On June 22nd, I made an online order on the Starlink website for a Starlink Mini kit (roaming - 300GB) and accessories totaling $411.73. Four days later, on the 26th, Starlink marked the order as shipped, but what they actually did was not to ship it, but break it into three separate orders: the car cord, the mobile mount, and the actual Starlink Mini kit.
The router shipped on the 26th, and I got it on the 27th
The car cord shipped on the 29th and I got it two days later, on July 1st.
The mount shipped from California, also on June 29th, and was received on July 6th.
The Starlink unit itself was marked as shipped on July 7th, but has never been scanned by FedEx. They're still waiting for Starlink to give them the package.
Screenshot_2026-07-18-22-03-25-20_751406261907763dc14a9392538169a4.jpgScreenshot_2026-07-18-22-03-12-50_751406261907763dc14a9392538169a4.jpg
I have contacted Starlink more than a dozen times, asking where the package is. Each time, they blame FedEx for being late scanning it. On the 16th, 9 days after Starlink marked it shipped, I opened a new trouble ticket. I was told the case was being escalated to "the shipping team" and that I could expect it to be resolved in 48 hours, and that they would be in touch by phone/email. (I let unknown calls go to voicemail, and while there were two calls, no message was left and no emails have been received.)
The 48 hours is now expired. Tomorrow I'm calling my bank to dispute the charge for the missing item.
I do not recommend doing business with Starlink!
They lie, try to deflect blame, and make empty promises.
Edit: Yes I know I exposed my phone number, but I don't really care since I only answer calls from contacts.
I feel your pain. I just went thru a huge dispute with Wise my bank I use mainly overseas. Customer service has turned into a zero sum benefit for most customers with most services. I'm not sure where they found people with such low IQ to man there chat. And there phone lines aren't much better. Like it wasn't a language problem it was literally an inability to form a complete sentence. Similar problem with Mint Mobile.
The worse part was that I could not speak to any one person or department. Each communication would be relayed to another department or person. Each time I had to go thru the problem again. It was never ending.
I finally had AI research the mist hardcore way I could deal with it. It wrote a letter detailing the problem, my experiences trying to fix it and the 2 or 3 federal agencies I was prepared to file a complaint with. It had me send it to an unrelated but corporate email. I finally got action within about one day. And my money returned. There entire customer service experience is a total wreck. Nothing redeemable about it.
I worry in your situation though.
If the problem really is the shipper and not Starlink. Which it sounds like you haven't been able to confirm yet. You may be throwing the baby out with the bathwater. As Starlink really is the only game in town. If you want remote emergency internet.
I wouldn't give up just yet. Maybe look into escalating it via AI. Sometimes they can identify a clear back door complaint venue. That can spur action. A letter to a corp email, a public complaint that they are forced to answer? Something.
I have never heard of such a problem with Starlink. They are known for excellent customer service. But more importantly there really isn't a close competitor. It's not like you can switch to another service.
Idk. Cancel the payment thru your bank. And order again? Just wash your hands of this transaction?
Seems unusual. What does FedEx say?
Quote from: Moab on July 19, 2026, 01:22:45 AMI feel your pain. I just went thru a huge dispute with Wise my bank I use mainly overseas. Customer service has turned into a zero sum benefit for most customers with most services. I'm not sure where they found people with such low IQ to man there chat. And there phone lines aren't much better. Like it wasn't a language problem it was literally an inability to form a complete sentence. Similar problem with Mint Mobile.
The worse part was that I could not speak to any one person or department. Each communication would be relayed to another department or person. Each time I had to go thru the problem again. It was never ending.
I finally had AI research the mist hardcore way I could deal with it. It wrote a letter detailing the problem, my experiences trying to fix it and the 2 or 3 federal agencies I was prepared to file a complaint with. It had me send it to an unrelated but corporate email. I finally got action within about one day. And my money returned. There entire customer service experience is a total wreck. Nothing redeemable about it.
I worry in your situation though.
If the problem really is the shipper and not Starlink. Which it sounds like you haven't been able to confirm yet. You may be throwing the baby out with the bathwater. As Starlink really is the only game in town. If you want remote emergency internet.
I wouldn't give up just yet. Maybe look into escalating it via AI. Sometimes they can identify a clear back door complaint venue. That can spur action. A letter to a corp email, a public complaint that they are forced to answer? Something.
I have never heard of such a problem with Starlink. They are known for excellent customer service. But more importantly there really isn't a close competitor. It's not like you can switch to another service.
Idk. Cancel the payment thru your bank. And order again? Just wash your hands of this transaction?
Seems unusual. What does FedEx say?
