Starlink: The Ultimate Mount Solution!

[syburtruck]

Amazing setup! I may have missed this in the thread, but do you have a list of what you used in your kit? I'd like to replicate it!

Here are pictures of the setup when in and not in use.

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[Hookalakupua]

Amazing setup! I may have missed this in the thread, but do you have a list of what you used in your kit? I'd like to replicate it!

A lot of different and great ideas out there, as this just worked for us. Glad to help so here you go:

• Starlink Mini Cover - https://a.co/d/02cdVuAL
• MarsAG Expedition Starlink Mount - https://marsag.co/collections/parts-accessories/products/expedition-starlink-mini-mount-1
• PeakDo LinkPower 1 or 2 Battery Pack. My recommendation would be the new version 2 but 1 has worked great. - https://www.peakdo.com/peakdo-linkpower-2-power-bank-for-starlink-mini-p6885437.html
• Van Essentials Large Storage Bag - https://a.co/d/0ifuk42T
• 
  I keep the Starlink in standby mode with the PeakDo stored in the storage bag. The PeakDo is then attached to the Starlink via the DC wire that came with the Starlink. If you purchase the PeakDo V1, you’ll connect them via a USB-C to USB-C cord. With the PeakDo now powering the mini, I just keep it in standby mode and I don’t have to worry about re-booting the mini everytime I want to use it. For long trips, the PeakDo has bi-directional charging so I just use the DC plug and cord that came with the mini, and plug it into the 120 bed outlet. If you buy the V1, you’ll need a 60w - 100w USB-C charger block instead. Hope that all makes sense and let me know if I can help. ​

 

[Hookalakupua]

Is the mars expedition mount metal or plastic?
how long would it take to remove the SL Mini to remove it from the holder to move it to second vehicle

The mount is metal and extremely solid. To remove the mini, it’s probably a 3-4 minute job, in order to get it to a second vehicle or to make portable for something like camping.

 

[syburtruck]

Thank you -- just to clarify, on the PeakDo, I see it has Bypass function and the USB-C charging is bi-directional. Just to make sure I understand your point on longer trips -- the DC charger that came with the mini feeds the PeakDo, which in turn connects to the DC port on the Starlink?

I assume you leave the Starlink powered up all the time to your comment below. Does the PeakDo get too hot in the bed during the summer -- I assume that's where the bypass feature kicks in?

Do you find the Mars explorer mount keeps the dish from walking off (I live in the Bay Area...so it's a consideration...) or do you pop it in the bed if you are going to be parked for an extended period of time?

I keep the Starlink in standby mode with the PeakDo stored in the storage bag. The PeakDo is then attached to the Starlink via the DC wire that came with the Starlink. If you purchase the PeakDo V1, you’ll connect them via a USB-C to USB-C cord. With the PeakDo now powering the mini, I just keep it in standby mode and I don’t have to worry about re-booting the mini everytime I want to use it. For long trips, the PeakDo has bi-directional charging so I just use the DC plug and cord that came with the mini, and plug it into the 120 bed outlet. If you buy the V1, you’ll need a 60w - 100w USB-C charger block instead. Hope that all makes sense and let me know if I can help.

 

[Hookalakupua]

Thank you -- just to clarify, on the PeakDo, I see it has Bypass function and the USB-C charging is bi-directional. Just to make sure I understand your point on longer trips -- the DC charger that came with the mini feeds the PeakDo, which in turn connects to the DC port on the Starlink?

I assume you leave the Starlink powered up all the time to your comment below. Does the PeakDo get too hot in the bed during the summer -- I assume that's where the bypass feature kicks in?

Do you find the Mars explorer mount keeps the dish from walking off (I live in the Bay Area...so it's a consideration...) or do you pop it in the bed if you are going to be parked for an extended period of time?

That’s correct. On V1, you had to use the USB-C port for bi-directional charging. On the new V2, you can use either it, or one of the two DC ports that it now has. You’re spot on, in terms of the DC charging set up.

I’ve been running the Starlink since October and haven’t had any issues. Got through a few massive winter storms in Tahoe without a problem and it was fine during the little mini heatwave we had here in the Bay for a few weeks. The new V2 has 2 metal heat sinks that are supposed to help dissipate heat, but like I said, I never had a problem with the V1.

I spend a lot of time in the Bay Area and it’s been fine so far. It’s of course always a risk but knock on steel… it’s been fine so far. It’s garaged at night which I’m sure helps and my wife’s trips to Costco or REI, are probably when it’s most vulnerable! It would take someone a few minutes to get it off and they’d have to have the right tools to do so. It’s beyond secure but if someone wanted to just rip it off, I’m sure there’s a way but it wouldn’t be easy.

 

[EWELON]

what are the advantages of mounting it to the outside vs just having it on the dashboard?

