Starlink Mini Roam $50.00 a month

[Patriot]

As promised here is a quick update on our SL mini field use. It’s a game changer for us. No more local WiFi or cell hot spot to think about. We are presently in Colorado Springs and the mini took about 8 min to deploy and we were up and running.  Certainly the wide open Colorado skies allowed for quick recognition of the satellites. I do think the mini will serve us well. It’s a cinch to pack up and stow. Onward to South Fork and then beautiful Wolf Creek Pass, then make our way to Durango, Ouray, Montrose and then Grand Junction.

Cheers all! We are happy to be traveling!

Edited August 31 by Patriot

[rideadeuce]

Love having more options but I think this comes down to use case. If you are unsure of which one will best suit you, here is a great comparison of their two newest dishes.

 

 

[Patriot]

Update on SL mini use.

After using our SL Mini for 4 hrs last Saturday we blew through 7 GB pretty fast. We had 2 iPads and a TV streaming to give you an idea. Based on our use and needs, we opted to upgrade to the unlimited use plan for $150 per month. This plan still allows to pause the service when not using it.  Space EX makes it tantalizingly easy to switch plans. (Of course they do) cha ching! 😄

We are now in South Fork, CO overnighting at a CG for the evening. Upon our arrival, as soon as I deployed and plugged in the mini (5min) we were online and all set. This CG has given us another good trial run with the mini as the WiFi here is pretty much non existent.

As mentioned perviously, the space saving portability of the mini, compact size, and ease of deployment are worthy of consideration if you think you might consider SL. Truly a game changer for us. 

Happy and Safe Travels!

 

Edited September 3 by Patriot

[Patriot]

Just learned from SL via email below, that the unlimited plan has gone up from $150 to $165 per month. The good thing is we can still pause this service plan when not using it. So far on this trip we have been very happy with our SL mini. 

 

Thank you for being a Starlink customer. We are making changes to your service plan and price in order to deliver an improved Starlink experience. 

Effective immediately, you will have access to the following features with Starlink Roam:

• In-Motion Use
• International Travel
• Coastal Coverage

To support these enhancements and our ongoing network improvements, your monthly service price for Starlink Roam will be $165. The updated monthly price and new Terms of Service will go into effect starting 10/10/2024. 

Edited September 11 by Patriot

[jd1923]

Has anybody worked a permanent rooftop installation? I like the specs, IP67, wide temp range, wind speeds 60+ MPH.

Anybody wire Starlink Mini as WAN input to a router?

We did our Pepwave upgrade in Jan. Just 9 months ago Starlink was $2500 HW cost and no Mini. It’s now feasible!

Anybody use this yet for Zoom meetings?  How is latency? (common in Sat connections) Thanks @Patriot 

 

[Patriot]

1 hour ago, jd1923 said:

Has anybody worked a permanent rooftop installation? I like the specs, IP67, wide temp range, wind speeds 60+ MPH.

Anybody wire Starlink Mini as WAN input to a router?

We did our Pepwave upgrade in Jan. Just 9 months ago Starlink was $2500 HW cost and no Mini. It’s now feasible!

Anybody use this yet for Zoom meetings?  How is latency? (common in Sat connections) Thanks @Patriot 

 

Based on how light and compact the Mini is, I wont be considering a permanent mount. The main reason is if I am parked where there are any obstructions I will have to move the mini to a northern unobstructed view for a solid satellite connection. Now this is just based on our experience so far on this trip. The SL mini has a reported latency of 23 milliseconds according to SpaceX. We have not used it for any zoom meetings, but we did stream the entire Presidential debate last night without any interruption issues. 

I am going to keep it simple and deploy it from its carrying case. So far we are very pleased with the mini and it is serving our needs perfectly. One thing we have both noticed and really like is that it connects instantly to our (4) devices after plugging in the dish. Perfect!

Onward!

Edited September 11 by Patriot

[Zodd]

16 hours ago, Patriot said:

We have not used it for any zoom meetings

Just for reference. I have used the mini for many Zoom meetings, including 2 simultaneously, worked great with no issues. 

