Starlink Mini In-Depth Setup and Review

[@pyroslev]

Wife and I are planning an international trip (32 Days Overlanding Patagonia in their summer) and been toying with Starlink. The moment I show her this, she's going to try and order one. And I'm okay with that.

[@fishnsteve]

How to find a wife? 😢

[@peterpain6625]

The new one works fine in the outback caked with red sand so it should do fine in patagonia ;)

[@shayson1357]

@@fishnsteve getting married is very very easy, getting rid of her is the hard part.

[@ricardocamejomedilusa1038]

@@shayson1357 If not ask Scott Peterson :(

[@JordansTechJunk]

the 12V power option is the real MVP here. I have been delaying doing a DC power mod on my Gen2 dish, and now with everything all in one, its a no brainer. Selling my spare dish now, and ordering one of these! Thanks for the overview!

[@CrosstalkSolutions]

Agreed.

[@3genac]

Where'd you find a USB cable? How long, how terminated? Weatherproof? Thx.

[@5thGenNativeTexan]

@@mikefish8226 "Most Valuable Player".. he's referring to the fact that the dish could be run directly from a 12V power source, making it perhaps the most valuable feature of the Mini itself for off-grid.

[@schwartzki]

I have a 12v + 48v POE mod done on my Gen 2 and been using it in my RV for the past 5 weeks and it’s been working great. Less power use then the Gen 3 as well. I wish this dish existed a couple months ago. Would have saved a lot of work modding for 12v

[@3genac]

@@schwartzki You regret missing out on Mini even with good Gen 2 experience? Do you set up and break down regularly, or is it a fixed installation? Do you find it bulky to store? I'm leaning toward Mini due to ease of storage in my van, although I need it for work vid meetings and am concerned it's less robust than the biggies. We shall see.

[@dontbanmebrodontbanme5403]

I'd love something like this as backup internet when we lose power. The fact that you can turn it on and off, so you're not getting billed every month, seems to make it so worth it.

[@ryanhorn4190]

This is what we have in rural NC as our only internet. 120$ a month, unlimited data. Have had since January this year, zero lag time or issues since! Well worth looking into and would serve as a great backup as well!

[@3genac]

When you're bored sometime please conduct a field test comparing "portable" -- funny term IMHO for "not in motion" -- performance of Mini vs Gen3 using video meeting or 4K application under less-than-ideal conditions. The consensus is that the larger dish will show better robustness than the Mini, but no one has studied scientifically. You'll get a hundred zillion views. Thanks again, your vids are #1.

[@UberBri]

I would love to see this test too. Without a battery option this isn't a truly mobile solution unless you have a small diesel generator on wheels you're toting behind you.

[@3genac]

You don't wheel a generator at your heels? What if the zombies attack?

[@UberBri]

@@3genac Exactly!!!

[@draculakickyourass]

@@UberBri BUT you do have a generator on wheels....it is called ALTERNATOR, it's powered by your car engine and have an output between 100 to 240 Amps,depending of your car model.

[@softwarephil1709]

This is by far the best review and test of the Mini I’ve seen. 🏆

[@jameshoiby]

"...they're not super portable." Hah! I still remember when the $35,000 20-foot (!) parabolic dish systems to get satellite direct into your back yard came out in 1979. "You've come a long way baby!"

[@fixman88]

About a year ago I actually got a brochure in my mailbox for the HughesNet/DirectWay Satellite Internet Service. I laughed. it was actually boasting about the 'blistering' 25 Mbps speeds they offered. 1. I live in an apartment. 2. I remember in the late 1990s when DirectWay/HughesNet came out. it requires professional installation and has strict data caps. 3. Starlink makes that thing an absolute *relic* , Starlink Mini even more so. Back in the mid 1980s my father actually had a huge 10 foot fiberglass Channel Master C-Band Satellite Dish mounted on a concrete pad. Back then you could get all the channels (like HBO and Showtime) for free.

[@HQBergeron]

I used to have a boss who had two in his yard!

[@XGiveMeLibertyX]

Oh man, this looks so good! I’m a long-haul trucker and I just got the GEN two a month or so ago I wish I would’ve waited a little lol I don’t think I’m gonna be able to resist buying this.

