Starlink Mini vs Standard | Which one for Van Life?

Summary

In this video, Brendan from Gone Mobile Vans compares Starlink's Generation 3 and Mini satellite internet systems. He discusses their size, weight, portability, power requirements, and costs. The Generation 3 is larger, heavier, and requires a power supply to run off a vehicle's 12V battery, while the Mini is smaller, lighter, and natively operates on 12V. Both systems offer unlimited data plans at $150/month, but the Mini is easier to set up and more portable, making it the recommended choice for most users.

Takeaways

• 🚚 The video is a comparison between Starlink's Generation 3 and Mini satellite internet systems for mobile use, specifically for vans.
• 📡 The Generation 3 is larger, almost a foot and a half by 2 ft, and weighs over 30 lbs, making it less portable compared to the Mini.
• 💼 The Generation 3 comes with a Starmount quick release mount enclosure, which is machined polycarbonate with a metal quick release.
• 🔌 The Starlink Mini is smaller, lighter, and can be easily set up on a car dash or backpacked, making it more portable.
• 🔌 The Generation 3 requires a power supply to increase voltage from 12 volts to 48 volts, while the Mini only needs 12 volts and doesn't require a power supply.
• ⚡️ The Generation 3 has a higher power draw, fluctuating between 50 and 110 watts, whereas the Mini draws less power, around 20 to 25 watts.
• 💰 The initial cost for the Generation 3 hardware is $299, which is less than the Mini's $599, but additional costs are needed to run the Generation 3 off 12 volts natively.
• 🔩 The Mini can be set up with a simple cable from Amazon for around $12, whereas the Generation 3 requires third-party integrations which can cost several hundred dollars.
• 📈 Both systems offer a mobile plan, with the Generation 3 at $150 per month and the Mini offering both a 50 GB plan for $50 and a regional plan for $150.
• 🏕️ The video recommends the Starlink Mini for most users due to its lower upfront costs, smaller size, and easier setup, despite the Generation 3 potentially offering better speeds and coverage.

Q & A

What are the two Starlink options discussed in the video?

The two Starlink options discussed are the Generation 3 and the Starlink Mini.

What is the main difference in size between the Generation 3 and the Starlink Mini?

The Generation 3 is quite large, almost a foot and a half by 2 ft, while the Starlink Mini is much smaller, about the size of a laptop.

How does the weight of the Generation 3 compare to the Starlink Mini?

The Generation 3 is heavy, weighing well over 30 lbs, whereas the Starlink Mini is much lighter weight.

What is the main advantage of the Generation 3's size and weight?

The Generation 3's larger size and weight allow for a more permanent setup on a roof or van, providing stability.

How does the Starlink Mini's size and weight affect its portability?

The Starlink Mini's smaller size and lighter weight make it more portable, allowing it to be easily set up on a car dash or backpacked.

What is the power requirement for the Generation 3 Starlink?

The Generation 3 requires a power supply to increase the voltage from 12 volts to 48 volts.

Does the Starlink Mini need a power supply to operate?

No, the Starlink Mini only requires 12 volts natively to run and does not need a power supply to increase the voltage.

What is the approximate power draw of the Generation 3 Starlink?

The Generation 3 Starlink can draw between 50 and 110 watts, with some fluctuation depending on usage.

How does the power draw of the Starlink Mini compare to the Generation 3?

The Starlink Mini has a significantly lower power draw, only drawing around 20 to 25 watts.

What is the cost difference between the Generation 3 and Starlink Mini hardware?

The Generation 3 costs $299, while the Starlink Mini costs $599 for the hardware directly from Starlink.

What additional costs are associated with running the Generation 3 Starlink off a van battery?

Running the Generation 3 off a van battery requires additional hardware and a third-party 12V conversion, which can cost several hundred dollars.

What are the monthly plan costs for the Starlink Mini and Generation 3?

The Starlink Mini offers a $50 plan for 50GB or a $150 regional plan for unlimited data. The Generation 3 has a $150 monthly plan for unlimited data with a start and stop option.

Which Starlink option does the video recommend for most users and why?

The video recommends the Starlink Mini for most users due to its lower upfront cost, smaller footprint, lightweight design, and ease of use without needing third-party integrations.