[jd1923]

12 hours ago, Zodd said:

Just for reference. I have used the mini for many Zoom meetings, including 2 simultaneously, worked great with no issues. 

Cool, thank you!

Btw, if you are a Zoom presenter, which is the vehicle of my parttime semi-retirement job, you are pushing more data up vs. down, and upload latency is an issue in all Sat connections. On all technology platforms, download speeds are 5-10x upload speeds, np for streaming movies, or if you must the Presidential Debate (oh 'twas so painful). 🤣

One part of me wants to be able to do my work on the road, so to travel more often. The other side says screw that and it's a GREAT day boondocking when in a deep canyon we're not connected! 

 

[Zodd]

That is true. During one of the calls I was presenting and it worked great. Again it all depends on the speeds you happen to be getting. But then again I have the same issue at home sometimes. This morning working from the camp spot speeds are good. Upload is for sure slower but 15 Mbps up with 22ms latency will work. On my plan Starlink can throttle me though so your mileage may vary. 

[Patriot]

Now 5 weeks into our western trip our Starlink Mini has worked flawlessly with usually 4 devices attached. With our use, the upgrade to the unlimited plan is the way to go and it  still has the pause feature when we are not using it. I can’t imagine having to ever deal with WiFi at CGs or cell phone hots spots. As soon as I deploy the mini dish which takes about 5 minutes, it immediately recognizes our devices.  I am glad I purchased the aluminum protective case/cradle. The mini is really light weight and could easily be blown around by strong winds if not secured or weighted down. The added weight of the aluminum protective case makes a difference in my field use experience so far. An impressive useful piece of technology. It was a frosty 32d when I took this pic here in Yellowstone two mornings ago. 

As long as SpaceX keeps those satellites sailing we are in great shape. Ha!

[jdmmtx]

Thanks for the update on the mini. We have been using Gen 2 for a good while both at home and on the road (we have residential with roaming which was discontinued long ago) and have been pleased with it. The mini with the unlimited package is VERY tempting...easier to manage and just leave in the trailer!

[Patriot]

1 hour ago, jdmmtx said:

The mini with the unlimited package is VERY tempting...easier to manage and just leave in the trailer!

💯agree, I think my set up time is about 5 min.

[MAX Burner]

FWIW:  We've been using the GEN2 system since NOV23 (modified to operate on 12vDC).  While D's been working remotely from home since 2018, with SL we're no longer limited to our OTT adventures being a function of her having to take PTO.  SL allows for her multiple daily Zoom calls, mobile telecoms, and the like.  For us, the SL service is definitely worth the $165/mo roaming fee.

[rideandfly]

On 9/24/2024 at 4:17 AM, Patriot said:

Now 5 weeks into our western trip our Starlink Mini has worked flawlessly with usually 4 devices attached. With our use, the upgrade to the unlimited plan is the way to go and it  still has the pause feature when we are not using it. I can’t imagine having to ever deal with WiFi at CGs or cell phone hots spots. As soon as I deploy the mini dish which takes about 5 minutes, it immediately recognizes our devices.  I am glad I purchased the aluminum protective case/cradle. The mini is really light weight and could easily be blown around by strong winds if not secured or weighted down. The added weight of the aluminum protective case makes a difference in my field use experience so far. An impressive useful piece of technology. It was a frosty 32d when I took this pic here in Yellowstone two mornings ago. 

As long as SpaceX keeps those satellites sailing we are in great shape. Ha!

Appreciate all the info on the Starlink Mini. Ordered one yesterday.

Edited October 3 by rideandfly

[Patriot]

4 minutes ago, rideandfly said:

Appreciate all the info on the Starlink Mini. Ordered one yesterday.

