Starlink takes communications to a new level.
I've been using my Garmin InReach2 to let the family know I'm safe, wherever I am. I took advantage of the two week $299 special and purchased the Mini at Home Depot in May. Unfortunately, they are back to offering the Mini for $499.
ROAM MODE
Now, Starlink with it's Roam plan, extends that capability, and allows for greater mobility, and multi use between van and vessel. Roam has a standard plan for $50 (which I've subscribed to) and an unlimited plan for $165 per month. In town you have no priority and the bandwidth is throttled down as more users get online. However, in the wild in remote locations when you need the bandwidth, Starlink works very well and provides plenty of speed, at least so far. The PNW is a popular place and more boaters are getting Starlink, so time will tell how this holds up.
STANDBY MODE
The new Standby plan is $5 per month. It offers unlimited low-speed data up to 500 Kbps for download and upload. It also works in motion. This is good enough for basic browsing, email, chat, wifi calling, and simple web browsing. It's not intended for high-bandwidth activities like steaming video, though standard quality 720p on an iPhone does work. Sorry, no Netflix.
As of May 2025, Starlink has 7,500 satelites in orbit and is planning to manufacture 10,000 next-generation V3 Starlink satellites per year. SpaceX is also deploying V2 Mini Optimized satellites and plans to launch Starship to deploy even larger V3 satellites. Additionally, SpaceX is launching Direct to Cell satellites to enable mobile phone service directly from space.
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In town. |
In the wild.
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POWER REQUIREMENTS
The Starlink Mini requires a power source within a 12-48VDC range, with the minimum 12V input needing 60W (5A) to operate, though average consumption is 20-40W. So far my use running it a full day draws 2Ah.
ON THE BOAT
I purchased the Starlink Mini Car Adapter. This is designed to power the Mini via USB-C via a 12vdc receptacle. It came with a 16.4ft Mini USB-C Cable. To power it, I had to run a 20ft 14AWG line to the stern lazzorette and install a 12V receptacle to plugin the Starlink car adapter. I also added another 12vdc receptacle in the starboard cubby to charge the iPad (Navionics) and iPhone (AIS, tides, currents) at the wheel on those longer trips. I wanted to protect this new wiring and added a 15amp fuse and new fuse box. This runs off the house bank system and also protects the navigation table lights (white and red), voltage meter, and holding tank, all with 3amp fuses. The fuse box is accessed in the drop down compartment above the chart table.
With the help of West Marine, I found a bombproof, 100% stainless marine grade mount in the form of a fishing rod holder. It just happened to have the 2" diameter required for the pipe adapter mount that came with the Mini.
IN THE VAN
I run a Goal Zero Yeti 4000/8000 which has a 100w USB-C port (5-20v, up to 5A). I bought a 16.4ft 16AWG power cable from Stargear with USB-C and the Starlink Mini DC input plug to poweer the Mini. It pairs nicely with the Mini's 100W (20V/5A) power requirements.
MORE INFO
- Starlink Mini 12v car adapter
- Stargear Mini Cable 16.4ft
- Stainless Steel Clamp-on Single Rod Holder
- Satellite/Ground Station Tracking
- Starlink Roam Service
