You don't need to be in cell service range as Starlink is exactly for that purpose! - As long as you download the app when you can it will connect to your account without any other connection needed. Mine is strapped to the skylight of my RV and doing good :)
I just activated my mini today, I am pretty impressed. I also have a cellular router, and thought about keeping a plan for it, but the reality is at only a $1 a gig when you run over, that is still cheaper than other pay as you go cellular data plans. On amazon the new battery adapter for the Dewalt 20v has low voltage disconnect built in. I also put together a 2700mha usbc battery pack, you can run the starlink of usbc 60w units, and if you get one with two usbc ports you can connect a small solar in to help. the small solar panel I found folds up smaller than the mini, and puts out 35 watts. My usbc battery pack is over heating, so I am still testing. My macbook Pro also has a wifi setting "low Data Mode" you can set". Good tips and a good video.
The mini is a great little device. So many options to power it with. We also noticed our Milwaukee battery was getting warm in the sun. We may make a little reflectix shade to put over it. 😂
Great vid! If no one else has mentioned it, a better alternative to the Amazon Milwaukee battery adapter is Milwaukee's own adapter (2846-20) that provides 175W of power, a USB-C PD port, and a 120V AC receptacle. It would almost certainly have a low voltage cutoff. It's $99 but, for me, its improved functionality and reliability is worth the premium.
Great video - thank you! What are your thoughts regarding the mini for podcast recordings? Meaning speed and consistent connectivity are SUPER important! Specifically I will be in Patagonia and need to be able to record podcast interviews while there. Trying to determine if standard or mini is a better choice? TIA
Did you work out what was best Laura? I'm looking at the same thing - I want to work and live in my van full time which means I really need access to work calls etc...
@@parislawrence3278 The only direct experience I have has been in Patagonia. I ended up getting the Starlink Standard (not the mini) and what I found is that when it worked, it worked fantastic. And when it didn't, it REALLY didn't. For example, it worked fantastic on Day 1 in El Chalten, Argentina. The next day, despite being in the exact same spot, aligned the exact same way, it did not work at all. I still don't really have an answer or understanding as to why....the app said it was 'partially obstructed'. But the previous day there were zero issues in the exact same location....
Thank you for the informative video. I think the most important question as a van lifer was missed. How does this work in the woods ? We are often in the national forest and parks. So what’s your thoughts there?
Got it! Here’s an updated version without the em dash: Thanks for the comment! We actually covered this in the video, mentioning that you need a clear view of the sky for optimal performance. In forests with heavy tree cover, it often doesn’t work at all if there’s no opening to the sky. Trees and mountains can block the signal entirely. Unfortunately, it’s not just a slower connection; it will completely block the signal in many cases. We camp a lot in forests and often find it doesn’t work at all or only works about 50% of the time. A clearing is really what you need for a solid connection. Hope this helps!
Well done, very informative talk thru. Do you think the 50 g plan is adequate to run a payment app for a mobile business, there would be no additional internet browsing ?
I’m buying one for my Baja winter trip and wanted to know your data? Did u go w/ the unlimited or 50g? I’m liking the unlimited is better but wanted to see what y’all think? Thanks Dave
@@ExploreTrekAdventure Thanks…. I love movies and don’t want to worry about my Baja trip w/ data. Y’all rock… Keep living your Dream Dave….. Bring on Baja in Dec…🤙🤙🤙🚐🚐🚐💥💥❤️❤️❤️
Starlink can sometimes work through trees, but in my experience, the connection tends to be inconsistent. It may be enough for sending and receiving messages but not reliable for streaming video. If dense tree cover is blocking the signal, your best option is to find a clearing with a more open view of the sky.
I have a Colorado Camper Van pop top which is fiberglass. I can mount the mini in the space above the driver seat and be good to go (as long as it is clear of trees. If not, I can run it away from the vehicle if need be.
Great content! Thanks. I want to know when I get to our large cabin in the woods and on arrival I want to plug it into my mesh WiFi network (eero) how would I set that up.
