By Dick - 10 Sep 2024
Hi all,
Is someone up for a tutorial on Starlink? I would particularly be interested in a few words on a unit that might go from a boat to an RV. I am US based, but not sure whether that makes any or much difference.
Thanks, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy
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By simoncurrin - 11 Sep 2024
Dick,
Yes of course. We have been using Starlink since October ‘22. Can talk it through or answer specific Q’s here. I note that Starlink have just revised their service plans for mobile use offshore (from October 10th) so please be aware that nothing remains constant in the world of Elon!
Simon
please +xHi all, Is someone up for a tutorial on Starlink? I would particularly be interested in a few words on a unit that might go from a boat to an RV. I am US based, but not sure whether that makes any or much difference. Thanks, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy
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By simoncurrin - 11 Sep 2024
Dick,
This video link gives a very clear account of the new Starlink pricing structures. < https://youtu.be/CXkfkT0wVec?si=ID9VigBcBYdOGBU4
blockquote data-id="8011" class="if-quote-wrapper" unselectable="on">+xHi all, Is someone up for a tutorial on Starlink? I would particularly be interested in a few words on a unit that might go from a boat to an RV. I am US based, but not sure whether that makes any or much difference. Thanks, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy
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By Dick - 11 Sep 2024
+xDick, This video link gives a very clear account of the new Starlink pricing structures. < https://youtu.be/CXkfkT0wVec?si=ID9VigBcBYdOGBU4 blockquote data-id="8011" class="if-quote-wrapper" unselectable="on"> +x[quote]Hi all, Is someone up for a tutorial on Starlink? I would particularly be interested in a few words on a unit that might go from a boat to an RV. I am US based, but not sure whether that makes any or much difference. Thanks, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy Hi Simon,
Thanks for the info and the url. Appreciated.
Best to Sally, Dick
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By Sonia.Johal - 12 Sep 2024
Hi Dick,
Yes the RV Starlink satellite dish works out at sea, as confirmed to me by Starlink. However there are two service levels to choose from, the standard “Mobile Roaming” and the more expensive “Mobile Priority”…
Both these services may be switched on or off to save power and data. Both these services are purchased one month at a time with no running contract.
So far I have used both services successfully while at port, sailing coastal, offshore, crossing the Biscay and while sailing directly offshore from A Coruna in Spain to Cascais in Portugal.
As such, I may confirm I purchased the RV Starlink dish in the UK and have been given the option to use the following services:
A. Standard Mobile roaming service (for land and coastal sailing)
~ £90/mnth
This is the standard RV service with unlimited data usage.
B. Mobile Priority service (for offshore and ocean sailing)
~ £250/mnth
This is a priority ocean service with a 50GB limit. There are extra charges applicable per GB, if you exceed this 50GB limit.
This “Mobile Priority Service” must be switched on ahead of leaving the coastal sailing zone, or Starlink will not allow you to switch it on in your Starlink app. Personally I switch from standard to priority after I’m about 2nm out, when I know I’m sailing further offshore.
Plus you must remember to switch back to the standard “Mobile Roaming” service once closer to shore, otherwise you will continue to use your more expensive “Mobile Priority” data allowance.
NB
Please note, I understand Starlink tries to be consistent with their service provision for everyone, but it must negotiate individual service contracts with each country. For example, some countries favour their own existing satellite service providers…
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By Dick - 12 Sep 2024
+xDick, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the RV won't work while at sea. We tried and stepped up to the offshore version. It changed our lives in the best way: managing our finances, property, boat maintenance and planning, book publishing, entertainment, etc. ~Charle
Hi Charles, Not bad news: all accurate information is appreciated as it saves me mis-steps. Thanks, Dick
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By Dick - 12 Sep 2024
+xHi Dick, Yes the RV Starlink satellite dish works out at sea, as confirmed to me by Starlink. However there are two service levels to choose from, the standard “Mobile Roaming” and the more expensive “Mobile Priority”… Both these services may be switched on or off to save power and data. Both these services are purchased one month at a time with no running contract. So far I have used both services successfully while at port, sailing coastal, offshore, crossing the Biscay and while sailing directly offshore from A Coruna in Spain to Cascais in Portugal. As such, I may confirm I purchased the RV Starlink dish in the UK and have been given the option to use the following services: A. Standard Mobile roaming service (for land and coastal sailing) ~ £90/mnth This is the standard RV service with unlimited data usage. B. Mobile Priority service (for offshore and ocean sailing) ~ £250/mnth This is a priority ocean service with a 50GB limit. There are extra charges applicable per GB, if you exceed this 50GB limit. This “Mobile Priority Service” must be switched on ahead of leaving the coastal sailing zone, or Starlink will not allow you to switch it on in your Starlink app. Personally I switch from standard to priority after I’m about 2nm out, when I know I’m sailing further offshore. Plus you must remember to switch back to the standard “Mobile Roaming” service once closer to shore, otherwise you will continue to use your more expensive “Mobile Priority” data allowance. NB Please note, I understand Starlink tries to be consistent with their service provision for everyone, but it must negotiate individual service contracts with each country. For example, some countries favour their own existing satellite service providers…
Hi Sonia, Thanks for spelling out the options and the pros and cons. Dick
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By Chuck.Shuster - 1 Nov 2024
+xDick, Yes of course. We have been using Starlink since October ‘22. Can talk it through or answer specific Q’s here. I note that Starlink have just revised their service plans for mobile use offshore (from October 10th) so please be aware that nothing remains constant in the world of Elon! Simon please +xHi all, Is someone up for a tutorial on Starlink? I would particularly be interested in a few words on a unit that might go from a boat to an RV. I am US based, but not sure whether that makes any or much difference. Thanks, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy
Hello Simon/all;
Is there any info / experience with the various Starlink HARDWARE? eg: power consumption of the mini vs the standard or performance antenna; is the mini appropriate for offshore use, or arctic/polar use? Thanks in advance for any feedback!