 

[hemiarch]

Personally I don’t see any.

 

[Hookalakupua]

what are the advantages of mounting it to the outside vs just having it on the dashboard?

I think it’s more preference than out and out advantages but here’s the reasoning for us:

• Concern with possible interference from the metallic coating on the roof, weakening the Starlink’s KU band signal
• Limited sky view or partially obstructed view, due to the roof, pillars and the body itself. We wanted to maximize our signal strength by increasing our northern sky view
• Potential overheating under the windshield, given our summer temps in Reno and the Bay, due to cabin heat build up
• Maybe not likely, but loose projectile risk during a crash
• Doing a decent amount of over-landing and off roading, it was difficult keeping it secured and in one place during hard maneuvers, even with the weighted base I had found
• Cable routing and power was much easier for me, by mounting in the rear
• EMF and radiation concerns with the Starlink being in closer proximity, especially with our kids. Been meaning to test this or look into it more, but haven’t gotten around to it
• Aesthetically, we preferred not to clutter our windshield and liked the look of the rear placement​
• 
  Again, more preferences than anything, and good luck with whatever set-up you choose. The biggest downside to the rear-mount for us is the potential for theft but we try to mitigate it the best we can.​

 

[hemiarch]

I think it’s more preference than out and out advantages but here’s the reasoning for us:

• Concern with possible interference from the metallic coating on the roof, weakening the Starlink’s KU band signal
• Limited sky view or partially obstructed view, due to the roof, pillars and the body itself. We wanted to maximize our signal strength by increasing our northern sky view
• Potential overheating under the windshield, given our summer temps in Reno and the Bay, due to cabin heat build up
• Maybe not likely, but loose projectile risk during a crash
• Doing a decent amount of over-landing and off roading, it was difficult keeping it secured and in one place during hard maneuvers, even with the weighted base I had found
• Cable routing and power was much easier for me, by mounting in the rear
• EMF and radiation concerns with the Starlink being in closer proximity, especially with our kids. Been meaning to test this or look into it more, but haven’t gotten around to it
• Aesthetically, we preferred not to clutter our windshield and liked the look of the rear placement​
• 
  Again, more preferences than anything, and good luck with whatever set-up you choose. The biggest downside to the rear-mount for us is the potential for theft but we try to mitigate it the best we can.​

Thanks j. All pretty reasonable arguments. The l-track bags are pretty cool. Any advice on the sizes?

 

[EWELON]

I too worry about the flying starlink inside in a crash, but usually when im using it, im in fsd and so I rely on my Faith In Elon lol.

the l track bag is pretty cool though, im now creating a completely unnecessary cycling service kit that can live in the CT now lol, so thanks!

 

[Hookalakupua]

Thanks j. All pretty reasonable arguments. The l-track bags are pretty cool. Any advice on the sizes?

Not sure how logical they are but we somehow convinced ourselves!

The bag pictured is the large 5.7L one. I just ordered the medium to put quick access items in.

 

[Hookalakupua]

I too worry about the flying starlink inside in a crash, but usually when im using it, im in fsd and so I rely on my Faith In Elon lol.

the l track bag is pretty cool though, im now creating a completely unnecessary cycling service kit that can live in the CT now lol, so thanks!

Your faith is well placed, so I wouldn’t worry. Lol

I love “completely unnecessary” and although I’m a “roadie”, I’ve recently lost the battle and joined the ranks of mountain biking, much to my chagrin. Looking forward to stealing ideas from your service kit!

 

[hemiarch]

Not sure how logical they are but we somehow convinced ourselves!

The bag pictured is the large 5.7L one. I just ordered the medium to put quick access items in.

Cool. Will you please post a picture of the second one once you get it too?
Also, will the subtrunk cover lift to the top without issue with the bag there (assuming it’s not stuffed full of course) or don’t need tor remove it to get down there?
5.7L is quite large.

 

[Hookalakupua]

Cool. Will you please post a picture of the second one once you get it too?
Also, will the subtrunk cover lift to the top without issue with the bag there (assuming it’s not stuffed full of course) or don’t need tor remove it to get down there?
5.7L is quite large.

For sure! Should have it tomorrow and no problem with the sub-trunk opening at all. I’ll post a few more pictures with the medium bag and it opened.

 

[Hookalakupua]

Cool. Will you please post a picture of the second one once you get it too?
Also, will the subtrunk cover lift to the top without issue with the bag there (assuming it’s not stuffed full of course) or don’t need tor remove it to get down there?
5.7L is quite large.

Ask and ye shall receive! The medium bag is a good size and definitely a smaller foot print than the large. Multiple pictures to give you an idea, as well as clearance with the subtrunk open. The medium is shown with a Nalgene bottle inside and zipped.

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