[@JJ-gl3qr]

Just took it on the plane and it works for real craaazy

[@willmanderscheid4236]

I love the Mini. It goes with us on our travels, and is stationary at home as our backup if our Fiber goes down.

[@vinse001]

Do you ever take it camping? If so how would you rate the service? I plan on ordering it so my wife can work from camp and my kids can have their Netflix.

[@huboz0r]

Always the first video's with new Starlink hardware that pop up in my feed. Thanks for keeping us up-to-date!

[@andreiandrei53]

Thank you for presenting the starlink mini, i was really curious about it and your video just poped up and explained everything. Nicely done.👍

[@nebo23]

The mini with the striker mount should not be left out unattended, especially when someone is cooking... Very high probability of that thing getting used as chopping board 😅 Great review as always! :)

[@miroslavhavlas1443]

The best Starlink reviews on the entire KZbin - amazing job!

[@apalrdsadventures]

I'd love to see SpaceX offer a fixed location, data cap plan for backup internet.

[@Da-Sheek]

Man soon as those monthly prices come down, Starlink will put every other provider out of business immediately.

[@DJ_Megahertz]

Or force them to lower their prices.

[@crazymtx]

We have 15$ / month internet and tv service rn. The download speed is 4-500Mbps. The price would need do come down A LOT. At 30-50$ would be attractive no cap

[@roxrequiem2935]

One can only hope

[@matthewoppp6881]

its already destroyed my countries internet. 80k using countries service. over 200k on starlink. its faster and cheaper. funny thing is our gov spent almost 60 billion getting its up. elon has spent less than half that and covers the entire world lol

[@moe47988]

No it won’t, because satellite internet is still inferior to cable and fiber.

[@SC-qi1pz]

If it doubled as a solar panel that could power its self, that would be ace.

[@medianopol]

and 0 monthly rates would be even more ace

[@emaram4982]

Patent your idea and sell it

[@andreiandrei53]

@@medianopol 🤣

[@keithfritze6538]

I am going to setup POE+ next week for my Mini when it and all the other parts arrive. The Mini will run on 12-48VDC, so I am going to use a 12-48VDC converter for the POE injector. Amazon has the POE injector, splitter and USB-C/ barrel jack cable for the splitter and the DC converter available for purchase. I want to run wired ethernet into my RV trailer WiFi router and disable the Mini internal router. I also have an IP67 feedthrough coupler that I am running through the trailer wall for a simpler one cable setup. I will find out how the setup works soon.

[@5thGenNativeTexan]

Would love to hear your results! This would be a lot nicer than having to run two cables (power and ethernet) from the source to the dish.

[@hayabusa1023]

I was curious to know if it in fact was able to be powered over POE+

[@keithfritze6538]

So far I have not been successful at powering the Mini with POE. The Mini is dropping out from power surges. I am using a YAOSHENG 200W POE injector and a HYN@NET POE splitter. I believe the splitter is not up to the task. I am going to replace the splitter with another one that may be up to the task. The installation is clean. I used a CAT6 bulkhead connector through the ttrailer. The internet connection to my router works fine when conventionally powered.

[@marksterling8286]

It would have been great to just connect with the rj45 and use the Poe without a splitter. When I heard that 48 volts I thought immediately about Poe,

[@keithfritze6538]

@@marksterling8286 The injector is 48VDC. I am trying another splitter that steps down to 24VDC. The Mini power adapter is 28VDC. I am hoping to have better luck with this different splitter. Technically, PoE should be work.

[@bigusdallastexamas5740]

As the antenna size keeps getting smaller, we have a front row seat to some significant industry disruption. Cellular communication has serious limitations in coverage as soon as you move away from populated areas and major highways. Then there's the regional limitations with traveling outside your plan's home area. Affordable International satellite phone coverage is just over the horizon.

[@5thGenNativeTexan]

Was just talking with someone about this a few days ago. Loving what I'm already able to do with my Mini, and was just imagining a future with perhaps a cell-phone sized device that, while perhaps not as robust as the Mini in terms of download speeds, would still let you get a connection for some basic things.

