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 method? Properly, learn this whole Starlink for RV evaluation to seek out out!
I’ll preview the specs, counsel who it’s finest for, define the set up course of, provide my execs and cons checklist, and make a closing advice on whether or not I really feel the Starlink Flat Excessive-Efficiency Equipment with Wedge Mount is definitely worth the funding.
What Comes With This Starlink Equipment?
Let’s reply the plain “What’s within the field?” query. Right here’s all the pieces that comes with this equipment:
- Flat Excessive-Efficiency Antenna and Cables
- Router
- Energy field
- Wedge mount
- Cable Go-By Equipment
- Shoulder bolts, machine screws, and lag bolts (in various sizes for the completely 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 outline of the vital specs for the Starlink Flat Excessive-Efficiency antenna:
- Antenna Kind: Digital Phased Array
- Orientation: Mounted
- Environmental Score: IP56
- Working Temperature: -22℉ to 122℉
- Discipline of View: 140°
- Common Energy Utilization: 110-150 watts
- Wind Score: 174+ mph
- Dimensions: 22.6” x 20.1” x 1.6”
- Weight: 18 kilos
Lastly, listed here are an important 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 Score: 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 explicit Starlink is for campers looking for 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 means 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 must set something up at any time when I arrive at a campsite.
Clear Set up Directions: The set up steps had been clear and simple to observe, serving to me overcome my anxiousness about drilling into my RV’s roof.
Wall Mounts for Router and Energy Supply: I really like the power to mount the router and energy module on a vertical wall so that they don’t take up worthwhile cupboard area in my small camper. For finest efficiency, Starlink recommends mounting these elements in a central location exterior of an enclosed compartment.
Pay-as-you-go Service: The Starlink lets you 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 bushes 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 discipline of view, this hasn’t been an enormous challenge for me. Nonetheless, it’s possible you’ll want to contemplate positioning your RV for optimum service.
Lack of Set up Tools for RV Inside: Whereas the equipment got here with all the pieces 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 extra provides to tuck the cables out of the way in which 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 beneath 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 overlooked just a few key factors, equivalent 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 easy.
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 here are just a few extra options of this Starlink equipment:
- Cellular Functions: It’s designed to work whilst you’re touring, making it an ideal Wi-Fi resolution for motorhome homeowners. Your companion can work or analysis journey plans whilst you’re driving.
- Climate Resistance: It gives higher add/obtain speeds at greater temperatures, which is nice for summer time tenting. It’s additionally vital, contemplating you may’t actually park beneath a lot shade and anticipate dependable service.
- Obstruction Testing: The Starlink app lets you test for obstructions above your antenna that might sluggish your connection. That is helpful for checking web speeds earlier than deciding on a campsite.
- Snow Soften Functionality: By the app, you may activate a snow melting characteristic that warms up the antenna and melts snow at a charge of as much as three inches per hour.
Further Concerns
Whereas the set up directions are clear, the dearth of extra 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 skilled, however you’ll want a reasonable degree of consolation with a drill and hand instruments. The extra you perceive about how your RV is constructed, the higher.
Fortunately, you may at all times belief the set up to our group of licensed RV technicians. In the event you’ve already purchased your Starlink equipment, contact our Efficiency and Set up division to schedule an appointment.
Would You Suggest 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 might be able to write off sure tools or service prices as enterprise bills.
The actual profit? Tenting with dependable Wi-Fi nearly wherever. For instance, it’s possible you’ll save on tenting prices since you not have to decide on a campground primarily based on campground Wi-Fi availability. Or, like me, it’s possible you’ll scale back the frequency of espresso store visits to work whilst you’re on the street.
So long as you have got a generator, you may dry camp and revel in dependable web service. Simply make sure you select areas with out tree protection.
Alternate options to Starlink’s Flat Excessive-Efficiency Equipment
In the event you aren’t within the full-time or distant work classes, you have got different Wi-Fi choices. Begin by studying about cell sign boosters and Wi-Fi hotspots for RV use. Then, evaluate these beneficial merchandise to see what matches your RV life-style.
- TravlFi Journey1 LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot: This cellular hotspot is among the most reasonably priced RV Wi-Fi options. With pay-as-you-go service plans, it prioritizes and converts the very best accessible service from the three main US mobile networks and may deal with as much as 5 units 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 simply appropriate 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? Try just a few different critiques:
What questions do you have got about this Starlink for RV evaluation? Tell us within the feedback beneath.
