“High Speed Internet Around the World”! This has been a game-changer for sailors Worldwide.
It was just four years ago when we first heard about Starlink. At that time, we didn’t believe this technology would become available so quick for sailors. However, when we arrived in New Zealand, we ordered a Starlink system and have been using it ever since.
At sea, having access to weather forecast information is critical, and Starlink has been a tremendous help. We absolutely love it! Go Elon Musk!!!
Finding the right installation spot on a sailboat proved to be a bit of a challenge. Sailboats are constantly in motion due to waves and wind, and our power supply is limited, relying on a diesel generator and/or solar panels. We didn’t want to block the solar panels with the antenna’s shadow, but John found his solution. Read on to hear more from John (***See below).
<John’s Comment on Starlink Mount Installation>
Link to Outback Comms, an Australian Company: https://outbackcomms.com.au/products/rugged
- Bought the mount from them (Outback Comms).
- Cut the dish myself based on their video.
- Flat stainless bars were from Absolute Stainless in Whangarei, New Zealand.
- Mounted to the Arch by stainless U bolts.
Total mounting cost including shipping (from Australia to New Zealand), brackets, bolts, and mistakes such as the modules I bought and then threw away as well as the first mount using the starboard in a T shape was about 1000 US$.
Used the Starlink router to power the dish rather than the modules sold by various companies. I bought the modules and never got them to work properly. Not sure if the problem was the module, or the router I had or the connections etc. I was willing to take the hit in “efficiency” for the convenience of staying in the Starlink world and keep their router which allows for speed tests and the ability to debug where the problem lies.
If you use an inverter to power the Starlink you lose about 30% in efficiency. We make enough power that it is insignificant.
If you stay in the Starlink world, you can separate the device you are using from the modem and the modem from the satellite and can find out where the problem is. Super handy when something goes wrong. I was also able to keep all the original Starlink cables and did not have to wire anything to the different Ethernet standard.