[@EricSolomon-op8ti]

Extremely Helpful. Opening a new business & Love the Flexibility of the Mini PLUS ability to “HIDE” it (small size really helps- Obviously!) Thank You. The Cable Lengths & AVAILABILITY of those is THE elephant in the room. Hoping their “release” of those accessories aligns with our time frame. Btw. We are already Starlink users (@home) & Love it. Even during extreme weather events (South West Florida!!!) Damn thing JUST WORKS !!

[@antongrimm]

I spotted the Cloud Gateway Max in the background, looking forward to the video :)

[@CrosstalkSolutions]

I recorded a full video on it ready for launch day, but unfortunately, it won't be released because...drama.

[@JimHu-mr7ze]

@@CrosstalkSolutions looking forward for your UCG Max review

[@asunder1980]

Picked one up for my partner who's a pipeline surveyor and he loves it, several of our friends are going to get one too. Can't wait for the 12v option to come out. Wish the data plan was a bit better but even paying the overage amount has been cheaper than the full unlimited plan.

[@daniel_960_]

You can use 12v or usb c right now. Just have to find fitting parts yourself.

[@markolsen7253]

Banana for scale .. I see what you did there!!

[@johnheller2311]

I had a good luahg when I saw that

[@JohnGatlingYT]

Bananas for scale. Guitars for temperature.

[@sealman763]

The mini is so much better. It’s basically not locking you in to $150, but if you do reach that, it’s the same price. And then only $1 per gb more. Not bad at all. For many travelers, Starlink is a backup, but it’s nice to know you’re not screwed if you’re boondocking for extended periods of time without service. As someone who usually spends 2-5 days a month without signal, it’s ideal. 5 days a month I can watch a long movie everyday and still have plenty left over. The only travelers who will still get the original are the gamers and couch potatoes lol Thanks for the vid man!

[@Bigrignohio]

Such a huge win for RV users and boaters. However for many the reduced cost of the standard will be very attractive. As long as you are on an elec service (not solar/generator) that $400 will pay for a LOT of electric. And I believe it will still have a better service.

[@GabeTetrault]

This would have been so nice to have while playing Ingress. We had to use BGAN modems at considerably higher costs in order to play in remote areas without any mobile 3G/4G connection options.

[@AdamMuhle]

The Mini is getting really close to where I'd buy one. We don't travel a ton so I can't justify $600. But if it were closer to $300, I could see getting one for our road trips and vacations just to help keep the kids occupied.

[@Seba11PL]

I'm waiting for your review Cris. Thank you, as always great work 💪😀

[@kofallon]

thanks for the video - I just ordered one for home internet backup (the $50 per month subscription) and for occasional travel. I plan to connect it to the backup port on my Ubiquity USG-Pro-4 router. My primary internet is free as I host a fixed wireless relay service around my home, I live on top of a mountain with line of sight to many homes. This year we have experienced a number if internet outages (lightning related) impacting my work so it will be worth having this as a backup at fairly minimal cost not to mention the fun of setting it up and running an ethernet cable to my router for seamless backup ability as my home is fully networked with multiple ubiquity access points.

[@jagilo9677]

This is perfect for Venezuelan people. My family is always being cut off because of the spotty internet and power outages. I just bought them a 6hr battery so my sil can continue online classes. I hope it becomes the tool of rebellion against totalitarianism.

[@GloriaFranta]

Yeah for you

[@webluke]

I still have an old beta Gen 1 dish on my house, it's not used as we have access to 2 fiber companies down my road now. I interviewed for a job in the mountains with no cell service and for the $50/m price I would mount this to my vehicle so I could be connected half my drive, but I don't think I got that job haha. Hit me up if you need a remote software dev or IT guru.

[@IhuKaraiti]

This is perfect for Wairoa New Zealand as we have been through a Cyclone

[@samnewby9783]

Welp, I just ordered one based off your review. I’m not even in the country but I think it will make a better backup internet connection than my LTE modem. Especially if there is a prolonged power outage because the mobile data networks always get very congested and slow during those times.

[@mrxmry3264]

2:23 no cat today? 2:37 there it is.

[@bobmirror7164]

Love the photo of cats warming themselves on the first generation dish antenna.

[@bobmirror7164]

Good ears dude. There is a cat noise at 2:37

[@aliettienne2907]

This content is informative, starlink mini got good signal strength.

[@gshadura]

Liked this video. Not just to redeem part of your spendings. But I really liked it. Thanks

[@gastroalchemy4499]

What's the point of the speed if the data size per month is only 50Gb. Which is not practicable to substitute for the traditional.