What I have been curious about is if the mini is on the roof, does the wifi signal work ok in a completely closed van? We tend to get really bad cellular and wifi signals inside our van and with the router fully outside I've been hesitant to try the mini. Right now we have the gen2 setup, but a smaller and DC powered setup is super appealing
Mine works fine rooftop mounted on my sprinter van, since im still building the van, ive installed an ethernet line amd plug om the roof, if i decide to put a router indoors or direct connect
Wow! What a fantastic video that explains everything so neophytes like me can actually get it! I have a question I'm hoping you can answer: I have a Starlink dish at home for business so it's on a business account. I just purchased the Mini to use in my RV camping trips and created a personal account. However, the Starlink app on my iPhone shows the business one. When I'm away from home camping and I have the Mini all set up, do you think it will show up on my iPhone app? Thank you for any clarification on this issue. Again, I cannot thank you enough for putting out such an easy to understand video - it truly is the best one I've seen.
So, to clarify, you don't actually know the runtimes for any given battery source. You just asked a bot? Interesting to see the alignment setup and download speeds though.
It is a math equation to figure out the runtime with a given draw and battery size. There is a bit of flux with the dish going into idle if it is not busy. It gives you a good starting point to see if it will fit your needs.
This review is almost pointless for vanlifers since you didn't test it with the dish on the roof and the van fully closed. That mini should have the option to detach its router and connect it inside the van, too, by a cable trough the roof That would make it double usable. I guess I wait for the next version..
Thanks for your feedback! We did test the WiFi through two sides of the van, which would be similar to how it performs through the roof. The Starlink Mini is designed for flexibility, making it great for moving around or taking with you when you leave the van. If you're looking for a setup with a hard-mounted dish and an internal router, the standard dish with a 12v conversion would be ideal.
@@ExploreTrekAdventure , I know, but it is not the same thing because the waves can bypass the metal sheet in open room, not forced to pass through metal. I like the Mini for its portability, smaller dimensions and lower consumption. But they have to be smarter. The router could be detachable. I wait for the next one.
@@silviuflorescu6838it works perfectly fine on the roof, mines mounted inside a star mounts magnetic mount, on the sprinter roof, no issue.. ive also installed and ethernet cable and rooftop port, if i decide i want to add a router or a direct connection, or just wait for the next version, whatever ✌️🫡
Starlink Mini has an ethernet port. Run an ethernet cord from the dish to a standard wifi router inside the van and problem solved. You can also connect the ethernet cable directly to the laptop through a USB/ethernet adapter.
How would Starlink Mini change your adventures? 🏕️ 📡
You don't need to be in cell service range as Starlink is exactly for that purpose! - As long as you download the app when you can it will connect to your account without any other connection needed. Mine is strapped to the skylight of my RV and doing good :)
This is by far the best starlink review I’ve seen. I’ve been researching them a lot and this video literally answers every question I’ve had thank you
Thank you! Glad it was helpful. 😀
I just activated my mini today, I am pretty impressed. I also have a cellular router, and thought about keeping a plan for it, but the reality is at only a $1 a gig when you run over, that is still cheaper than other pay as you go cellular data plans. On amazon the new battery adapter for the Dewalt 20v has low voltage disconnect built in. I also put together a 2700mha usbc battery pack, you can run the starlink of usbc 60w units, and if you get one with two usbc ports you can connect a small solar in to help. the small solar panel I found folds up smaller than the mini, and puts out 35 watts. My usbc battery pack is over heating, so I am still testing. My macbook Pro also has a wifi setting "low Data Mode" you can set". Good tips and a good video.
The mini is a great little device. So many options to power it with. We also noticed our Milwaukee battery was getting warm in the sun. We may make a little reflectix shade to put over it. 😂
Not if you have unlimited data
One of the best Starlink videos I’ve seen!
Thank you for the feedback! 🤓
The best review I've watched so far... I've ordered a starlink mini. Thank you ❤
Thanks for the feedback! Enjoy the Mini. 😀
Great vid! If no one else has mentioned it, a better alternative to the Amazon Milwaukee battery adapter is Milwaukee's own adapter (2846-20) that provides 175W of power, a USB-C PD port, and a 120V AC receptacle. It would almost certainly have a low voltage cutoff. It's $99 but, for me, its improved functionality and reliability is worth the premium.