Outlines

00:00

🚐 Starlink Internet Options for Vans

Brendan from Gone Mobile Vans introduces two Starlink options at their Costa Mesa shop: the Generation 3 and the Starlink Mini. The Generation 3 is large, heavy, and requires a power supply to operate, making it less portable but suitable for permanent setups. It's mounted on a Star Mount quick release enclosure. In contrast, the Starlink Mini is smaller, lighter, and more portable, fitting easily into a backpack. It comes in a 3D printed case with magnet feet and doesn't need a power supply, drawing significantly less power. The video demonstrates the power draw of both units, with the Generation 3 fluctuating between 50 and 110 watts and the Mini drawing only 20 to 25 watts. The Generation 3's size and power requirements are highlighted when mounted on a roof rack, taking up a significant portion of space, whereas the Mini's smaller size allows for more flexibility in mounting and use.

05:00

💸 Cost and Setup Comparison

The video discusses the cost and setup requirements for both Starlink options. The Starlink Mini can be purchased for $599 and operates natively on 12 volts, requiring only a simple cable for power. In contrast, the Generation 3, now priced at $299, requires additional hardware and a power supply to run off a 12-volt source, which can cost several hundred dollars. Both options have similar monthly plans, with the Generation 3 offering a $150/month start-and-stop plan and the Mini offering a $50/month 50GB plan or a $150/month regional plan with unlimited data. The presenter concludes that while the Generation 3 may offer better speeds and coverage, the Starlink Mini is more cost-effective and easier to set up, especially for users who need portability. They recommend the Mini for most users due to its lower upfront costs and simpler integration with a van's power system.

Keywords

💡Starlink

Starlink is a satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX, providing high-speed internet access from low Earth orbit. In the video, Starlink is the main subject, with the hosts comparing two different models of the Starlink satellite dishes, known as 'mini' and 'Generation 3'. The video discusses their features, suitability for mobile use, and power requirements.

💡Portable

Portability refers to the ease with which an object can be carried or moved from one place to another. In the context of the video, the Starlink Mini is highlighted as being more portable due to its smaller size and lighter weight compared to the Generation 3 dish, making it easier to set up and move around, which is particularly beneficial for mobile and van-based lifestyles.

💡Quick Release Mount

A quick release mount is a type of mounting system that allows for easy and quick attachment or detachment of an object. The video mentions that the Generation 3 Starlink dish is mounted on a Star Mount quick release mount, which is beneficial for users who need to frequently move or change the setup of their satellite dish.

💡Polycarbonate Case

Polycarbonate is a type of plastic known for its durability and impact resistance. In the video, the Generation 3 Starlink dish is housed in a machined polycarbonate case, which provides protection to the dish and contributes to its overall weight and size.

💡Power Supply

A power supply is a device that converts one form of electrical energy to another and provides power to an electrical load. The video discusses how the Generation 3 Starlink dish requires a power supply to increase the voltage from 12 volts to 48 volts, whereas the Starlink Mini operates natively on 12 volts, affecting the ease of setup and integration into a van's electrical system.

💡3D Print

3D printing is a process of making three-dimensional objects from a digital file by laying down successive layers of material. The video mentions that the Starlink Mini's case is made from a 3D print plus an aluminum backing, illustrating a contrast in manufacturing methods between the two Starlink models and their respective weights and portability.

💡Power Draw

Power draw refers to the amount of electrical power consumed by a device. The video compares the power draw of the Starlink Generation 3 and the Mini, with the Generation 3 having a significantly higher power draw, which can be a consideration for users with limited power sources such as those in mobile or off-grid situations.

💡Roof Rack

A roof rack is a framework mounted on the roof of a vehicle for carrying loads. The video describes how the Starlink dishes can be mounted on a vehicle's roof rack, with the Generation 3 taking up a significant portion of space due to its size, while the Mini has a much smaller footprint, allowing for more flexibility in how a van's roof rack is utilized.

💡Hardware Cost

Hardware cost refers to the expense associated with the physical components of a system. The video discusses the initial cost of the Starlink Mini versus the Generation 3, noting that while the Generation 3 has a lower upfront cost from Starlink, additional costs for mounting and power supply conversions can make the total cost higher.