Mint Mobile still works for you? IIRC It was shut down and rolled into Credit Karma last year. I used to do phone support for Intuit products. While there were a few US based call centers for Mint, most of it was routed to call centers in the Philippines while I was working there. Foundever and Concentrix are the two major contractors Intuit works with.
As far as the Starlink purchase goes, I wouldn't be surprised to hear that it "fell off of the back of the truck" so to say. I had this same problem before, not with Starlink, but with FedEx.
I have a commercial FedEx account and my customer service agent on that says FedEx only shows that Starlink printed a label and nothing more. They have no record of any package using it.
Quote from: NT2C on July 19, 2026, 06:41:26 AMI have a commercial FedEx account and my customer service agent on that says FedEx only shows that Starlink printed a label and nothing more. They have no record of any package using it.
That's weird that they would stonewall you like this. That sucks.
I just finished opening a dispute with USAA (my bank) for the amount of $219.00 which is what the Starlink Mini kit costs on its own.
Quote from: DarkAxel on July 19, 2026, 02:29:29 AMAs far as the Starlink purchase goes, I wouldn't be surprised to hear that it "fell off of the back of the truck" so to say. I had this same problem before, not with Starlink, but with FedEx.
That wouldn't do anyone any good. The unit is tied to my Starlink account and geofenced to only work from my location (unless I set roaming on my account). It can't be activated or programmed unless it's at the Starlink location or at my house.
Quote from: DarkAxel on July 19, 2026, 02:29:29 AMQuote from: Moab on July 19, 2026, 01:22:45 AMI feel your pain. I just went thru a huge dispute with Wise my bank I use mainly overseas. Customer service has turned into a zero sum benefit for most customers with most services. I'm not sure where they found people with such low IQ to man there chat. And there phone lines aren't much better. Like it wasn't a language problem it was literally an inability to form a complete sentence. Similar problem with Mint Mobile.
The worse part was that I could not speak to any one person or department. Each communication would be relayed to another department or person. Each time I had to go thru the problem again. It was never ending.
I finally had AI research the mist hardcore way I could deal with it. It wrote a letter detailing the problem, my experiences trying to fix it and the 2 or 3 federal agencies I was prepared to file a complaint with. It had me send it to an unrelated but corporate email. I finally got action within about one day. And my money returned. There entire customer service experience is a total wreck. Nothing redeemable about it.
I worry in your situation though.
If the problem really is the shipper and not Starlink. Which it sounds like you haven't been able to confirm yet. You may be throwing the baby out with the bathwater. As Starlink really is the only game in town. If you want remote emergency internet.
I wouldn't give up just yet. Maybe look into escalating it via AI. Sometimes they can identify a clear back door complaint venue. That can spur action. A letter to a corp email, a public complaint that they are forced to answer? Something.
I have never heard of such a problem with Starlink. They are known for excellent customer service. But more importantly there really isn't a close competitor. It's not like you can switch to another service.
Idk. Cancel the payment thru your bank. And order again? Just wash your hands of this transaction?
Seems unusual. What does FedEx say?
Mint Mobile still works for you? IIRC It was shut down and rolled into Credit Karma last year. I used to do phone support for Intuit products. While there were a few US based call centers for Mint, most of it was routed to call centers in the Philippines while I was working there. Foundever and Concentrix are the two major contractors Intuit works with.
As far as the Starlink purchase goes, I wouldn't be surprised to hear that it "fell off of the back of the truck" so to say. I had this same problem before, not with Starlink, but with FedEx.
Mint works in the US and in the Philippines. I just renewed my account and 2 others in my family account.
After what's his name sold it. They lost the excellent Phillipines customer support. I pay $15 a month for unlimited calls and texts and 6gb of data. Just to keep my US number for when they text those verification codes. It allows wifi calling and text tho. So as long as I am home it still calls and texts. Otherwise on cell towers it obviously doesn't work here. I can buy a few international passes for $5. If I really needed it. But it's just to keep my US number. My ex wife and my son still use theirs in Los Angeles. Great service. And dirt cheap. They have unlimited everything for $35 month.
A year's worth of Mint is the same as I was paying for a month of ATT.
Quote from: Moab on July 19, 2026, 11:57:02 AMQuote from: DarkAxel on July 19, 2026, 02:29:29 AMQuote from: Moab on July 19, 2026, 01:22:45 AMI feel your pain. I just went thru a huge dispute with Wise my bank I use mainly overseas. Customer service has turned into a zero sum benefit for most customers with most services. I'm not sure where they found people with such low IQ to man there chat. And there phone lines aren't much better. Like it wasn't a language problem it was literally an inability to form a complete sentence. Similar problem with Mint Mobile.
The worse part was that I could not speak to any one person or department. Each communication would be relayed to another department or person. Each time I had to go thru the problem again. It was never ending.
