Starlink in Diamond

[nickname]

I recently purchased and tested Starlink Mini for my DA42, inspired by the thread on COPA and looking for a tool for my upcoming flight to Europe.

I was pleased to find that it worked extremely well, seeing speeds of 70 up to 130 mbps. It was an overcast day in SW Washington and I set the Starlink Mini on the glare shield cruising at 3,500.

I tested the connection with FaceTime video calls, YouTube videos, weather information, etc. I had another pilot friend along for the ride and we were both using it simultaneously.

For power, I picked up a 5.5x21mm DC car plug, which worked flawlessly with the right side panel plug.

After landing and deciding I wanted a more secure method of holding it in place, I cut a few small pieces of velcro. It works well in flight, but when detaching it after the end of a flight, I had to be careful I didn’t put too much pressure on the glare shield.

It seems to be a fantastic product and excited for the access to information and entertainment. Some photos attached for reference.

[ememic99]

Can you share the pricing?

[chili4way]

https://www.starlink.com/service-plans

[nickname]

Can you share the pricing?

For the mini it was $600 USD and $50 USD per month. There’s also a 50 GB limit.

[ememic99]

Can you share the pricing?

For the mini it was $600 USD and $50 USD per month. There’s also a 50 GB limit.

That’s not much if it works in flight without limitations.

[nickname]

Can you share the pricing?

For the mini it was $600 USD and $50 USD per month. There’s also a 50 GB limit.

That’s not much if it works in flight without limitations.

From other PIREPs, 250 knots ground speed seems to be the limit. Beyond that, I assume they'll want to charge a higher price (turboprop/jet).

[dmloftus]

That is amazing. Did you note any dropouts? If it was highly reliable, one could consider dropping XM weather and actually saving money by going with Starlink.

[steve_falconer]

Thanks so much for the PIREP! I was just wondering about it this week, but not sure that would work for mounting on a DA40 glareshield with compass.

Also, more info on another unlimited plan here if you’re worried about exceeding data caps on long flights, even globally: https://www.starlink.com/roam

I wonder how it works where they have coverage like international waters on these plans. I know they unlock countries individually based on regulated markets.

[dmloftus]

Good point - it would be great if it worked throughout the Caribbean. I believe ADS-B coverage ends just east of Bimini
From Foreflight: Generally speaking, there is no ADS-B Radar coverage in the Caribbean. When using ADS-B, the NEXRAD radar range is around 100 nm offshore from Florida towards the Caribbean. Beyond that, no Radar coverage is available via ADS-B.

[nickname]

That is amazing. Did you note any dropouts? If it was highly reliable, one could consider dropping XM weather and actually saving money by going with Starlink.

I experienced a few momentary dropouts during a video call - not more than 2-5 seconds. That was about it. Video and audio quality were both great.