Cybertruck + Starlink Mini -- Photos and Transfer Speed Numbers

[Woodrick]

Just received the slant mount. Figured I could use the new plate and pole for other mounting solutions.

Just remember that this is for fixed location mounting, if I'm not mistaken. You will need to change the orientation whenever you park.

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[EMoeller]

Would buy one in an instant if/when they become available. I can't really justify regular Starlink because of house location. But this would be perfect for my CyberBeast - especially at Burning Man!

 

[loki]

The standalone mini option is now available $50/month and the in motion restriction seems to have been lifted.

 

[Spacenoddle]

The standalone mini option is now available $50/month and the in motion restriction seems to have been lifted.

Just ordered mine.

 

[84Apollo3]

If you order the mini you have to choose between Regional or Mini Roam (50GB) service. Are you able to change this later and choose whichever suits your current needs?

 

[Spacenoddle]

If you order the mini you have to choose between Regional or Mini Roam (50GB) service. Are you able to change this later and choose whichever suits your current needs?

I am pretty sure you can because residential plan nets more money to spacex. And even you stay with 50 plan， only $1 per gb over 50GB, so $150 can have 150G data for the trip usage.

 

[84Apollo3]

The standalone mini option is now available $50/month and the in motion restriction seems to have been lifted.

If you order the mini you have to choose between Regional or Mini Roam (50GB) service. Are you able to change this later and choose whichever suits your current needs?

 

[EMoeller]

Just ordered mine.

Ditto

Will use it at Burning Man this year...

 

[Stuck4ger]

I was planning an install like this:

 

[EMoeller]

Received the Starlink Mini today. Posting a few photos I wish I saw before to get a better sense of how it might all come together.

The barrel connectors on the bottom of the dish and wall plug

The dish is very sensitive to the tilt and orientation of the device. The app will complain if it's not correct and will give you real time feedback as you move it

Putting it on the tonneau like I did will not work as it kept complaining about the tilt.

I then tried placing it in the frunk, just because and got 64/4.8. Line of sight would have been partially blocked by the hood.

Placing it out in the open grass at the end I was able to get 108/3.1.

When the dish sank a bit as the speed test was running the speed dramatically dropped off.

I received my Mini yesterday. Set it up at home and it works amazingly well.

Would really appreciate any more tips regarding setting it up in the Cybertruck!

Would velcro work to allow easy removal on the roof, and does that work (obviously not optimized for signal reception, but does it get a signal)? If not velcro is there another system that works better (one posters shows a series of suction cups).

Did your Renology battery come with the barrel adaptor or did you have to purchase that separately (links please)? How long will the battery power the Mini?

Thanks again for your post - can't wait to spend more time in the bush with my CyberBeast and the Mini....

 

[loki]

I received my Mini yesterday. Set it up at home and it works amazingly well.

Would really appreciate any more tips regarding setting it up in the Cybertruck!

Would velcro work to allow easy removal on the roof, and does that work (obviously not optimized for signal reception, but does it get a signal)? If not velcro is there another system that works better (one posters shows a series of suction cups).

Did your Renology battery come with the barrel adaptor or did you have to purchase that separately (links please)? How long will the battery power the Mini?

Thanks again for your post - can't wait to spend more time in the bush with my CyberBeast and the Mini....

No adapters needed with the Renogy. Not sure how long it will last but I’m sure based on the size and people’s power pull ratings one can calculate. It is beefy and will last a long time. You’ll also do better since it’s DC without any AC conversion.

I’m still looking/waiting for an inside roof mount as well. Everything seems to be for the exterior.

Renogy 72000mAh 266Wh 12v Power... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0791WDZTW?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

 

[rizvend]

Received the Starlink Mini today. Posting a few photos I wish I saw before to get a better sense of how it might all come together.

The barrel connectors on the bottom of the dish and wall plug

The dish is very sensitive to the tilt and orientation of the device. The app will complain if it's not correct and will give you real time feedback as you move it

Putting it on the tonneau like I did will not work as it kept complaining about the tilt.