I finally had AI research the mist hardcore way I could deal with it. It wrote a letter detailing the problem, my experiences trying to fix it and the 2 or 3 federal agencies I was prepared to file a complaint with. It had me send it to an unrelated but corporate email. I finally got action within about one day. And my money returned. There entire customer service experience is a total wreck. Nothing redeemable about it.
I worry in your situation though.
If the problem really is the shipper and not Starlink. Which it sounds like you haven't been able to confirm yet. You may be throwing the baby out with the bathwater. As Starlink really is the only game in town. If you want remote emergency internet.
I wouldn't give up just yet. Maybe look into escalating it via AI. Sometimes they can identify a clear back door complaint venue. That can spur action. A letter to a corp email, a public complaint that they are forced to answer? Something.
I have never heard of such a problem with Starlink. They are known for excellent customer service. But more importantly there really isn't a close competitor. It's not like you can switch to another service.
Idk. Cancel the payment thru your bank. And order again? Just wash your hands of this transaction?
Seems unusual. What does FedEx say?
Mint Mobile still works for you? IIRC It was shut down and rolled into Credit Karma last year. I used to do phone support for Intuit products. While there were a few US based call centers for Mint, most of it was routed to call centers in the Philippines while I was working there. Foundever and Concentrix are the two major contractors Intuit works with.
As far as the Starlink purchase goes, I wouldn't be surprised to hear that it "fell off of the back of the truck" so to say. I had this same problem before, not with Starlink, but with FedEx.
Mint works in the US and in the Philippines. I just renewed my account and 2 others in my family account.
After what's his name sold it. They lost the excellent Phillipines customer support. I pay $15 a month for unlimited calls and texts and 6gb of data. Just to keep my US number for when they text those verification codes. It allows wifi calling and text tho. So as long as I am home it still calls and texts. Otherwise on cell towers it obviously doesn't work here. I can buy a few international passes for $5. If I really needed it. But it's just to keep my US number. My ex wife and my son still use theirs in Los Angeles. Great service. And dirt cheap. They have unlimited everything for $35 month.
A year's worth of Mint is the same as I was paying for a month of ATT.
:-[ :-[ :-[ My bad. Intuit had a product called Mint Mobile, but it was personal finance software, not cell service. You're talking about Ryan Reynolds' former company. I haven't dealt with them before, but I hear customer service sucks.
Quote from: NT2C on July 19, 2026, 10:36:19 AMQuote from: DarkAxel on July 19, 2026, 02:29:29 AMAs far as the Starlink purchase goes, I wouldn't be surprised to hear that it "fell off of the back of the truck" so to say. I had this same problem before, not with Starlink, but with FedEx.
That wouldn't do anyone any good. The unit is tied to my Starlink account and geofenced to only work from my location (unless I set roaming on my account). It can't be activated or programmed unless it's at the Starlink location or at my house.
Those units can be hacked. There's a voltage spike exploit that allows someone to bypass the security on boot and allows unsigned code to run on the system. The Russians were using hacked units in Ukraine for comms before Starlink caught on and bricked them. Starlink swears they've closed that exploit, but who knows? :smiley_shrug: Either way, I hope you get everything lined out. I've been looking at getting Starlink for myself, but your experience here is giving me doubts. There's no excuse for poor customer service.
Quote from: DarkAxel on July 19, 2026, 06:36:31 PMQuote from: Moab on July 19, 2026, 11:57:02 AMQuote from: DarkAxel on July 19, 2026, 02:29:29 AMQuote from: Moab on July 19, 2026, 01:22:45 AMI feel your pain. I just went thru a huge dispute with Wise my bank I use mainly overseas. Customer service has turned into a zero sum benefit for most customers with most services. I'm not sure where they found people with such low IQ to man there chat. And there phone lines aren't much better. Like it wasn't a language problem it was literally an inability to form a complete sentence. Similar problem with Mint Mobile.
The worse part was that I could not speak to any one person or department. Each communication would be relayed to another department or person. Each time I had to go thru the problem again. It was never ending.
I finally had AI research the mist hardcore way I could deal with it. It wrote a letter detailing the problem, my experiences trying to fix it and the 2 or 3 federal agencies I was prepared to file a complaint with. It had me send it to an unrelated but corporate email. I finally got action within about one day. And my money returned. There entire customer service experience is a total wreck. Nothing redeemable about it.
I worry in your situation though.
If the problem really is the shipper and not Starlink. Which it sounds like you haven't been able to confirm yet. You may be throwing the baby out with the bathwater. As Starlink really is the only game in town. If you want remote emergency internet.
