Starlink Mini: Now Available with Battery Power
▼ Summary
– The PeakDo LinkPower 1 power bank enhances the Starlink Mini by providing over 4.5 hours of uninterrupted Internet and can be charged via USB-C for indefinite use.
– Starlink Mini is a crucial service for remote areas and digital nomads, offering fast, deployable internet where traditional infrastructure is unavailable.
– The LinkPower integrates seamlessly with the Starlink Mini, enabling easy placement without long power cables and includes a USB-C port for charging other devices.
– Remote management via a web app is possible but requires specific browsers, and the LinkPower offers advanced features like on/off scheduling for the Starlink Mini.
– The LinkPower is durable but has an IPX4 rating, making it less resistant to dust and water than the Starlink Mini, and it replaces the need for SpaceX’s official mounts.
The Starlink Mini satellite dish just became far more versatile with PeakDo’s LinkPower 1 battery pack, transforming SpaceX’s compact terminal into a truly portable internet solution. This $119 accessory securely attaches to the dish’s rear, delivering over 4.5 hours of wireless connectivity while enabling simultaneous charging via USB-C from vehicles, solar panels, or power stations. The complete package weighs just 1.7kg (3.7lb), making it ideal for backpacking adventures or remote work setups.
SpaceX’s smallest satellite terminal now achieves true mobility thanks to PeakDo’s innovative power solution. The LinkPower 1 snaps into place using the same mounting system as official Starlink accessories, powering the dish through a short DC connection. This eliminates the need for lengthy power cables, allowing users to position the Mini anywhere with a clear sky view, whether on a rooftop, vehicle dashboard, or wilderness campsite.
What sets this battery apart is its intelligent power management system. The unit features a bi-directional USB-C port capable of delivering 65W to charge devices like laptops or smartphones while simultaneously accepting 100W input to power the Starlink dish and recharge the battery. An integrated display provides real-time monitoring of both power input and output levels.
During extensive testing, the setup delivered an impressive 4 hours and 35 minutes of continuous operation with seven connected devices, a significant improvement over earlier third-party battery solutions. Firmware updates from SpaceX appear to have enhanced the Mini’s power efficiency since its initial release. When connected to a power source, the system can maintain indefinite operation while charging the battery in approximately 2.5 hours from a 100W USB-C supply.
The LinkPower 1 introduces several practical advantages for mobile users. Its single-button operation simplifies power management, a quick press activates the display while holding it down engages the DC output to the Starlink dish. Bluetooth connectivity enables remote monitoring through a web app, particularly useful when the dish is mounted in hard-to-reach locations. Though the interface works best on Android and desktop browsers, iPhone users need a specialized browser for full functionality.
While the battery’s IPX4 rating makes it less rugged than the Starlink Mini’s IP67 certification, practical testing shows it performs adequately in most outdoor scenarios. The unit operates reliably in temperatures ranging from -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F), though extreme cold may reduce performance. Three ¼-inch mounting holes provide flexibility for users who need precise dish orientation, though casual users typically find this unnecessary for reliable service.
At 645g (1.42lb), the battery adds noticeable heft to the 1.1kg (2.43lb) Starlink Mini, actually improving stability in windy conditions. Though priced higher than standard 99Wh power banks, the LinkPower 1’s specialized design and seamless integration justify the premium for mobile professionals and outdoor enthusiasts.
This accessory fundamentally changes how people use the Starlink Mini, eliminating the need for specialized power cables and adapters. Users can now maintain connectivity using the same USB-C chargers that power their other devices, whether from a vehicle’s 12V outlet, portable solar panel, or standard power bank. The complete package slips easily into backpacks while offering the freedom to establish internet access virtually anywhere with a clear view of the sky.
(Source: The Verge)
