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Starlink Mini permanent mount location

K

KCAlis

Well-known member
I’m springing for a Starlink Mini with the Roam plan after seeing law enforcement and other natives of the Big Bend area with receivers mounted on their roofs. Besides internet connectivity allowing WiFi calling, the Mini’s minimal cabling and built-in routing sweeten the option.

As for mounting, the first consideration is a clear view of the sky, then durability of a permanent mount, integrity of the camper shell and whole rig WiFi coverage. I’d like to use it even on the road (not to exceed 100 mph of course😉). This begs the question of mounting it on our Alumaduty.

Has anyone gone this route? Is 12 volts available in the Winegard dome? Thoughts?

I’m considering this Mini mounting system.
 
Oregon_Camper

Oregon_Camper

Forum Admin
Staff member
IMHO...I would avoid a permanent mount of Starlink mini. My reason is you can't always have a clear line of sight from roof of RV. Having the 15 meter cable, you can walk it over to the best spot.

I also have a mount inside our truck, mounted to the sunroof, so it is available while we drive. Moving this from truck to campsite takes about 1 minute. Even if you use the entire 15 meter cable to get the mini in a good spot, you will still have great coverage in the RV with both the 5 and 2.4 bands.
 
George

George

Prominent Member
There is 14AWG/12vdc under the inside ceiling medallion and I suppose it could be fished out to the Winegard dome. On the antenna signal amp (in the DS pass through storage for us) there should be two buttons and lights. On mine the left button turns the amp on/off and the right one turns on/off the Winegard 12vdc.
I assume you ask this because you're considering mounting the PS inside the dome. Realize that it will be more or less a permanent location as you have to remove/replace all the sealant to service it.
I'm with Jim @Oregon_Camper on the idea of not mounting it anywhere permanent. The more options the better.
 
7426TRISS

7426TRISS

Well-known member
Just ordered mine, would like it on the roof. But, more looking like on the ground.

Other reply with what they have done
 
K

KCAlis

Well-known member
Oregon_Camper said:
IMHO...I would avoid a permanent mount of Starlink mini. My reason is you can't always have a clear line of sight from roof of RV. Having the 15 meter cable, you can walk it over to the best spot.

I also have a mount inside our truck, mounted to the sunroof, so it is available while we drive. Moving this from truck to campsite takes about 1 minute. Even if you use the entire 15 meter cable to get the mini in a good spot, you will still have great coverage in the RV with both the 5 and 2.4 bands.
Click to expand...
Do you have a link to your mount?
 
K

KCAlis

Well-known member
Moving to Plan B: The same Veritas Van mount but with magnets and 3M VHB magnetic mounting plates on the roof.

Will locate as near as possible to the wire chase yet avoid rooftop obstructions. 16AWG wire with Starlink weatherproof connections will connect to a fused 12-28V up-converter with a power switch in the front bay.

I’ve been using the Mini for a month and am impressed with its ability to acquire satellites as I just have it sitting on my dining slide peeking over the top of the trailer. I split the WiFi into 2.4 and 5G as my Govee gateway only connects to 2.4. Rock solid on both bands and available throughout the camper. Good down/upload speeds.
 
George

George

Prominent Member
@KCAlis There's always them naysayers... 🙃
Is the thin PVC membrane adhered strong enough to the substrate to withstand the wind load going down the road?
 
7426TRISS

7426TRISS

Well-known member
Ordered the Starlink for the house with the traveler, nothing but problems, tech support sucks, shows thing wired but wireless,
 
K

KCAlis

Well-known member
George said:
@KCAlis There's always them naysayers... 🙃
Is the thin PVC membrane adhered strong enough to the substrate to withstand the wind load going down the road?
Click to expand...
Good point. The cross sectional area of the entire mount is relatively small (it lays flat). But out of caution, I’ll add protection from travel-induced wind by an existing roof feature to the location criteria. 🙂

I hope someone doesn’t mention road vibration or I’ll have to upgrade the suspension! 😉 Haha!
 
Oregon_Camper

Oregon_Camper

Forum Admin
Staff member
KCAlis said:
Good point. The cross sectional area of the entire mount is relatively small (it lays flat). But out of caution, I’ll add protection from travel-induced wind by an existing roof feature to the location criteria. 🙂

I hope someone doesn’t mention road vibration or I’ll have to upgrade the suspension! 😉 Haha!
Click to expand...
..what about road vibration? :unsure::geek:
 
M

M and E

Prominent Member
I ordered a MIni to have in addition to the standard. We have our reasons to have redundant options for internet connectivity (standard, mini, travelfi). Attached is a spec comparison created by Claude AI. The standard has much higher potential download speeds than the mini. Pros and cons to both.
 

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George

George

Prominent Member
7426TRISS said:
Ordered the Starlink for the house with the traveler, nothing but problems, tech support sucks, shows thing wired but wireless,
Click to expand...
I haven’t had to call yet but I understand you can only “talk” to AI on tech support.
If you’re asking for help…
What is “with the traveler”?
What does “shows thing wired but wireless” mean? Standard or mini?
 
George

George

Prominent Member

Starlink Coverage Tracker

starlink.sx starlink.sx
Cool SIMULATION of Starlink satellites.
Right click where you are for a simulation of which sats your dish might connect to. Hard to tell where you are though, no political or geographical lines. Let me know if you figure out a way to see countries or cities easier.
Currently almost 10,000 satellites up there! With plans for a total of 42,000!
 
M

M and E

Prominent Member
George said:

Starlink Coverage Tracker

starlink.sx starlink.sx
Cool SIMULATION of Starlink satellites.
Right click where you are for a simulation of which sats your dish might connect to. Hard to tell where you are though, no political or geographical lines. Let me know if you figure out a way to see countries or cities easier.
Currently almost 10,000 satellites up there! With plans for a total of 42,000!
Click to expand...
George, I zoomed in and was able to see Ft. Myers. You can right click it to set as your home location.
 
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