 

[gluaisrothai]

Magnets bolted to Starlink base, attached to steel washers epoxied to the RTT. For static use only.

 

[tincan45]

Hey folks. Just returned from a week off grid in New Mexico with Starlink. We were moving quite a bit and re-deploying Starlink daily so I was able to get a pretty good feel for things. I learned a few things about Starlink as well.

1 - Don't mount to your car. Chances are you will need to move the Starlink to an open area an you will need the extended cord they provide. I found, at least in New Mexico, I needed to have a completely unencumbered view of the Northern sky. Even 25' south of my vehicle was a problem. Moving it to the north of the vehicle in a clearing proved to work each time. I assume getting your Starlink higher off the ground would accomplish the same, but it would have to be much higher than your rig.

2 - The system consumes between 40-50w continuously once it's booted up. Not bad at all, but I was always conscious to turn it off before going to sleep.

3 - Boots-up's take a while after a move. Starlink needs to figure out where it is after a move and the boot/sync process take about 5-10 minutes to come online. If it comes online and goes offline frequently you likely need to move the dish to a better location. I did a lot of that, especially in wooded areas.

4 - Don't forget to "stow". This is will become habit eventually, but I was constantly having to re-power and plug back in my dish because I forgot to "stow" the dish for travel. I wish you didn't have to have the app to stow the dish.

5 - Don't assume a fantastic connection. Connections were hit and miss depending on where we were. Wooded areas were extremely hard to find areas open enough to get reliable internet. I could manage 2-3 minute voice calls before being disconnected, but I could reconnect almost right away. I assume it had to do with the signal hand-off between satellites. Again, the more open sky the better.

6 - Works in rain storms. Rain didn't seem to degrade service much when I had a good location.

Overall, it was great being able to call home and have internet in areas that had zero cell coverage. This will be a part of my kit from now on.

 

[prharper]

Hey folks. Just returned from a week off grid in New Mexico with Starlink. We were moving quite a bit and re-deploying Starlink daily so I was able to get a pretty good feel for things. I learned a few things about Starlink as well.

1 - Don't mount to your car. Chances are you will need to move the Starlink to an open area an you will need the extended cord they provide. I found, at least in New Mexico, I needed to have a completely unencumbered view of the Northern sky. Even 25' south of my vehicle was a problem. Moving it to the north of the vehicle in a clearing proved to work each time. I assume getting your Starlink higher off the ground would accomplish the same, but it would have to be much higher than your rig.

2 - The system consumes between 40-50w continuously once it's booted up. Not bad at all, but I was always conscious to turn it off before going to sleep.

3 - Boots-up's take a while after a move. Starlink needs to figure out where it is after a move and the boot/sync process take about 5-10 minutes to come online. If it comes online and goes offline frequently you likely need to move the dish to a better location. I did a lot of that, especially in wooded areas.

4 - Don't forget to "stow". This is will become habit eventually, but I was constantly having to re-power and plug back in my dish because I forgot to "stow" the dish for travel. I wish you didn't have to have the app to stow the dish.

5 - Don't assume a fantastic connection. Connections were hit and miss depending on where we were. Wooded areas were extremely hard to find areas open enough to get reliable internet. I could manage 2-3 minute voice calls before being disconnected, but I could reconnect almost right away. I assume it had to do with the signal hand-off between satellites. Again, the more open sky the better.

6 - Works in rain storms. Rain didn't seem to degrade service much when I had a good location.

Overall, it was great being able to call home and have internet in areas that had zero cell coverage. This will be a part of my kit from now on.

Good feedback and I share the same experience especially #1. Definitely needs to be in the open. I camped in some areas with trees and even though I found some spots that had clear view of the skies, it could not lock on. Taking it to a clearing without any trees around worked.

 

[prharper]

Paul @ Equipt recently launched this storage kit:

 

[Fisher23]

I wonder which pelican case would fit nice?

 

[tincan45]

I wonder which pelican case would fit nice?

I tried several storage options including pelican. They all seemed to consume a LOT of space relative to the equipment. The equipt video above is a good example of of the trial and error process most are going through in an attempt to find a good solution. 42L is a big box and it's still a little awkward imho. A simple bundled soft pack out has been working great for me. Keep in mind, the router is the only device that needs to be protected from the elements.

 

[Artie]

I tried several storage options including pelican. They all seemed to consume a LOT of space relative to the equipment. The equipt video above is a good example of of the trial and error process most are going through in an attempt to find a good solution. 42L is a big box and it's still a little awkward imho. A simple bundled soft pack out has been working great for me. Keep in mind, the router is the only device that needs to be protected from the elements.

