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Simon Currin - 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

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Chuck.Shuster - 1 Nov 2024

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Simon Currin - 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

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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

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