[@BestHakase]

Wow, I never thought that Starlink internet was so expensive. I pay $4.50 a month for unlimited internet at home. Internet access in Russia is very cheap)

[@sailzazen]

This is not for home use... 😂

[@daniel_960_]

@@sailzazenI mean normal internet prices are also much more expensive in US

[@letsreason9489]

That's unbelievable! Whose the provider?

[@BestHakase]

@@letsreason9489 Beeline

[@Alessandro-qi1if]

Starlink in Italy starts from 29€ monthly

[@moriver3857]

I've heard that Starlink has gone in the marine area, and something I've been waiting for not so much for internet connectivity but for access to weather, plus payment plans for when outside the US coastal waters. Thanks for the great video.

[@CarnisChampion]

I am gonna get it. gaming and working from the summer house will be amazing.

[@cg.claudio]

As always… Great product review video! 🙏 Thank you!

[@hufficag]

50GB is good because residential cable internet by Rogers in Toronto has a 60GB cap

[@billgeoghegan4822]

If you were out backpacking, or on a mountain top (as you suggest), how would you power the Mini? Obviously, you wouldn't want to lug a heavy battery up a mountain along with the other equipment.

[@aonforme3349]

These are coming along nicely compared to what I supported with MicroSAT and GigaSAT in the FedGov LEO (Low Earth Orbit) systems. Less industrialized countries will be a substantial market when these go mainstream.

[@softwarephil1709]

A Crosstalk expert helped me get Starlink connected as backup internet with my Unifi Dream Machine. I very much appreciate their help.

[@upsitupsi7114]

Realy cool they used a barrel plug. Now, you can plug it directly in most of the ecoflow units, which have a barrel output. Just plug and play.

[@MikeHalsall]

Feels like most folks would've preferred USB C, the way everything else for DC charging is going

[@DriftLibrary]

As a full time van-dweller of 6 years & counting, when I heard about the new mini Starlink, it sounded fantastic… until I saw the price. It has got to be cheaper if they want me to choose Starlink mini, over standard mobile phone internet.

[@DriftLibrary]

*I just want to add that I’m not really sure who this device is meant for. Most rv/vanlifers who would use it can’t afford it full time and rv/vanlifers who can afford it full time, spend a lot of their time visiting caravan parks in towns that have access to the internet/wifi grid. The point is, the people who would benefit from it most are priced out. I personally know 7 full time van dwellers who feel the same.. and they know people who know more people. Bottom line is… the price has to come down for mass adoption.

[@GeekyDad84]

​@@DriftLibraryI definitely agree that it's pricey but I'm gonna guess the price is intentional. Not just to make money but also because the satellite infrastructure isn't fully ready for mass adoption. Hopefully as the continue to build out the infrastructure the price can come down a bit.

[@krimke881]

The only usecase for this "mini" is you absolutely need to be mobile as much as possible. And that you know you have proper reception. The smaller the dish, the worse the reception it will have. So for those off-grid and off-road users, I don't see why you would anything other than the first edition, where you know you have a proper size dish, since you won't be anywhere flat and open. Or are the general sat. coverage now (...) good enough? I run with 4g and 5g mobile and almost never have a problem. Where there's low coverage, I'm just glad I'm free to do something else. I also don't have to struggle with "Starlink" support.

[@johnheller2311]

Yet another great video. Thanks for the comprehensive review.

[@DedesFewscres]

Working as a truck driver is starting to look fun

[@IroonieLA]

How does it perform gaming? High ping?

[@mitchellaskelson7358]

Sweet mount! Will have to pick one up.

[@HelpatHomeJim]

Great review, thanks for sharing. So if I follow you correctly, the wireless router is contained in the mini dish its self? It looks like a handy piece of equipment to have. I could take that with me out to my grandparents farm in the country. The price, however, is pretty awful unless you did catch a sale or something.

[@michaelvonblucherafaltona1994]

Can it be plugged into an existing router, so that the StarLink Mini connects to an existing Router and the Router's connections all still function, i.e. the internal intranet? As in replacing the hybrid-fiber cable broad band with Starlink Mini. So far it seems pretty good, except the overall pricing.

