Tenting World donated this product for the aim of evaluation.
Earlier than reviewing the Starlink Flat Excessive-Efficiency Equipment, I seen It because the golden ticket to dependable Wi-Fi as an RVer. Do I nonetheless view it that approach? Effectively, learn this entire Starlink for RV evaluation to seek out out!
I’ll preview the specs, recommend who it’s greatest for, define the set up course of, provide my execs and cons checklist, and make a remaining advice on whether or not I really feel the Starlink Flat Excessive-Efficiency Equipment with Wedge Mount is well worth the funding.
What Comes With This Starlink Equipment?
Let’s reply the apparent “What’s within the field?” query. Right here’s the whole lot that comes with this equipment:
- Flat Excessive-Efficiency Antenna and Cables
- Router
- Energy field
- Wedge mount
- Cable Go-By way of Equipment
- Shoulder bolts, machine screws, and lag bolts (in various sizes for the totally different mounting choices)
- Silicone sealant
- Thread locker
- Sealing washers and washers
- Blind maintain nuts and lock nuts
Starlink Flat Excessive-Efficiency Equipment At-A-Look
Right here’s an summary of the vital specs for the Starlink Flat Excessive-Efficiency antenna:
- Antenna Kind: Digital Phased Array
- Orientation: Mounted
- Environmental Ranking: IP56
- Working Temperature: -22℉ to 122℉
- Discipline of View: 140°
- Common Energy Utilization: 110-150 watts
- Wind Ranking: 174+ mph
- Dimensions: 22.6” x 20.1” x 1.6”
- Weight: 18 kilos
Lastly, listed below are a very powerful router specs:
- Wi-Fi Tech: IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac requirements
- Chipset: Wi-Fi 5
- Radio: Twin Band – 3 x 3 MIMO
- Safety: WPA2
- Environmental Ranking: IP54 (configured for indoor use)
- Vary: As much as 2,000 sq. toes
- Working Temperature: -22℉ to 122℉
See the total checklist of specs and options for this Starlink Equipment.
Who Is This Starlink for RV Use Finest For?
This specific Starlink is for campers in search of a everlasting Wi-Fi resolution mounted to their RV’s roof. The Starlink Flat Excessive-Efficiency Equipment reduces your reliance on unreliable campground Wi-Fi and expands your skill to work remotely when not tenting in conventional campgrounds.
Execs and Cons of the Starlink Flat Excessive-Efficiency Equipment
After finishing the set up, I took a number of journeys with my RV and the mounted Starlink to check the unit in a number of areas. These are the positives and negatives I observed with this Starlink antenna equipment:
Execs
Everlasting Set up: I don’t should set something up every time I arrive at a campsite.
Clear Set up Directions: The set up steps have been clear and simple to comply with, serving to me overcome my nervousness about drilling into my RV’s roof.
Wall Mounts for Router and Energy Supply: I like the flexibility to mount the router and energy module on a vertical wall so that they don’t take up helpful cupboard area in my small camper. For greatest efficiency, Starlink recommends mounting these elements in a central location exterior of an enclosed compartment.
Pay-as-you-go Service: The Starlink permits you to begin or pause service month-to-month, so that you solely pay if you want Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi Efficiency: It’s been extremely dependable in settings with no timber overhead, permitting me to work remotely, stream YouTube movies, and watch Netflix motion pictures within the night.
Cons
Mounted Place: As soon as your RV is parked, the antenna can’t be repositioned for optimum satellite tv for pc positioning, however with the big subject of view, this hasn’t been an enormous problem for me. Nonetheless, you could want to think about positioning your RV for optimum service.
Lack of Set up Gear for RV Inside: Whereas the equipment got here with the whole lot I wanted to finish a safe, weatherproof roof set up, there was no tools for routing or securing the cables inside my trailer. You’ll probably want further provides to tuck the cables out of the best way and end the set up in an aesthetically pleasing method.
