Starlink Gen3 In-Depth Setup and Review

Summary

The script reviews the new Starlink Gen 3 satellite internet equipment. It provides an overview of the updates, including a smaller dish with manual stand, a router with WiFi 6 and two ethernet ports, and an app that helps align the dish. Speed tests show download speeds around 150-300 Mbps. While very fast for rural users, for others cable or 5G may be cheaper. The power draw may also be problematic off-grid. Overall the upgrades are nice, but it still may not be the best option for everyone.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video reviews the new Starlink Gen 3 satellite dish, comparing it to previous generations.
• 👍 Gen 3 dish is smaller and lighter than Gen 1 and 2, with a manual kickstand instead of motorized.
• 📶 Gen 3 router has WiFi 6, 2 ethernet ports, and can mesh with other Starlink routers.
• 💡 Setup is quick and easy with the Starlink app guiding dish positioning.
• 🚀 Internet speeds tested around 150-300 Mbps down, pretty good for satellite.
• 🔋 Power draw is high at 75-100W, could be an issue off-grid.
• 🛰 Gen 3 good for rural users with no other options, may be expensive for others.
• 📱 For RVs, 5G options can be cheaper and use less power.
• 📦 Compact size makes Gen 3 dish easy to store and move for RV use.
• 💰 Can pause service and unpause later, only paying for months used.

Q & A

What are the main improvements in the Starlink Gen 3 dish and router?

The Gen 3 dish is smaller, lighter, and has an IP67 weatherproof rating. The router has WiFi 6, can mesh with other Gen 3 routers, and has 2 ethernet ports built-in.

How does the app help orient the Gen 3 dish?

The app shows a compass and graphical outline to help position the dish properly, providing real-time feedback on the alignment.

What kind of internet speeds did the author get with the Gen 3 equipment?

Speed tests showed 155-308 Mbps down and 9-31 Mbps up, which are great speeds for satellite internet.

What is the power draw of the Gen 3 equipment?

The router draws about 10W. The dish draws 35-45W on average when idle, but can spike over 100W when booting up.

Can the Gen 3 router be used with third-party networking equipment?

Yes, the onboard WiFi can be disabled so the router can be used solely for its WAN connectivity into other firewalls/routers.

What are the downsides to using Starlink Gen 3?

The high power draw may not suit off-grid or mobile applications. It's also still more expensive than some wired/wireless options for non-rural users.

Can the mobile service be paused and later unpaused?

Yes, you can pause service and unpause it later, but you get charged for the full month when unpausing.

How does Starlink Gen 3 compare to 5G options?

For rural users, Starlink is better, but for non-rural users, 5G plans can provide faster speeds for less cost in many cases.

What plan does the author have for using his Gen 3 equipment?

He plans to pause the service and store the compact Gen 3 dish in his RV as a backup internet option when camping off-grid.

What functionality does the built-in content filtering provide?

It blocks access to adult websites and possibly other unwanted content via DNS filtering.