StarLink Mini on USB-C

[gklott]

We have searched for a way to run our Mini system from DC on our E19. Powering Mini directly with 12 VDC is an issue, as addressed on this and other forums. The Starlink provided 120VAC power adapter works, but it requires turning on our E19’s inverter.

We’ve found two approaches that work off our exterior DC ports.
(1) 12 VDC to 24 VDC converter. I detailed this method in another post.
(2) 100W USB-C adapter. We tried 3 different 12VDC 100W USB-C adapters, but two did not provide 100W to any specific port. This UGreen adapter shown (the 100W port) works with the 5m USB-C to 2.1x5.5mm Mini cable purchased from StarLink. The yellow cones shown are to keep anyone from tripping over or stepping on our antenna or cable. The images are from our site at the Silver City NM KOA.

73/gus

 

[gklott]

Also confirmed Mini operation using the 100W USB-C port on an EcoFlow Delta. As shown on the Delta’s display, the Mini draws from 11W to 31W, 50% less than our original Starlink v2.

 

[Donna D.]

Also confirmed Mini operation using the 100W USB-C port on an EcoFlow Delta. As shown on the Delta’s display, the Mini draws from 11W to 31W, 50% less than our original Starlink v2.

Interesting. Which EcoFlo Delta is that? Do you think you'll use it primarily to run the Mini, or is this only for investigative purposes? I ask because I'm trying to get an equipment list together to get Starlink for the Alaska trip. TIA.

 

[gklott]

Interesting. Which EcoFlo Delta is that? Do you think you'll use it primarily to run the Mini, or is this only for investigative purposes? I ask because I'm trying to get an equipment list together to get Starlink for the Alaska trip. TIA.

Ours is the “Delta”, which is the 1260 Whr, 1800W inverter, 30 lb. model. It is several years old. We got it for portability, and we carry it in our van. Looks like the Delta 3 is the newer model.
Was using the Delta so I could see if the Mini would work on the Delta’s 100W USB-C port and to monitor the Mini’s power consumption.
We primarily run the Mini now via the 12 VDC outlets on our E19. We have three 12VDC and USB combo ports on our E19’s curb side. Thinking of adding another 12VDC outlet on the street side for Starlink power.

73/gus

 

[Donna D.]

Thanks Gus!

 

[Mike Lewis]

We have searched for a way to run our Mini system from DC on our E19. Powering Mini directly with 12 VDC is an issue, as addressed on this and other forums. The Starlink provided 120VAC power adapter works, but it requires turning on our E19’s inverter.

We’ve found two approaches that work off our exterior DC ports.
(1) 12 VDC to 24 VDC converter. I detailed this method in another post.
(2) 100W USB-C adapter. We tried 3 different 12VDC 100W USB-C adapters, but two did not provide 100W to any specific port. This UGreen adapter shown (the 100W port) works with the 5m USB-C to 2.1x5.5mm Mini cable purchased from StarLink. The yellow cones shown are to keep anyone from tripping over or stepping on our antenna or cable. The images are from our site at the Silver City NM KOA.

73/gus

Gus-

Did you install the two-hole panel or was this an Escape option? If you installed it, where did you get the panel and what cigarette lighter sockets did you use? Thanks.

73,
Mike KB3SHN

 

[gklott]

Gus-

Did you install the two-hole panel or was this an Escape option? If you installed it, where did you get the panel and what cigarette lighter sockets did you use? Thanks.

73,
Mike KB3SHN

We had Escape install three 12VDC outlet and USB-A charging ports panels on our E19’s curb side. These are similar to the Blue Sea 4363, but without the on-off switch.

 

[Mike Lewis]

Thanks for the info. I received two of the USB-C adapters you recommended today. I promptly put them in the trailer so I'll have them on my next trip. I also ordered a Starlink Mini dish. I'm eager to see how it works at home, then when I'm traveling in my Escape.

 

[vermilye]

An interesting set up for a Starlink Mini. I have the over drawer closet with 2 shelves in a 2017 21C and I put the Mini on the top shelf of the cabinet. Reasonably clear of obstructions over the roof of the trailer, but obviously shooting through the roof, and I show 68.75Mbps down & 9.50Mbps up with 30ms ping.

For those that don't want to leave the Mini outside it is worth trying some inside locations.

 

[gklott]

I show 68.75Mbps down & 9.50Mbps up with 30ms ping.

We've seen several mentions of "through-the-fiberglass-roof" on StarLink Mini FB page. Was your Mini "aligned" when you got these speeds? We're thinking of this, but the alignment seems a challenge.

 

[Donna D.]

There's a difference between the Gen2 and Gen1 trailers insulation. If someone with a Gen1 trailer does this, I'd like to hear if it worked out.

 

[vermilye]

No alignment. Just stuffed it in there on top of a bunch of soft stuff. I'll keep an eye on it - the cabinet top got warm. It did take around 5 minutes to become usable.

 

[Mike Lewis]

I received and set up my Starlink Mini today at home. It works okay.
I thought about putting it in an overhead compartment in my trailer when I'm traveling, but I think the Reflectix insulation would mess it up, as Donna alluded to. My trailer is a 2014 C21.

 

[Centex]

I thought about putting it in an overhead compartment in my trailer when I'm traveling, but I think the Reflectix insulation would mess it up, as Donna alluded to. My trailer is a 2014 C21.

If inclined to do a temporary test, I'm sure your findings would be of interest to some here, I know I'd be interested ....

I received and set up my Starlink Mini today at home. It works okay.

That doesn't sound too enthusiastic, any particular reason?

 

[Mike Lewis]

If inclined to do a temporary test, I'm sure your findings would be of interest to some here, I know I'd be interested ....


That doesn't sound too enthusiastic, any particular reason?

The device's power cord isn't long enough to reach to my trailer where it is currently parked, so it will be a while before I try it inside the trailer. I don't think it will work, though.

"It works okay." -- I'm not really impressed with the Starlink's performance, but I bought it for portability and greater coverage than I get from my Pepwave hotspot using the Verizon network. The Starlink is giving me about the same bandwidth as the Pepwave, more or less.

 

[Mike Lewis]

I show 68.75Mbps down & 9.50Mbps up with 30ms ping.

I am getting less than 10 Mbps both directions with my Starlink antenna in the clear. Maybe the air is thicker down here.

 

[CharlesinGA]

The UGreen adapter linked above is $39 and includes a cord. If you only want the adapter, HERE it is for $29 (cheaper with Prime, but I gave that up)

USB-C to USB-C cords have wattage ratings, and a chip inside one end of the cord coordinates with the charger to limit the wattage output to whatever the cord can handle (if less than the charger), so be careful when shopping for cords.

In the case of the charger/cord combo, the cord is a 1 meter long 100 watt cord.

Since the Starlink uses this special cord, Starlink Mini Cable 10FT Starlink Mini USB C to DC Power Cable Cord 100W Input USB Type C to DC Cable, DC Power Cable Direct to USB-C for Starlink Mini Work with 100W+ PD Source Waterproof 18AWG 3M
The cord provided with the UGreen adapter becomes just another cord in your collection of cords
Charles