Efficiency in Tree-Coated Campgrounds: The Wi-Fi was primarily unusable the primary time I examined it as a result of I used to be parked underneath a tree. Though there was nonetheless an open sky in entrance of my trailer and the tree had minimal foliage, it nonetheless obstructed the antenna’s view sufficient to render my Wi-Fi ineffective.
Thoroughness of Directions. I felt that the directions neglected a couple of key factors, corresponding to taking a photograph of the product info label on the again of the antenna BEFORE mounting it to the bracket. Additionally they lacked directions for putting in the router and energy field mounts inside your RV, though that course of was comparatively simple.
The underside line is that to optimize Starlink’s efficiency, you’ll want a campsite with little to no tree protection above your RV.
Starlink Flat Excessive-Efficiency Equipment Options
Listed below are a couple of further options of this Starlink equipment:
- Cell Purposes: It’s designed to work whilst you’re touring, making it a terrific Wi-Fi resolution for motorhome homeowners. Your associate can work or analysis journey plans whilst you’re driving.
- Climate Resistance: It offers higher add/obtain speeds at larger temperatures, which is nice for summer season tenting. It’s additionally vital, contemplating you possibly can’t actually park underneath a lot shade and anticipate dependable service.
- Obstruction Testing: The Starlink app permits you to examine for obstructions above your antenna that would sluggish your connection. That is helpful for checking web speeds earlier than deciding on a campsite.
- Snow Soften Functionality: By way of the app, you possibly can activate a snow melting characteristic that warms up the antenna and melts snow at a charge of as much as three inches per hour.
Extra Concerns
Whereas the set up directions are clear, the shortage of further directions and provides for the inside mounting does add a level of issue to the Starlink set up. You don’t should be an RV DIY professional, however you’ll want a average stage of consolation with a drill and hand instruments. The extra you perceive about how your RV is constructed, the higher.
Fortunately, you possibly can at all times belief the set up to our staff of licensed RV technicians. If you happen to’ve already purchased your Starlink equipment, contact our Efficiency and Set up division to schedule an appointment.
Would You Advocate Starlink for RV Use?
The Starlink Flat Excessive-Efficiency Equipment is nice for full-time RVers, particularly those that work remotely. Though the preliminary funding is important, you could possibly write off sure tools or service prices as enterprise bills.
The actual profit? Tenting with dependable Wi-Fi nearly anyplace. For instance, you could save on tenting prices since you now not have to decide on a campground based mostly on campground Wi-Fi availability. Or, like me, you could cut back the frequency of espresso store visits to work whilst you’re on the street.
So long as you will have a generator, you possibly can dry camp and luxuriate in dependable web service. Simply make sure you select areas with out tree protection.
Alternate options to Starlink’s Flat Excessive-Efficiency Equipment
If you happen to aren’t within the full-time or distant work classes, you will have different Wi-Fi choices. Begin by studying about cell sign boosters and Wi-Fi hotspots for RV use. Then, examine these advisable merchandise to see what suits your RV way of life.
- TravlFi Journey1 LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot: This cell hotspot is without doubt one of the most inexpensive RV Wi-Fi options. With pay-as-you-go service plans, it prioritizes and converts the most effective accessible service from the three main US mobile networks and may deal with as much as 5 gadgets at a time.
- Lippert OneControl Hotspot Prepped Equipment: This equipment is designed for Lippert hotspot-prepped RVs. It comes with a SIM card and plan activation directions and delivers web speeds as much as 150 Mbps.
- Winegard Gateway 4G LTE Wi-Fi Router: This router is a plug-and-play Wi-Fi resolution for RVs prepped for set up. It requires manufacturing unit prep and is barely suitable with the Winegard AIR 360+ dome antenna.
Are you wanting so as to add different tenting gear, recreation toys, or know-how to your RV? Take a look at a couple of different evaluations:
What questions do you will have about this Starlink for RV evaluation? Tell us within the feedback beneath.