💡Data Plan

A data plan is a pricing structure offered by internet service providers that specifies the amount of data transfer allowed. The video compares the data plans available for the Starlink Mini and Generation 3, with both offering regional plans with unlimited data for a monthly fee, which is important for users who require high data usage for work or entertainment.

Highlights

Introduction to Starlink options for mobile vans

Comparison between Starlink Generation 3 and Starlink Mini

Generation 3 is large and heavy, not portable

Starlink Mini is smaller, lighter, and more portable

Generation 3 requires a power supply to operate

Starlink Mini operates directly from 12 volts, no power supply needed

Power consumption comparison: Mini draws less power than Generation 3

Physical size comparison: Mini is significantly smaller than Generation 3

Mounting options for Generation 3 on a roof rack

Mounting options for Starlink Mini on a roof rack

Generation 3 requires third-party 12V conversion

Starlink Mini can run natively from 12V without additional hardware

Cost comparison: Generation 3 hardware is cheaper but requires more additional costs

Starlink Mini has a lower upfront cost to run from van battery

Service plans comparison: Both offer mobile and regional plans

Recommendation: Starlink Mini is the better choice for most users

Starlink Mini is easier to set up and requires no third-party integration

Conclusion: Starlink Mini is recommended for its ease of use and lower initial costs

