Hello, my name is Noah Clarke. I originally became familiar with Starlink after signing up for the beta test. The house that I had just moved to didn't have many broadband internet options, only DSL. Starlink seemed like a good alternative.After using the service for some time, I noticed a need for tutorials and other information that could help people get the most out of the service. I started writing the Starlink Hardware blog in late 2021. At the time, I was an electronics technician. I have a bachelors of science degree in electronics engineering technology. My background in electronics and networking helped me create content about Starlink, answering common questions, and diving deep into modifications and other technical issues.Now, I write for Starlink Hardware full-time. My mission is to provide helpful information to Starlink users around the world.
A 13 word X post will go down in history as the first social media post made using Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell technology. Direct-to-Cell uses existing LTE phone hardware to communicate directly with Starlink satellites, eliminating the need for a bulky Starlink antenna. The official SpaceX account posted the message, and then Elon Musk shared it on his feed. The X post marks continued progress on the Starlink Direct-to-Cell system. Last month, SpaceX successfully sent the first text message using the system. Starlink wants to make the service available to customers later this year. Connecting LTE phones to Starlink satellites Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell …
Starlink satellite internet is a game changer for people in rural areas who don’t have access to high speed broadband services. It’s also great for digital nomads, RV travelers, and other people who like to escape to remote areas, but stay connected. I’ve had Starlink for about 3 years, and it’s allowed me to do things I was never able to do before. If you are reading this, you probably just received your Starlink kit. Or maybe you are still researching Starlink, and want to know if it’s hard to set it up. I created this guide to show people …
SpaceX announced that it plans to de-orbit approximately 100 early V1 Starlink satellites in the coming weeks. According to a Starlink press release, this controlled destruction of satellites is necessary to ensure responsible stewardship of space, and minimize the risk of collisions with other spacecraft in the future. “SpaceX has invested heavily in ensuring the safety and sustainability of our launch vehicles, spacecraft, and satellites,” said a SpaceX spokesperson. “This includes exceeding regulations and sharing best practices with the industry.” While all Starlink satellites are designed to naturally de-orbit within five years, SpaceX occasionally de-orbits those at increased risk of failure before the end …
Starlink has updated their account system to support multiple users. This new feature, previously reserved for enterprise customers, is now available for consumer accounts. Customers will now be able to add additional contacts to their account, like family members, a backup email address, or even tenants. In this article, I will go over the update, explaining what it means to add additional users to your Starlink account. I will also walk you through the process of adding an additional contact. Finally, I’ll cover some of the limitations and nuances you should know about. Starlink allows you to add contacts to …
Starlink has been offering satellite internet service for several years now. In that time, they’ve had three major hardware iterations. The latest Starlink dish, the Gen 3 “Standard”, is much different from previous versions. Many of the changes, like the improved Wifi router, result in increased performance and reliability. Some of the design changes, however, make previous Starlink accessories incompatible with Gen 3. I’ve received many comments and emails with confusion about Gen 3 accessories and compatibility. To help, I created this Gen 3 accessory guide. I will cover all the Starlink accessories offered for the Gen 3 dish. I …
Starlink customers in the United States now have one less dish model to choose from. The 2nd generation “Standard Actuated” dish is no longer an option for any service plan. The change from Gen 2 to Gen 3 is now complete in the US, Starlink’s largest market. The Gen 3 rollout started in December 2023. The first Gen 3 model released, named “Standard”, is the first of at least two planned Gen 3 models. The Standard dish appeared initially as an option for Roam and Business orders in the US, alongside the Gen 2 hardware. Now, Standard is the default …
Starlink has several retail partners, like Best Buy and Costco, that sell Starlink hardware kits online and in store. Until today, Best Buy was not offering the latest generation “Standard” model. Only the 2nd generation models were listed on the website. As the Gen 3 rollout continues, many people are looking to get the latest and greatest hardware. If you are in the United States, and looking to get a Gen 3 dish, Best Buy is now offering the latest Starlink model on their website. The price at Best Buy is $599.99, the same as you pay if you order …
Starlink has updated the obstruction tool in the app to display real time information and satellite paths. Previously, the obstruction tool needed about 12 hours of data collection, before obstruction information could be displayed. Now, information is available immediately after the dish powers on. The obstruction map will update in real time, for about 6 hours after the dish boots up. If you’ve looked at your obstructions recently, you may have noticed the change already. The shaded areas of blue and red on the map are now more pixelated, and may not look as filled in as before. With the …
If you like to take road trips like I do, you’ve probably been in many situations where cell service isn’t available, sometimes for hours. In remote areas of the United States, even if you have cell service, usually it’s only good for calls or texts. Mostly, I just want internet for music and podcasts. But internet access also allows me to communicate with friends, family, and emergency services if needed. Starlink offers a great solution for staying connected in remote areas, even on the road. Did you know Starlink dishes work while driving? Yep, even at 80 mph, a Starlink …
The Starlink Standard kit includes a 50 ft. shielded Ethernet cable, which carries power and data from the router to the dish. For permanent home installations, the Starlink cable is usually routed through an exterior wall. If the dish mounting location is far away from where the router will be placed, 50′ of cable might not be long enough. If you need a longer cable, there are a few options to consider. You can purchase the official 150′ cable directly from Starlink. A cheaper option is to buy an aftermarket Ethernet cable that meets the required specifications. The last option, …