Chuck Shuster s/v Tika
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By simoncurrin - 1 Nov 2024
Chuck,
Our experience with the generation 2 is that it uses about 50 to 60 watts. The gen 3 is said to use about 20% more and the mini averages between 20 to 40 watts. I am not aware of anyone using the mini in high latitudes yet but, as you know, both the 2 & 3 work very well in high latitudes. The mini is not designed for offshore use but many are using it mid ocean successfully.
Officially only the big marine aerial is rated for off shore use but it is power hungry and expensive. The majority of offshore sailors were successfully using the 2&3 this season.
The subscriptions have got more complex since this thread began and another change is scheduled for next year so this remains an area of uncertainty.
We will probably back up our 2022 dish with a mini next season.
Simon
+x+xDick, Yes of course. We have been using Starlink since October ‘22. Can talk it through or answer specific Q’s here. I note that Starlink have just revised their service plans for mobile use offshore (from October 10th) so please be aware that nothing remains constant in the world of Elon! Simon please +xHi all, Is someone up for a tutorial on Starlink? I would particularly be interested in a few words on a unit that might go from a boat to an RV. I am US based, but not sure whether that makes any or much difference. Thanks, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy Hello Simon/all; Is there any info / experience with the various Starlink HARDWARE? eg: power consumption of the mini vs the standard or performance antenna; is the mini appropriate for offshore use, or arctic/polar use? Thanks in advance for any feedback! Chuck Shuster s/v Tika
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By Chuck.Shuster - 1 Nov 2024
+xChuck, Our experience with the generation 2 is that it uses about 50 to 60 watts. The gen 3 is said to use about 20% more and the mini averages between 20 to 40 watts. I am not aware of anyone using the mini in high latitudes yet but, as you know, both the 2 & 3 work very well in high latitudes. The mini is not designed for offshore use but many are using it mid ocean successfully. Officially only the big marine aerial is rated for off shore use but it is power hungry and expensive. The majority of offshore sailors were successfully using the 2&3 this season. The subscriptions have got more complex since this thread began and another change is scheduled for next year so this remains an area of uncertainty. We will probably back up our 2022 dish with a mini next season. Simon +x+xDick, Yes of course. We have been using Starlink since October ‘22. Can talk it through or answer specific Q’s here. I note that Starlink have just revised their service plans for mobile use offshore (from October 10th) so please be aware that nothing remains constant in the world of Elon! Simon please +xHi all, Is someone up for a tutorial on Starlink? I would particularly be interested in a few words on a unit that might go from a boat to an RV. I am US based, but not sure whether that makes any or much difference. Thanks, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy Hello Simon/all; Is there any info / experience with the various Starlink HARDWARE? eg: power consumption of the mini vs the standard or performance antenna; is the mini appropriate for offshore use, or arctic/polar use? Thanks in advance for any feedback! Chuck Shuster s/v Tika
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By Chuck.Shuster - 1 Nov 2024
+xChuck, Our experience with the generation 2 is that it uses about 50 to 60 watts. The gen 3 is said to use about 20% more and the mini averages between 20 to 40 watts. I am not aware of anyone using the mini in high latitudes yet but, as you know, both the 2 & 3 work very well in high latitudes. The mini is not designed for offshore use but many are using it mid ocean successfully. Officially only the big marine aerial is rated for off shore use but it is power hungry and expensive. The majority of offshore sailors were successfully using the 2&3 this season. The subscriptions have got more complex since this thread began and another change is scheduled for next year so this remains an area of uncertainty. We will probably back up our 2022 dish with a mini next season. Simon +x+xDick, Yes of course. We have been using Starlink since October ‘22. Can talk it through or answer specific Q’s here. I note that Starlink have just revised their service plans for mobile use offshore (from October 10th) so please be aware that nothing remains constant in the world of Elon! Simon please +xHi all, Is someone up for a tutorial on Starlink? I would particularly be interested in a few words on a unit that might go from a boat to an RV. I am US based, but not sure whether that makes any or much difference. Thanks, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy Hello Simon/all; Is there any info / experience with the various Starlink HARDWARE? eg: power consumption of the mini vs the standard or performance antenna; is the mini appropriate for offshore use, or arctic/polar use? Thanks in advance for any feedback! Chuck Shuster s/v Tika
Thank you Simon-
Given all you've said, and the body of data as it exists, (and availability going forward..) it seems the gen 3 would be a good choice. There seems really no incentive to opt for the more expensive "performance" kit.
But with consideration of power consumption- and AC power at that- I would love to elect for the mini with it's lower usage (of DC power) and compact all-in design, if in fact it would perform reliably in higher latitudes as it seems to for offshore folks in mid latitudes.
I'd love to hear of further experience with the mini as it comes in... probably not until next season in the north- but perhaps in coming months from the south!
Best to all- Chuck
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