Transcripts

hey guys this is Brendan with gone

mobile Vans we're here at our shop in

Costa Mesa California behind me is our

demo van we've got a couple different

options for starlink that we' like to

show you we've got a mini and we've got

a generation 3 we're going to talk about

some pros and cons to both prices weight

portability things like that let's get

into it so first up is going to be the

Generation 3 this is already mounted

into a star Mount quick release Mount uh

enclosure this is the Generation 3 so um

it's quite large

it's almost foot and a half by 2 ft in

this case uh this is a really nice case

from Starmount it's a machine

polycarbonate case and a metal quick

release this thing is well over 30 lbs

already um not really portable it's

great to be able to Flat mount on your

roof or your van have it set up in there

permanent setup um pretty nice but

definitely heavy and large next up is

going to be the starlink mini so this is

the mini it's uh obviously much smaller

much lighter weight this is in a case

from Striker Fabrications instead of

machined like this one it's a 3D print

plus an aluminum backing magnet feet if

you want a couple different options for

this regards but much smaller uh much

more portable you could backpack this

you can easily set it up on the dash of

your car things like that way easier to

set up and move around lightweight yeah

really pretty cool it's only about the

size of a laptop so easy to even slip

into your backpack or something along

those lines okay so here we are are

we've got the starlink Generation 3

we've just plugged it in we have to use

a power supply to kick it up from 12

volts all the way up to 48 Volts for the

Generation 3 so here we are we've just

plugged it in it's been fluctuating

between 50 and 110 Watts quite a bit of

fluctuation in that and I'm sure it

depends on how much internet usage

you're using as well but it's a pretty

high draw so now let's hop over to the

mini and see what that draws now we just

plugged in the starlink mini see we

don't need a power supply to kick up the

voltage it's really only drawn around 20

to 25 watts which is ultimately less

than the Generation 3 The Generation 3

was up over 100 at times this has not

gone above 30 35 Watts so potentially a

third of the power consumption the

Generation 3 obviously fluctuates as

well as the mini but right off the bat

the starlink mini is definitely got

advantage on power draw all right here

we are on a freshly installed roof rack

not all the panels are in and we don't

have our solar panels mounted yet but

this is a good indication of how big the

star link Generation 3 is and how we

would mount it to the roof rack this has

got the star Mount quick release Mount

and this will get the quick release

Mount will get bolted directly to the

roof rack but you can see quite the size

it'll uh takes up a good portion of your

available space up on your here on your

roof rack really nice setup for the the

from starm Mount quick to release it if

you want to take this out and go move it

to a different vehicle or set it up

permanently at a campsite for a week

something along those lines but it's a

big unit and it takes up quite a bit of

your roof rack so here we are with the

starlink mini this is mounted in a mount

from Striker fabrication this has got

some magnet feet on there so if you're

using it on a different vehicle that

doesn't have a roof rack it could magnet

on there but otherwise we're going to

direct bolt this to the roof rack as

well you can see how much smaller it is

it fits right next to your max fan it

can fit into a little corner of the roof

rack so it really doesn't take up any

more space than necessary once again

pretty easy to disassemble or remove if

you need uh you couple of bolts and the

whole thing comes out if you want to set

it up permanently someplace else but

overall a much smaller footprint so the

Generation 3 in the star Mount is 26 in

Long by 17 1/2 in wide which is a pretty

decent

size the starlink mini overall is 12 and

1/4 in Long by 11 and 38 in wide so

probably less about a third of the size

all right so for Gen 3 let's talk about

how you need to be able to run this off

of 12 volts from your van battery so the

Generation 3 from right from starlink

requires it to be run off a AC outlet

110 volts so you can get a thirdparty

12vt conversion so star Mount makes them

Trio flat Mount makes them there's a

couple others you can also find parts on

Ebay things like that for that but you

ultimately need a box here in this case

we sent in the modem they build it they

take it apart they build it into this

box which then gets plugged into the

starlink you need a power supply that

takes 12 volts from your van battery and

kicks it up to 48 volts to make this run

so all this included was several hundred

to get this to run off of 12 volts

natively from your van battery in

comparison the starlink mini comes with

a power supply from starink link that

runs off a AC outlet but it really only

requires 12 volts natively to run so you

can take get a cable from a bunch of

different vendors off of Amazon plug it

into a cigarette adapter with a little

Barrel connection plug it in and it

works right off the bat so no third

party integration not relying on

somebody else to make something work it

just plugs in and works right away so

cost-wise this right out of the box

you're looking at maybe a $12 cable

versus several hundred to get this

starlink Generation 3 to run off of 12

volts natively from your van all right

guys so now let's talk about Hardware

costs so initial costs for the starlink

mini you're looking at $5.99 for the

hardware directly from starlink

conversely the Generation 3 has been

dropped in price it was 65.99 as well it

went to $4.99 now it's $2.99 for the

hardware for the Generation 3 so right

off the bat Generation 3 is going to

cost you less however as we discussed

earlier we're talking about being able

to run this natively off your van it

does require more Hardware more cost to

get the Generation 3 to do what the

generation the starlake mini does right

off the bat let's talk about plans here

we are looking at the mobile Regional or

the mini roome so either one of these

things you're looking at $150 a month

for the Generation 3 it is a start and

stop plan you can start it and stop it

as you need to you don't have to commit

to 12 months at a time but it's $150 a

month you can see the plans for the mini

you can get the mini Rome which is the

50 GB for 50 bucks but if you are a

power user or you're full-time remote

working things like that you need to be

on Zoom half the time you can get the

regional plan which is $150 a month for

the mini so you can still get the same

amount of data unlimited data with the

mini if you prefer so let's talk about

our conclusions and recommendations so

in conclusion either one of these things

are awesome for mobile internet and for

getting out in your van we love the

ability to be able to be on meetings to

communicate with friends to Netflix

whatever you got to do while you're on

the road in your van either option is

fantastic we do think that the starlink

mini is really the way to go for most

users it's got a smaller cost to get it

to work up front 12 volts from your van

it's a smaller footprint it's

lightweight you can backpack with it

plenty of different options for powering

it even on a small USB power bank things

like that if you're out camping the

Generation 3 requires a lot to get it to

work natively off of 12 volts so it even

though the hardware cost from starlink

is less it actually ends up costing you

more with the mounts and the 12vt

conversions and the thirdparty

Integrations that are required to make

it work so even though you can probably

get some better speeds potential better

coverage because it is a larger dish and

has more receivers really in our opinion

the barriers to entry don't outweigh the

benefits we really think that the

starlink mini is the way to go it's

super easy it doesn't take any other

integration you don't have to have some

Builder install the power supply things

like that the 12vt direct from the mini

is the way to go all right guys that's

it for the comparison of the starlink

mini and the Generation 3 we hope you

like this kind of content if you guys

have either the starlink mini or the

Generation 3 let us know in the comments

what your use case is how you find using

them for us we're going to absolutely go

with the mini on our new demo van we

hope to see you on the next video