[@TimeshareUsersGroup]

Very cool! That strikerfab mount is awesome!

[@CrosstalkSolutions]

it definitely makes the Mini even more portable! They're even coming out with suction cup 'wings' for it soon so that it can be mounted to the underside of a sunroof while you're driving. Can't wait to test that out.

[@bhollingsworth]

It's intriguing but the data cap is problematic. 50GB seems way to small for my use case in an RV.

[@LVNITUPM8]

Yeah they need to do better here in Australia for people who use it while carvaning around, the mini is $799 vs $599 for gen 3. The available usage plan is either $80 for 50gb download or $179 for unlimited data which is the same as the gen 3 $179. So for me I might aswell save 200 dollars and buy the gen 3

[@RicardoGarcia-ef5gb]

600 hundred is a little high though but I want it 😢 and the pay when u need it is really great and its going to cost more if I want the same setup with the power bank I picture myself playing call of duty in mexico with the family 😊

[@BenjaminDiaz-p6i]

Thank you for your great interest in helping others. I want to know what happened to the old tutorials, especially the ubiquity ones with Kevin Houser, thank you.

[@user-zn7lz8tv8s]

Crosstalk Solutions: Here's a tip for that portable AC unit your using. Insulate the hose so it isn't releasing warm air into your cooled space.

[@johnmartin774]

I am an RVer and am considering this unit. I would also need to use a system in my home for my security cameras and other smart tools. What is the router range of the residential unit and the mini? I have a camera about 100 feet from my home router as well as network extenders for longer distances. Also necessary for this is its ability to pass through objects such as metal pole buildings as well as standard home interior and exterior walls? This was a very informative video, thank you.

[@workfromhome2025]

Star link seems like a good solution to getting internet in a rural area

[@adenwellsmith6908]

Would be interesting to do a speed test combined with knowledge of where the satelites are.

[@645hughes]

Great content as always Chris. Any chance you could do a breakdown video on what happened with the Crowdstrike 'episode'? Your clear and concise delivery will likely make it manageable for we muggles. Thanks.

[@Jasonoid]

So you powered it with the AC adapter, how does the DC power option work? I would have liked to see a short little section of the video about using just DC power.

[@tylerpurvine8131]

What about distance? How far away can you be from the dish, since the wifi originates from it vs the separate modem on other versions?

[@davekall6144]

I would be good to know how the signal degrades when mounted inside an RV, Plexi, or a fiberglass yacht. Thanks good info

[@RizHassan]

Does the dish need to be pointed at North after calibration? Or can be moved around and can face other direction? Assuming 25watts consumption running on 500wh going to require a recharge every 20 hours, so I guess every time you switch off you need to go thru the setup and calibration again?

[@Julian-tq3di]

Fantastic video! Great level of detail thank you. I'd like to use the mini as internet backup. It's not easy to get an ethernet wire from the mini location to my Ubiquity network. Is there a way to send the Starlink WAN RJ45 to my network wirelessly using a Unifi solution? Would the Unifi Express work for mesh point to point?

[@MPerezplays5576]

You’re the best and I love your work keep it up❤❤❤❤

[@adamcarpenter7823]

Has no one noticed the time on the phone in the setup instructions printed on the box lid (1:52 in the video)? That was intentional :)

[@Deltakingca]

Im moving out to a remote spot with no cell service What would you recommend me to get?

[@tehdreamer]

FFS i just bought gen 2 refurbed a few weeks ago. I need this one!

[@RonKris]

$599, 50g limit. It's a No go.

[@markk171]

The 50 GB limit is if you purchase the mini plan. You can get residential roam and there is no cap I just bought the mini dish along with the residential roam plan...no caps

[@arthurrobey4945]

How well does it work on a yacht swinging around a mooring?

[@WendelM808]

I'm a crypto guy and would love to see some videos on setting up Helium WiFi hotspot indoor and especially the outdoor unit. Ty!!

[@alanhauser117]

Great Vlog and always great information thanks!

[@From-the-street]

What happens if you are out in the middle of nowhere and you cant get app on your phone ?? Also if you set it up at home or where you do have service does it just work when turned on and supply’s your phone with service ? Or is this a one time set up ?? I want this for RVing in middle of nowhere but I don’t get if i have no service to set up or get APP .