That Milwaukee inverter would definitely work. It’s just a bigger and more expensive but it would give you more options for other projects.
Best YT vid as far, Cheers!
Thank you. 😀
Very informative. Thank you.
😀
Great review. Setting up our mini today....Happy Trails
😀
Great review video. Answered a lot of my questions
Awesome! Glad it helped. 😀
Good tips, thank you!
Great video - thank you! What are your thoughts regarding the mini for podcast recordings? Meaning speed and consistent connectivity are SUPER important! Specifically I will be in Patagonia and need to be able to record podcast interviews while there. Trying to determine if standard or mini is a better choice? TIA
If you have a clear view of the sky it does great. If there are obstructions it will drop off for a bit.
Did you work out what was best Laura? I'm looking at the same thing - I want to work and live in my van full time which means I really need access to work calls etc...
@@parislawrence3278 The only direct experience I have has been in Patagonia. I ended up getting the Starlink Standard (not the mini) and what I found is that when it worked, it worked fantastic. And when it didn't, it REALLY didn't. For example, it worked fantastic on Day 1 in El Chalten, Argentina. The next day, despite being in the exact same spot, aligned the exact same way, it did not work at all. I still don't really have an answer or understanding as to why....the app said it was 'partially obstructed'. But the previous day there were zero issues in the exact same location....
@@LauraMac6 eeep. Not super reassuring but hard to know what an alternative might be if I’m out in the boonies. ! Thank you for sharing, anyway. :)
Thank you for the informative video. I think the most important question as a van lifer was missed. How does this work in the woods ? We are often in the national forest and parks. So what’s your thoughts there?
Got it! Here’s an updated version without the em dash:
Thanks for the comment! We actually covered this in the video, mentioning that you need a clear view of the sky for optimal performance. In forests with heavy tree cover, it often doesn’t work at all if there’s no opening to the sky. Trees and mountains can block the signal entirely. Unfortunately, it’s not just a slower connection; it will completely block the signal in many cases. We camp a lot in forests and often find it doesn’t work at all or only works about 50% of the time. A clearing is really what you need for a solid connection. Hope this helps!
Which groups help you on the road? Like AAA? Or someone one else?
For roadside it is included with our insurance. At this point we don’t have any other services.
Wow, what an awesome review! Thanks for taking the time! You helped me make my choice!👍
Safe travels!✌️
😀 Glad it was helpful!
I velcroed a goal zero AC 100 sherpa to back of my mini, itll run several hours, if i need more, i connect to 50w goal zero panel.. ✌️
Well done, very informative talk thru.
Do you think the 50 g plan is adequate to run a payment app for a mobile business, there would be no additional internet browsing ?
I think the 50g plan would be fine for doing only mobile payments.
I’m buying one for my Baja winter trip and wanted to know your data? Did u go w/ the unlimited or 50g?
I’m liking the unlimited is better but wanted to see what y’all think?
Thanks
Dave
We have the 50g plan but unless you want to be very careful using data I would go with the unlimited plan.
@@ExploreTrekAdventure Thanks…. I love movies and don’t want to worry about my Baja trip w/ data.
Y’all rock… Keep living your Dream
Dave….. Bring on Baja in Dec…🤙🤙🤙🚐🚐🚐💥💥❤️❤️❤️
How can I use this in an emergency if I'm in the trees or the forest somewhere?
Starlink can sometimes work through trees, but in my experience, the connection tends to be inconsistent. It may be enough for sending and receiving messages but not reliable for streaming video. If dense tree cover is blocking the signal, your best option is to find a clearing with a more open view of the sky.
can you turn subscription on without cell service?
Everything we have read says you do need cell service to enable the data plan.
@@ExploreTrekAdventure dang, that kind of renders it useless for emergencies then. bummer. thanks for responding!
is there a proper way to unplug or power it down? i just got mine today
It doesn’t have a power switch so you just unplug it.
