Using Jackery Explorer 100 Power Bank to power Starlink Mini from Cybertruck's USB

[L3it3R]

Again

you do NOT need a special cable to use the Starlink with the rear usbc ports

go on Amazon and search for pd60 barrel jack adapter - a 2 pack is like $15 or something.
The Starlink Pd100 cable will NOT work in the truck.

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[mongo]

Again

you do NOT need a special cable to use the Starlink with the rear usbc ports

go on Amazon and search for pd60 barrel jack adapter - a 2 pack is like $15 or something.
The Starlink Pd100 cable will NOT work in the truck.

So you DO need a special cable, as in one other than that supplied in the kit.

 

[Hazard One]

Ok then back to my original question. Why do you need Sterling for the truck? My truck connects to my home WiFi when parked. I have life time free connectivity and I can even use my phone’s hotspot.
Why do people use the Starlink for the truck?

Whitespace is the reason.

 

[jahansolu]

There can be an issue powering the Starlink mini from the USB. For me, the problem is worse when I have other devices plugged into USB ports. The mini's power draw varies a lot, and when it is at high draw it can out-draw my truck, resulting in a drop and a reboot of the mini.

I began looking at PB options. Problem is most PBs will not charge and discharge at the same time, creating a cable management problem I was not up for. Even the ones that will charge while discharging will not discharge at higher wattage than the charge-input wattage. I tried a lot of them (apologies to Amazon).

Enter the Jackery Explorer 100. It is more like a UPS than a PB. It will charge at lower amperage while discharging at higher amperage. Since adding it to the mix, I have not had a single drop that I am aware of.

The one problem is if you leave your mini on when out of the car, and you are out for many hours, it will discharge the Jackary and turn it off...and it does not turn on automatically when the input voltage is restored either. Maybe the new version will fix that.

In the meantime: a jackery Explorer 100. A bit hard to find, but Best Buy has them if Amazon does not. This: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D5CKKF87 this coupler: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BRCMGJS3 and this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCJ533FX -- because the Starlink cable does not work with the switch (too much smarts). Plug the Jackery into the car USB. Plug the switch into the Jackery. Use the coupler to connect the switch to the Starlink mini cable and plug that into the mini. With the Jackery fully charged, the Starlink will run 6+ hours with the car off. If you forget to turn the mini off and the Jackary is dead when you get in, switch off/on and you are back in business.

I'm not sure if anyone has mentioned this yet but:
Make sure to turn off "Snow Melt" feature to "off" <-- this feature draws a lot of power.
Only use this feature if the device is sitting outdoors and in a snowy condition.
This setting is on "Automatic" by default if I'm not wrong.
Hope this tip helps.

1. Open the Starlink App: Launch the app on your device.
2. Navigate to Settings: Go to the settings menu and look for the option labeled “Starlink.”
3. Select Snow Melt Mode: You will find three options:
   • Off Mode: Use this if you live in an area without snowfall.

 

[L3it3R]

So you DO need a special cable, as in one other than that supplied in the kit.

A $7 adapter vs a $50-100 branded cable or a freaking battery?
Ok. Sure.

 

[mongo]

A $7 adapter vs a $50-100 branded cable or a freaking battery?
Ok. Sure.

Out of all the potential USB-C to Starlink Mini cables out there, some work with Cybertruck and some don't (Starlink branded being one that doesn't). If not "special", it's at least specific. As in 20V 60W+. Those that need 20V 100W don't work.

The USB-C to socket version you use along with the cable that comes with mini.

You can use a pd60 barrel jack adapter to run the Starlink mini - the Starlink USBC cable is a pd100 and will NOT work. The good thing is the barrel jack adapter is about $3.50 each.
This is the one I use:

https://amzn.to/3H1ASHw

Version with cable

Yes, I’m using a 3rd party cable, purchased on Amazon.
This link goes to what I purchased and am using: https://a.co/d/bcV6aWY

The battery is because 65W is the max the USB-C put out. If all three ports are in use, it will reduce power available in which case the adapter or Mini might cut out.

 

[scottyah]

Please forgive this question. But I am trying to figure out why you would need a starlink to begin with.
My phone has WiFi hotspot and it’s free with the phone. Doesn’t Sterling cost like $99 a month?
Can someone please explain to me the benefits of the Starlink and why it’s better, or why I should get it over the free lifetime connectivity and my cell phone.
Thanks in advance

Sounds like you don't have a use case. For me, my job is in an area with no signal and spotty wifi, I semi-frequently travel to places with no signal, and my grandfathered-in family cell phone plan drastically reduces hotspot data after 5Gb, which is about two weekdays. If you cell phone plan handles it, I wouldn't recommend other than if you have money to burn and like cool tech.

 

[dw321]

There can be an issue powering the Starlink mini from the USB. For me, the problem is worse when I have other devices plugged into USB ports. The mini's power draw varies a lot, and when it is at high draw it can out-draw my truck, resulting in a drop and a reboot of the mini.

I began looking at PB options. Problem is most PBs will not charge and discharge at the same time, creating a cable management problem I was not up for. Even the ones that will charge while discharging will not discharge at higher wattage than the charge-input wattage. I tried a lot of them (apologies to Amazon).

Enter the Jackery Explorer 100. It is more like a UPS than a PB. It will charge at lower amperage while discharging at higher amperage. Since adding it to the mix, I have not had a single drop that I am aware of.

The one problem is if you leave your mini on when out of the car, and you are out for many hours, it will discharge the Jackary and turn it off...and it does not turn on automatically when the input voltage is restored either. Maybe the new version will fix that.

In the meantime: a jackery Explorer 100. A bit hard to find, but Best Buy has them if Amazon does not. This: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D5CKKF87 this coupler: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BRCMGJS3 and this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCJ533FX -- because the Starlink cable does not work with the switch (too much smarts). Plug the Jackery into the car USB. Plug the switch into the Jackery. Use the coupler to connect the switch to the Starlink mini cable and plug that into the mini. With the Jackery fully charged, the Starlink will run 6+ hours with the car off. If you forget to turn the mini off and the Jackary is dead when you get in, switch off/on and you are back in business.

What am I missing? Why not plug the mini directly into the 110v outlet?

 

[shopaholic]

What am I missing? Why not plug the mini directly into the 110v outlet?

You can, but the power goes off when you’re charging (if you want to use WiFi).

 

[dw321]

You can, but the power goes off when you’re charging (if you want to use WiFi).

Ahhhh..

 

[dw321]

Ahhhh..

I have used my Eco FLow river "solar'Generator" with the mini several times while camping and it works well but I had not thought about the shutoff of the outlets while charging

 

[pricedm]

Ok then back to my original question. Why do you need Sterling for the truck? My truck connects to my home WiFi when parked. I have life time free connectivity and I can even use my phone’s hotspot.
Why do people use the Starlink for the truck?

Because there are numerous places in USA and beyond where there is zero cellular service. Starlink Mini eliminates connectivity issues.

Example: Denver, CO to Salida, CO on US-285. Lots of rural areas on this major highway = limited/no connectivity to cellular networks. Using Starlink means I can be connected 100% of the time.

 

[GatorCyber]

I just got the mini, and used the 120V outlet because I didn't know I needed to order a USB-C cable to power it.
When Supercharging it does cut out at first, but it turns right back on.

 

[scottyah]

I just got the mini, a usb c converter plug, and anker solix c300 w/ 100watt solar panels (Labor Day sale).

unfortunately it seems to not give enough power despite the port being labeled for 100 or 140 watts. The starlink kept restarting every three to five mins. A jackery explorer 300 was able to power it continuously with both AC and USBC inputs.

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