Starlink Mini Review: Can You Power The Mini With USB-C?

In this Starlink Mini Review, I'll answer the question of whether you can power the Starlink Mini using USB-C and various power banks.

We'll explore different options, including the Bluetti, Anker, and Aferie power banks, as well as a cigarette lighter adapter. I'll demonstrate how to overcome voltage drop issues and ensure a stable power supply for your portable internet setup. We'll test each power option, looking for the telltale blue light that indicates proper connection.

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Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
03:37 - Test methodology Explained
06:03 - Testing Anker power
08:00 - Direct connection to 12V battery test
10:00 - Conclusion

#starlink #starlinkmini #nomadinternet

[STF]

Added a 100 watt 12v/24v DC booster to my RV’s Lithium battery system to power my Mini while boondocking. Working great.

[TheRealLakeSideSam]

Watching this on my phone, connected to my Mini, connected to my BLUETTI, on my dock. 👍

[MatthewYBarbo]

Really neat info to know. Also, I'm glad you were able to identify the blue light. That's going to be helpful to a lot of folks. Enjoyed the watch as always!

[Stefan_Dahn]

The USB-C-to-DC standard defines max. current at 3 Ampere at 12 Volt (=36 Watt) - OR - 5 Ampere at 20 Vokt (=100 Watt). I mis-ordered at Amazon in the first place a 12V/3A. After plugging it into my Anker 737 power bank, it got itself into a reboot loop, because while booting the Mini takes more than 36 Watt, USB-C-to-12Vdc cable switches off due to overload and switches on again - and repeat. After reading the USB-C specs I ordered the USB-C to 20 Vdc cable and now everything works great. Even at 170 km/h (105 mls/h for banana fans) I get 100 MBit/s. Living on the fast lane a.k.a Autobahn. Greetings from Germany. 🇩🇪❤️🇺🇲

[shoitah]

Nice! I was looking for confirmation that Starlink Mini can run off of 65W PD. SpaceX recommends 100W, but their own power supply is only 65!

[klugeyone]

Can't find that Bluetti power bank anywhere. Do you have another link for it?

[petecoventry]

Watching this in the UK on my big TV in my RV on my Mini via a 60W PD output - 100W is overkill. Dam thing sucks 10% an hour on my little 384Wh unit on AC or DC :) I also use a 150W Ugreen 12v socket adapter and it works fine. I can charge my Iphone and run Mini at the same time when travelling.

[jm]

running at 12v requires more amps resulting in more power loss (heat) through the cable. that would explain at least some of the higher power draw at 12v.

[yanassi]

Starlink’s best portable travel device they really don’t want you to use traveling, like boating or rv’ing.

[Hiker]

The Aferiy DC5521 barrel connector is only 3amps, not 30a. However, since there's two outlets (3a ea.) it may do 6a. 12v x 6a = 72w which is enough to get the Starlink Mini going. That's good to know because I just ordered the Starlink Mini and also have an Ecoflow Delta Mini with the same 12v, two 3a barrel connector setup. I'll let you know if it powers up.

[diegoforest]

Can't find that Bluetti power bank link you mentioned in the description. Do you have a link for it?

[AviWazana]

The Bluetti unit - how many hours will it carry the Starlink Mini?

[DougMahar]

Great video! I note that your link to products mentioned in the video now includes a much higher wattage cig socket USB PD device. Have you confirmed that starlink mini will run fine from this - unlike the one you tested in the video? Thanks in advance Doug

[petecoventry]

8:16 I have one which is 166wh and has 100w PD and 150W AC it's called a Beaudens 166wh - it's lighter than a 1L carton of milk

[donaldchase]

For the extreme price they can keep it!

[terryevans]

I made the mistake of assuming that the mini could be powered by the USB C cable and a cigarette adapter. Nope. The USB C PD protocol needs to be talking to a smart device that can boost the voltage when needed. A cigarette adapter is just a pass through with no smarts and can only pass the 12VDC from the car. Also the USB C cable is probably only 20 awg wire or smaller which causes a bigger voltage drop.
Edit: There are some many different USB C PD standards. The one I was using could supply 20v (but would not during the testing) but limits it 2 amps which will not fully power the Starlink Mini. If you make sure you use a cigarette lighter adapter with PD 3.1 which will provide up to 20v (the protocol can dictate up to 48v but the cig adapters I've found do not go that high) and 5 amps for 100 watts, more than enough for the Mini. There are several available on Amazon. Just make sure what you are buying. I bought one that advertised 90 watts but found out during my testing that it was actually just to 45 watt ports which is still a no go for a Mini.
I did more detailed testing when I got home with a variable power supply, various gauge cables etc. The Starlink Mini will start at 12 volts and run up to 48 volts just as spec'd. Once up and fully online the Mini will continue to run just fine until the voltage drops all the way down to 10 VDC (testing done with a fairly short 12 gauge wire to remove cable voltage drop as a variable). Further testing showed that I can go down to a 10' 18 awg cable with a good quality cigarette lighter adapter with zero problems. If you want a longer cable run you will need to either up the voltage (which negates a cigarette adapter) or increase the wire gauge. You can also buy small buck boost 12-48 converter that you can wire in line, with the converter close to the 12 volt source.
My main use for my mini will be in my camper van so I'm using a custom 14 awg cable wired directly to van's switched 12 vdc. Later on I will wire it to my Percon power bank and then I can use a higher voltage smaller gauge cable to the Mini.

[ulbushcrafting]

I’m trying to find the lightest power bank and light solar panel to charge said power bank. The one you have is sold out btw. Any help would be great!

[All.Packed.Up.Overlanding]

cant you just cut the cable? Seems like its a simple pos/neg wire? I havent gotten mine yet... but i will test this

[okx]

Milwaukee makes an ac plug adapter to any of there tool batteries it has usb-c and usb power also.

[djksfhakhaks]

What is a compactable usbc? Does it transformers into a spec of dust or something?