Awesome thank you for your input.
😀
I have a Colorado Camper Van pop top which is fiberglass. I can mount the mini in the space above the driver seat and be good to go (as long as it is clear of trees. If not, I can run it away from the vehicle if need be.
That is cool to hear it will work through the fiberglass roof! Great setup.
Great content! Thanks. I want to know when I get to our large cabin in the woods and on arrival I want to plug it into my mesh WiFi network (eero) how would I set that up.
The mini has an Ethernet port which you could run into your eero wifi.
What I have been curious about is if the mini is on the roof, does the wifi signal work ok in a completely closed van? We tend to get really bad cellular and wifi signals inside our van and with the router fully outside I've been hesitant to try the mini. Right now we have the gen2 setup, but a smaller and DC powered setup is super appealing
We did test on the other side of the van and it was ok but would be interesting to test on the roof.
Mine works fine rooftop mounted on my sprinter van, since im still building the van, ive installed an ethernet line amd plug om the roof, if i decide to put a router indoors or direct connect
@Liimpy so it has the capability to add an erhernet cable to the mini to extend a seperate router to it?
@@daniellerobinson7323 yes
@daniellerobinson7323 yes, you can add a mesh router, and thru the app, you can switch from internal router to external
Wow! What a fantastic video that explains everything so neophytes like me can actually get it! I have a question I'm hoping you can answer:
I have a Starlink dish at home for business so it's on a business account. I just purchased the Mini to use in my RV camping trips and created a personal account. However, the Starlink app on my iPhone shows the business one. When I'm away from home camping and I have the Mini all set up, do you think it will show up on my iPhone app? Thank you for any clarification on this issue.
Again, I cannot thank you enough for putting out such an easy to understand video - it truly is the best one I've seen.
Glad it was helpful. It should definitely show up in the app once you setup the mini.
So, to clarify, you don't actually know the runtimes for any given battery source. You just asked a bot? Interesting to see the alignment setup and download speeds though.
It is a math equation to figure out the runtime with a given draw and battery size. There is a bit of flux with the dish going into idle if it is not busy. It gives you a good starting point to see if it will fit your needs.
The mini runs on 12volts, use that
Very true! The Milwaukee battery we used can be a good DC power option.
I guess it doesn't work at night.
Why?
Hi, because you said you must look for a bright sun etc. or a clear sky.
Ah. It definitely works at night. 😀
Clear sky means “unobstructed “ not “blue sky daylight”
@@deniselogan2733 Thank you
Way too expensive!
Maybe in the future, if the prices are more competitive...
I do wish the hardware was cheaper. When you mention more competitive, to what are you referencing?
@ExploreTrekAdventure the residential Internet is $120...!
This review is almost pointless for vanlifers since you didn't test it with the dish on the roof and the van fully closed.
That mini should have the option to detach its router and connect it inside the van, too, by a cable trough the roof
That would make it double usable.
I guess I wait for the next version..
Thanks for your feedback! We did test the WiFi through two sides of the van, which would be similar to how it performs through the roof. The Starlink Mini is designed for flexibility, making it great for moving around or taking with you when you leave the van. If you're looking for a setup with a hard-mounted dish and an internal router, the standard dish with a 12v conversion would be ideal.
@@ExploreTrekAdventure , I know, but it is not the same thing because the waves can bypass the metal sheet in open room, not forced to pass through metal.
I like the Mini for its portability, smaller dimensions and lower consumption. But they have to be smarter. The router could be detachable. I wait for the next one.
@@silviuflorescu6838it works perfectly fine on the roof, mines mounted inside a star mounts magnetic mount, on the sprinter roof, no issue.. ive also installed and ethernet cable and rooftop port, if i decide i want to add a router or a direct connection, or just wait for the next version, whatever ✌️🫡
Starlink Mini has an ethernet port. Run an ethernet cord from the dish to a standard wifi router inside the van and problem solved. You can also connect the ethernet cable directly to the laptop through a USB/ethernet adapter.
@@silviuflorescu6838 It works fine on the roof, why wouldn't it