100% feel this l. I returned a few storage options and go without at this point. Granted, it’s shoved underneath a bed in my camper and wedged into some soft items but even if it were to go in my LC, I’ve found that piecing stuff out is far easier to find the room for vs a larger bundle.

 

[Fisher23]

I don't usually do not bring that large "x" mount with me, So I'm 1/2 or less the space for stowing it. I just would like to have a small case for the dish only.

I bring that adjustable angled shingle roof mount. It either zip ties to my roof rack or I use some tent pegs to hold it to the ground. One time I zip tied it to a log.

We also stay at a cabin that is on the electric grid of doesn't get any signal there, so this works out great.

 

[Artie]

Sam

I don't usually do not bring that large "x" mount with me, So I'm 1/2 or less the space for stowing it. I just would like to have a small case for the dish only.

I bring that adjustable angled shingle roof mount. It either zip ties to my roof rack or I use some tent pegs to hold it to the ground. One time I zip tied it to a log.

We also stay at a cabin that is on the electric grid of doesn't get any signal there, so this works out great.

Same here on leaving the big x mount behind. We use the angled roof mount one and I attached magnets to it to mount. It does ok on the ground if I place some rocks on the mount.

 

[prharper]

Looks like Starlink just released a travel case

Starlink Shop

shop.starlink.com

other options posted here

Starlink Travel Case Review + Alternatives | Starlink Hardware

In this review, I test out the Starlink Travel Case. I detail the features, give you my impressions, and offer some 3rd party alternatives.

www.starlinkhardware.com

 

[Artie]

Looks like Starlink just released a travel case

Starlink Shop

shop.starlink.com

View attachment 3094652

other options posted here

Starlink Travel Case Review + Alternatives | Starlink Hardware

In this review, I test out the Starlink Travel Case. I detail the features, give you my impressions, and offer some 3rd party alternatives.

www.starlinkhardware.com

Interesting… I wonder if those straps are removable.

I’ll hold off taking this seriously until I see real images of it and how the dish fits inside. I’ve become somewhat skeptical on any timeline Musk attaches to his products.

 

[Fisher23]

What is the little box with the orange handle beside the case in this picture?

 

[CharlieS]

I know less than nothing about starlink, but that looks like some sort of battery pack.

Edit: googled it up Amazon product ASIN B08V4PMJB7

20911 - Rugged Travel Case with Custom Foam Insert to hold Starlink™ RV Satellite System WITH MOUNTING SYSTEM - Caseman

Starlink Mount Travel Case

www.caseman.com

 

[Artie]

What is the little box with the orange handle beside the case in this picture?

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@CharlieS is correct, I think. There is an entire FB group for hacks of these devices and running them on 12 volt power is a common modification.

 

[CharlieS]

It says that is what it is in the Caseman page:

"Custom foam interior accommodates the dish, 75’ cable, power cable and has room for other items. There is room for the stand as there may be instances where it is the only option for uneven terrain. Additionally, there is a compartment for one TECKNET Portable Power Station, giving you roughly three hours of operational time. (Not included, sold separately)"

 

[Fisher23]

@CharlieS is correct, I think. There is an entire FB group for hacks of these devices and running them on 12 volt power is a common modification.

The hack requires a 48 volt inverter taped into a couple of the Cat 6 lines. The lines need to switch a bit also. I have not seen that FB group though?

I looked at that battery inverter it's going to give about 2.5 hours at 65 watts. Maybe good on a kayak trip, not not needed off-roading.

 

[Artie]

The hack requires a 48 volt inverter taped into a couple of the Cat 6 lines. The lines need to switch a bit also. I have not seen that FB group though?

I looked at that battery inverter it's going to give about 2.5 hours at 65 watts. Maybe good on a kayak trip, not not needed off-roading.

Agree on that battery life, especially since it takes anywhere from 10-30 minutes to boot and acquire satellites.

Here’s that group if your interested:

Starlink Hacks | Facebook

Learn and share.

www.facebook.com

 

[speakout525]

I picked up a 12 gallon waterproof Husky storage bin from Home depot. Then I used the bottom plastic insert from the original packaging. It all fits perfectly snug and would be even better if I could manage to wrap the cord around the original packaging cord track. Easier to just drop it on top though. The whole package is barely larger than the parts would be out in the open and provides decent protection from dust and waterproof as well. Saw some version of this originally on a random youtube clip. Works great.