I then tried placing it in the frunk, just because and got 64/4.8. Line of sight would have been partially blocked by the hood.

Placing it out in the open grass at the end I was able to get 108/3.1.

When the dish sank a bit as the speed test was running the speed dramatically dropped off.

Found this link...a$100...
https://mobilemusthave.com/products/trio-flatmount-for-starlink-mini

 

[SentinelOne]

Have the original starlink for RV...if was buying now I'd get the mini but since I already have one that works (but not when moving, not that I have that use case), guess I'll hold till I break the old one.

 

[EMoeller]

No adapters needed with the Renogy. Not sure how long it will last but I’m sure based on the size and people’s power pull ratings one can calculate. It is beefy and will last a long time. You’ll also do better since it’s DC without any AC conversion.

I’m still looking/waiting for an inside roof mount as well. Everything seems to be for the exterior.

Renogy 72000mAh 266Wh 12v Power... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0791WDZTW?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

TLDR; The StarLink Mini is made for Cybertruck internet connections off grid. Amazing speed, easy setup and ability to run off battery makes this THE optimal solution to remote internet access.


Finally got some time to play with my SLM (StarLink Mini) and here are my notes:

1) Initially tested in my CyberBeast (CB) against the front windshield (it fits perfectly, almost like someone engineered it to fit there -mmm). Powered off the CB AC plug in the back seat.
2) Make sure your phone is set to never turn off the display. At least with an iPhone once the display stopped the WiFi connection was terminated.
3) Establishing the connection is straightforward and easy, especially from a stationary position with a clear view of the sky. However during testing I was able to do this while moving (just takes longer). And remember that if your CB is AC plugged in (whether charging or not) the AC plugs are NOT available.
4) For testing you should turn off cellular and rely solely on SLM. In real life, depending on your phone it may select whatever is best at the time.
5) I live in an area with little to no cell coverage and made a 60 mile round trip through rural roads with lots of obstructions to clear sky views. SLM worked amazingly well with only a couple of complete drop outs. Usually it would be Optimizing/Orienting (meaning it had acquired a satellite and was trying to figure out which way the dish was pointed (tough when moving) as well as selecting new satellites). I am astounded that it worked as well as it did while moving.
5) On the way back I selected a long YouTube video and it played without hiccups. Buffering was fantastic.
6) I was going to try mounting the SLM on the inside of the roof (Extra strong Velco), but my results having it in the front windshield were so good it is actually more convenient there.
7) After dozens of Speed Tests (and Advanced Speed tests) both via the Starlink app on my iPhone and Ookala Speediest via Safari the downloads varied from 80 Mbs to over 200 Mbs, averaging about 100 Mbs. Uploads were 4Mbs to over 20Mbs averaging 17 Mbs. About as fast or faster than my local ISP. Most test done while driving around.
8) I also tested the Renology battery the OP has recommended. It works perfectly (the standard barrel connection works, no need to use any of the adaptors) but I found that boosting the voltage from 12V to 20V helped cut the initial acquisition time considerably.
9) The WiFi range that SLM creates is about 1200 sq ft. The app has a handy way to map out your space give you a visual map of where coverage is best. Starlink also sells separately a mesh box to connect their other Starlink products together (I didn't test that). I also has an ethernet connection on the dish to attach to other routers (I haven't tried or test that yet).
10) SLM technical specs refer to a "Starlink USB-C to Barrel Jack Cable Assembly" but it is not listed in their store. Below is a photo their response when I tried to order one.

I'll be using SLM for camping and Burning Man this year. But it is nice to know that it fits and works very well in my CB for offloading and remote areas.

Below are a couple of photos...

 

[rudedawg78]

Question to the group,
I am definitely interested in a Starlink, however it is hard for me to justify the monthly cost. I purely want it for the "end of the world" situation and all other comms is down.

Can I purchase the starlink and deactivate the service and activate it only when needed? Is there a cost I still have to pay even though I am not using it/deactivated?

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