Bill,

I believe you will be pleased with everything about  the “mini”. We also ordered the 12v adapter cable to allow us to run the mini from our TV. Just a thought.

https://www.strikerfab.com/products/dc-power-adapter-for-starlink-mini

[rideandfly]

9 minutes ago, Patriot said:

Bill,

I believe you will be pleased with everything about  the “mini”. We also ordered the 12v adapter cable to allow us to run the mini from our TV. Just a thought.

https://www.strikerfab.com/products/dc-power-adapter-for-starlink-mini

David,

Putting together a list of accessories for the Mini today, already had a Pelican case originally purchased for a laptop. Will use the Pelican case for the Mini, now.

Thanks,

Bill

[Patriot]

More great news…loving our Starlink Mini! 

 

[rideandfly]

Looking forward to testing the Mini during the next camping trip, this is the main reason we purchased it. It's simple to set up, use, and transport. Started service @ $50 per month for 50 GB of "Roam" service that can be paused whenever not in use.

Used ideas from the following video David posted earlier to be able to use the Mini with an Anker power bank for emergency use during a power outage (we have poor cell internet service at home unless used with home WiFi) or if we have a vehicle breakdown in the boonies when without cell service.

Had an old Pelican case we used to transport a laptop with. The Starlink Mini, power cable, Mini power convertor, Anker 200W power Bank, 6' power cable for the Mini, and Anker 100W charger all fit easily in the Pelican case.

 

Edited October 15 by rideandfly

[Geronimo John]

22 minutes ago, rideandfly said:

Looking forward to testing the Mini during the next camping trip, this is the main reason we purchased it.

Thanks for the video.  Good execution.  Hopefully you'll be able to video the unit in action during a future camping trip.

GJ

[Patriot]

4 hours ago, rideandfly said:

Had an old Pelican case we used to transport a laptop with. The Starlink Mini, power cable, Mini power convertor, Anker 200W power Bank, 6' power cable for the Mini, and Anker 100W charger all fit easily in the Pelican case.

Nice kit Bill! You’re going to love the ease and portability of set up of the mini. We cannot imagine not having SL after our last 48 day trip out west. 💯 full on  game changer.
It will be interesting to learn how long you can power the mini off the Anker power bank. 👍🏻 

[Patriot]

After our SL mini shake down trip out west I have decided to purchase a cord reel for the mini to keep the cord neatly buttoned up during travel. As well as a little quicker to deploy and roll up. I also decided to scoop up an extra SL power cord as well. If by some unlikely chance the cord gets cut by a grazing Bison well…you sorta flapping without a spare.

This big guy was grazing on the nice green patch of grass next to XPLOR and he actually tugged on our SL cable and fortunately did not chew through it. Smart Bison! 

I will post up on how the cord reel works out. I highly recommend a back up spare power cord. As we all know things happen.

 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WYCR42L?ref_=ppx_hzod_title_dt_b_fed_asin_title_0_0

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DB21PPSC?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

 

Edited October 15 by Patriot

[rideandfly]

Good idea on the cord reel, looking forward to hearing how the cord reel works out!

[Patriot]

7 minutes ago, rideandfly said:

Good idea on the cord reel, looking forward to hearing how the cord reel works out!

It should arrive tomorrow, I will keep you posted! 👍🏻

[Boudicca908]

16 hours ago, rideandfly said:

Had an old Pelican case

I'm curious about the size of that Pelican case (I think I have an old one at home) -- any chance you can also post a photo of the case open with the SL nestled inside? 

[rideandfly]

2 hours ago, Boudicca908 said:

I'm curious about the size of that Pelican case (I think I have an old one at home) -- any chance you can also post a photo of the case open with the SL nestled inside? 

As you can see, this is an old case, but very rugged. Also use Pelican cases on motorcycles, broke a latch on one a few years ago, called Pelican, all they wanted was the name & address to ship a new latch to, no other info needed.

When I purchased the Pelican case, it came with egg-crate foam in the lid and two sheets of foam in the bottom of the case. Now I only have one sheet of foam in the bottom of the case since my laptop was too thick for two sheets and I used the second foam sheet for another use.

Use two soft foam blocks to secure the Mini in the case.   Additional foam blocks should not be needed if the case still comes with two foam sheets in the bottom of the case in addition to the egg-crate foam in the lid.

 

 

 

 

Edited October 15 by rideandfly