Starlink Mini

[Chuggs]

Back when we decided to add Starlink to our repertoire...we had a choice. Std. GEN 3, or a earlier iteration of the Mini. But the Mini was $599. Now with Sam's Club offering the Mini for $249 plus putting $50 of Sam's bucks on your membership account...we finally broke down. We do some big trips during Summer/Fall...and sometimes venture hours away from the coach. Many places have little or no cellphone reception. Thus the mini. It will be mobile...use it mounted in the Jeep...or drop it from the mount and take it packing, if cell service is in question.

Jeep Mounting. I'm first going to test out inside Mounting. It will be screwed into our Freedom top...and I'm running a short aftermarket cord from the headliner down to the center console.
Using a clever adapter that Tee's into the existing 12v power port connection inside the armrest storage compartment. It then has a 10A micro fuse inline to anything you want to add. I've added a Starlink Power Port that converts 12v to 30v to provide stable power to the mini. In line with the port...added a convenient toggle switch, so we can turn the mini on or off as needed. And not drain the battery when we aren't using the Jeep.

We'll see if it works. Might have to reposition a crossbar we use for mounting surfboards and

Kayaks. Which isn't a big deal. Most of the places that don't get cell coverage have big mountains and not so much Kayaking and Surfing going on there.

I found out...the JKU top is just a thin molded material...so the rivnuts I used show thru. Evidently, the JL's are rumored to have some insulation sandwiched in the newer Freedom Tops...so you don't penetrate the exterior layer. Not a big deal...can't see if anyway with the Gobi Rack up there.

After the center console gets reinstalled...we'll report wether or not we can actually hold a reliable signal this way. Will be nice to have internet on the road even in areas with terrain blocking cell coverage.

 

[Rollin Ollen]

I sure hope it works well. If it does we may follow your lead.

 

[TheLooks]

I got the mini last winter and threw it on the dashboard......worked great everywhere we went. in AZ and NV....

 

[Chuggs]

Very handy way to deploy....but not sure I would want a 2# item on the dash, in case a distracted driver requires an avoidance maneuver. Or maybe a Bison walking out into the road . I would want it secured somehow. I have tested this with espresso on the dash. It doesn't always stay where I put it.

 

[TheLooks]

We don't use it on the road so no surprises.

 

[Chuggs]

We plan to use it when driving. If our cellphone coverage is lost, wifi will hopefully allow for music streaming and Android Auto Map guidance data, and my activities director in the passenger seat can research places, and weather on the go.

 

[TheLooks]

We are looking at a "sticky pad" for the dash. If we find we want it up there.

 

[John&Andrea]

This is our setup in motion, it works. Over the past few weeks we have been in areas with no cell service.

If you do 3D printing I’m sure you can come up with pieces to hold it. I ordered this from SL.

 

[Chuggs]

Guess it works thru the roof and past a Thule Wing Bar.

Just turned it on to validate the installation, it gives you an hour of internet... I'll subscribe later, I want to stagger subscriptions. It did install an update already.

Stoked! Not really visible if you walked past the Jeep.

 

[Chuggs]

The Starlink plugs into this 30v power port...on Hot Battery, no key in ignition required. We do have a ON/OFF switch easily reached on the armrest console.

 

[Chuggs]

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-6-in-x-18-in-22-Gauge-Aluminum-Sheet-Metal-2001/332735399

The mount, is simply a piece of Aluminum from Home Depot. I copied the design on paper (two sheets) and taped them together. Fold the paper and lay on the SL Mini to check the fit. Then transfer the lines to Aluminum, cut, and bend. Drill mounting holes as you like...

Not a fancy piece of kit...but gets the job done, I used knob screws so, I can take it down quickly by hand if we want to deploy it somewhere else, for better signal...or close to an activity where we can't drive the Jeep.

I did put a bit of 1/8" Neoprene tape sandwiched between the SL and the roof, to give it an air gap and quiet down any rattling... might have to fiddle with that as time goes.

 

[Chuggs]

This is our setup in motion, it works. Over the past few weeks we have been in areas with no cell service.

Unfortunately, with the pitch of a Jeep Windshield…there isn’t much room on the “dash”. They only leave enough room up there for your ducks…

 

[Neal]

suction cup mount!

Starlink mini suction cup mount

 

[Chuggs]

suction cup mount!

Starlink mini suction cup mount

That would work in Ronni's RAV4. She has a skylight. But, we don't tow it...so, it's not going to Utah or anyplace with sketchy cell coverage. I also have to admit...suction cups haven't always been my friend. Phone mounts, GPS mounts, Sunpass transponder, GENTURI, ...I don't think there has been a failsafe one yet. I know the newer ones have much more grip...but I've tried to steer away. That's the reason for my A-pillar RAM Trac. I've never come back the the coach and find a GPS on the floor.