[@adminema6116]

great review chris! thanks a lot. greetings from buenos aires.

[@moseywiththemurphs9911]

If you are looking for another power source for the Starlink Mini I purchased at Best Buy the CyberPower 160W Power Inverter. It's a Cigarette adapter to AC and USB. I've tested it with my Lion Energy Cub Go, Safari LT and Safari ME.. All works great.

[@daniel_960_]

You can directly plug in the mini into the 12v

[@wilsondavenport6939]

i would love to see a battery pack for this that replaced the kick stand, this would be grate and now possible do to it now working on 12v. if they wanted to go the extra mile it would offer a solar input too. my thinking is 45min run time but idk how possible that is, if this was an official battery it could offer a low power mode on the dish just with a hit to performance

[@atomicsmith]

Great video! To the point and thorough.

[@keithjohnson5190]

Can this just hookup to a home network or to a wired laptop?

[@cpufrost]

It would be great if they had a POE++ version! 😀

[@CrosstalkSolutions]

I agree! But with the USB-C to Barrel connector coming to the Starlink store, that's not too far out of reach. There are PoE+/PoE++ to USB-C converters available.

[@cpufrost]

@@CrosstalkSolutions Give it time, Ubiquiti will have an "anywhere" access point that has Starlink built in. I imagine they could compact it even more and make up for some shortcomings with DSP amps and such. 100Mbps downlink that works anywhere would be great. That could power 1000s of iOT devices where no cellular is available, for example. There are commercial solutions (eg. O3B) but carry enterprise price tags too.

[@5thGenNativeTexan]

While the ethernet jack on the Mini doesn't support POE itself, you can still use a third party injector and splitter setup to 1) push power from the source end over ethernet, and then split it back out again at the dish to run the power to the barrel port and ethernet to the RJ-45 jack. That should, theoretically, allow you to use a single cable (ethernet) setup from your source to the dish.

[@jibguy2003]

Awesome insight to the product. Your voice sounds just like Tucker Carlsons.

[@nnation]

what is that belkin wifi product, number... please give us links in the descrip..

[@Mr_D555]

I don't care what the haters say, Starlink is a game changer for those that don't have access to internet. BZ to Elon

[@DonnyHooterHoot]

Great video! Still too expensive for me, I'll have to wait for Gen 8, then maybe I can afford an old mini. Peace!

[@dwightjames7900]

yep its crazy you can get the regular one for 299 and the mini is 599

[@magcman]

I am wondering if the Starlink Mini will work out in the ocean.

[@MitchFromSyd]

Hurry up and be available in AUS Starlink!

[@jackdbur]

Available

[@RamonHarden]

Sounds like a class action suite to me. We will probably get rid of my phone plan to. 😮

[@moseywiththemurphs9911]

f you are looking for another power source for the Starlink Mini I purchased at Best Buy the CyberPower 160W Power Inverter. It's a Cigarette adapter to AC and USB. I've tested it with my Lion Energy Cub Go, Safari LT and Safari ME.. All works great.

[@lisaclagett2459]

Hi can you please post or more clearly identify the carrying case you show at the end with the hidden apple tag? I've done multiples searches without success locating that particular one.

[@coolmemo]

The best video ever ....thanks 👍🏼

[@donaldfennell971]

Could you get tv out of a smart TV at the rural cabin?

[@stevehardy24]

I'm also curious about the Wi-Fi range. What kind of signal will you get IN your RV if you have to stretch it out to get a clear sky?

[@StrikerFabrication]

that striker mount is pretty cool

[@John-td9cp]

Wow.....They included an ethernet port again? I had COMPLETELY written off starlink for removing the ethernet port. Now i'm happy with it again.

[@betterwithrum]

If T-Mobile ever stops letting Home Internet be used mobile, I'll switch to this. Honestly, I may switch to it anyway because T-Mobile upload data while moving isn't great, and I need it for conference calls.

[@AlanDeRossett]

Looking for a simple internet link to an apartment building to control our FOG network with IIOT secured Fog to DTN this still seems too expensive to leave on a building to access security cams with YOLO Computer vision.

[@vetonkk]

This may become in handy if you travel abroad in different countries, it may cost you less than your 4G l. Also for Family with kids.🎉