We’ve been using a Starlink generation 2 dish on our Boldt for nearly 2 years and decided it was time for an upgrade (see Starlink with Flag Pole Buddy Add-on/Mod). We’ve been extremely happy with the gen 2 version for the most part, but wanted to upgrade for the following reasons:

• better performance, especially during prime time
• quicker set up, since we move around a lot
• in-motion connectivity, since we are often without cell service on back roads while traveling

Starlink technology is changing at a fast rate and there are several newer models than the gen 2 available, including the newest mini, which runs on battery and small enough to fit in a backpack. For our current needs, we chose the Starlink Flat High Performance Kit. It’s quite a bit larger than the gen 2 and intended to be permanently mounted so I installed it to the top of Usain.

The installation required mounting the dish to 2 U channel aluminum strips which span the existing roof rack. The cable went in through the roof access port. Overall it went smoothly and there were no issues getting it set up.

Like all Starlink dishes, the flat HP dish requires a clear view of the sky, but less so than others, or so I’ve read. I’m keeping my gen 2 for now given that there will still be times when we’re parked under trees and need to set up a dish away from the van. At some point I will probably trade it out for the mini.