toto

Also watching closely and interested to know more.

I’m just trying to educate myself. The Mini says it takes 60w max and the Starlink power supply outputs 60w. But they say a USB source must output 100w. I’m just curious why that might be. As far as I can tell, the only aircraft USB jack that will support the Mini is the True Blue Max, and it’s also the only one that seems to go above 60w. So I think if you’re going USB, it’s academic. ETA: According to this Reddit thread, it’s because the USB PD spec requires 20v output for a 100w port. Anything less than 100w and there’s no guarantee (per the spec) that the port can support 20v. The Mini doesn’t require 100w, but it does require 20v. So this is a way to ensure that whatever USB source you’re using can supply 20v. https://old.reddit.com/r/Starlink/comments/1fxlupm/mini_powered_by_60w_usbc_port/

Right, I know - that’s why I was asking if this is unique to a USB power source. The power supply that comes from Starlink uses their 1/4” plug on both ends, no USB.

Is this something unique to a USB power source? The Starlink-provided power supply outputs 60w and the Mini accepts 60w max (according to the printed guidance on the devices). https://mooneyspace.com/topic/49675-cigarette-lighter-socket-as-usb-power-source/page/3/#findComment-929252

There’s also speculation that Amazon Leo will be launching soon with very aggressive pricing on both hardware and subscriptions.

They really are pretty small. I have mine in a small backpack too. ETA: I use this little Timbuk2 backpack (pictured with the Starlink inside - it takes up very little room).

They’re on the field at my home drone. If you don’t hear something in the next couple of days, I’m happy to go knock on the door.

For those who are going the dedicated circuit route - it looks like this True Blue Max may be the only USB jack with adequate output power for the Mini? https://www.mcico.com/truebluepower/resource-center/articles/true-blue-power-usb-chargers-the-only-100-watt-solution-compatible-with-starlink-mini I’m still not sure where all the 100-watt references are coming from. I haven’t seen anything from Starlink that says 100 watts is required, and the unit itself says 60w max. https://mooneyspace.com/topic/49675-cigarette-lighter-socket-as-usb-power-source/page/3/#findComment-929252

Nice, I’ll do that - thanks!

Fwiw I flew with my Mini for the first time this past weekend, and used a cigar lighter cable (linked below). No problems so far. I still haven’t fully decided whether the cable or battery approach is better for the long term, but the cable worked fine for my <90 minute hop. https://a.co/d/7l5qiNw

You’re right about the cost. A Starlink Mini in standby mode is only $5/month, and all of the things you want to do you’ll be able to do at 500kbps. The setup for Starlink is more fiddly and probably a bit less reliable than XM or ADS-B. I have a GDL 52, and you basically just toss it on the glareshield and it always works. The Starlink is much larger, and requires a bit more attention to proper placement etc. It’s not really an “always on” solution. I’ve only flown with my Mini once, so I’m far from an expert. From a cost perspective, the Starlink wins. But it’s probably not as reliable or “set and forget” as XM. Ymmv

Flew with my Starlink Mini today. It’s pretty idiot-proof. Saw something like 80mb down and about 8-10mb up, and the satellite connectivity was maintained flying on every cardinal heading. Based on this very rudimentary test, I’m optimistic that it will be a reliable source of internet connectivity if needed in the future. I don’t expect to use the Starlink much when airborne - ultimately this is for the few times a year that we vacation miles away from a cellular signal, as well as a backup for our normal home internet. But it’s so easy to use that I absolutely can see the value in having this available for nervous passengers. For certain flights on certain days, nothing will calm a passenger down like being able to doomscroll their favorite feed.

That’s fair

That’s more debris than I have seen in my own tanks. The most I’ve seen is two or three tiny flakes. The sample is normally completely clean. I’ll be interested to hear from the mx experts whether any action is required.

Maybe I’ll take a tape measure to the airport today. My wild guess is that from either front seat in my J, you’re at least two feet from the Starlink terminal. The pilot seat tends to be much farther forward than the copilot seat, but offset by more than a foot to the right. I’ve never been in a short body, so I’m not sure how the cockpit dimensions vary, but with the seat in a normal position I think 13” is easily achieved in my ac.