I wouldn't give up just yet. Maybe look into escalating it via AI. Sometimes they can identify a clear back door complaint venue. That can spur action. A letter to a corp email, a public complaint that they are forced to answer? Something.
I have never heard of such a problem with Starlink. They are known for excellent customer service. But more importantly there really isn't a close competitor. It's not like you can switch to another service.
Idk. Cancel the payment thru your bank. And order again? Just wash your hands of this transaction?
Seems unusual. What does FedEx say?
Mint Mobile still works for you? IIRC It was shut down and rolled into Credit Karma last year. I used to do phone support for Intuit products. While there were a few US based call centers for Mint, most of it was routed to call centers in the Philippines while I was working there. Foundever and Concentrix are the two major contractors Intuit works with.
As far as the Starlink purchase goes, I wouldn't be surprised to hear that it "fell off of the back of the truck" so to say. I had this same problem before, not with Starlink, but with FedEx.
Mint works in the US and in the Philippines. I just renewed my account and 2 others in my family account.
After what's his name sold it. They lost the excellent Phillipines customer support. I pay $15 a month for unlimited calls and texts and 6gb of data. Just to keep my US number for when they text those verification codes. It allows wifi calling and text tho. So as long as I am home it still calls and texts. Otherwise on cell towers it obviously doesn't work here. I can buy a few international passes for $5. If I really needed it. But it's just to keep my US number. My ex wife and my son still use theirs in Los Angeles. Great service. And dirt cheap. They have unlimited everything for $35 month.
A year's worth of Mint is the same as I was paying for a month of ATT.
:-[ :-[ :-[ My bad. Intuit had a product called Mint Mobile, but it was personal finance software, not cell service. You're talking about Ryan Reynolds' former company. I haven't dealt with them before, but I hear customer service sucks.
Quote from: NT2C on July 19, 2026, 10:36:19 AMQuote from: DarkAxel on July 19, 2026, 02:29:29 AMAs far as the Starlink purchase goes, I wouldn't be surprised to hear that it "fell off of the back of the truck" so to say. I had this same problem before, not with Starlink, but with FedEx.
That wouldn't do anyone any good. The unit is tied to my Starlink account and geofenced to only work from my location (unless I set roaming on my account). It can't be activated or programmed unless it's at the Starlink location or at my house.
Those units can be hacked. There's a voltage spike exploit that allows someone to bypass the security on boot and allows unsigned code to run on the system. The Russians were using hacked units in Ukraine for comms before Starlink caught on and bricked them. Starlink swears they've closed that exploit, but who knows? :smiley_shrug: Either way, I hope you get everything lined out. I've been looking at getting Starlink for myself, but your experience here is giving me doubts. There's no excuse for poor customer service.
You had me confused with the whole Mint thing because at first I was thinking of Mint Linux, then Mint Mobile (it's what my cell modem runs on) and I never had any issues with either one.
As for Starlink, I talked with an agent at my bank, laid out the whole issue, she wrote it up as a dispute but without a stop payment order (still hoping they can extract cranium from rectum) but that leaves the resolution up to my bank. In all likelihood, they'll just refund my $219.00 and put their own stop payment order on the transaction, and tell Starlink to pound sand. This just leaves Starlink with a door open if they suddenly find the damn thing in a pile on some guy's desk who went on vacation.
My bank wanted documentation showing the invoice, etc. I sent them 5 screen captures showing how Starlink broke up the original order into 4 shipments and the details of the final shipment that was the unit itself, then I sent the screen cap from my FedEx account showing they never got the shipment from Starlink.
Now I'm wondering if I should just buy one from Home Depot to use this weekend on two off-road trail trips.
Quote from: NT2C on July 20, 2026, 09:02:54 AMMy bank wanted documentation showing the invoice, etc. I sent them 5 screen captures showing how Starlink broke up the original order into 4 shipments and the details of the final shipment that was the unit itself, then I sent the screen cap from my FedEx account showing they never got the shipment from Starlink.
Now I'm wondering if I should just buy one from Home Depot to use this weekend on two off-road trail trips.
Have tried posting to the Stsrlink Facebook page? Or any other public forum? I'd be really surprised if you didn't get an immediate response.
But I also don't think buying it direct is a bad idea either. Get it in hand. And deal with the refund later. You for all the other accessories delivered?
One thing to double check. Although I'm sure it's fine. There are a few resellers here in the Phillipines. With terrific prices on real units. Not knock offs. But the one rub is end up as the reseller being the direct contact to Starkink support. Not you.
But I would be very surprised if that were the case with Home Depot.
But ya. If you can buy a unit and walk out with it. And you already have all the other stuff. I say go for it.
Additionally, I would complain to Stsrlink corporate or online and demand a discount or some sort of compensation. That entire situation is bullshit. Start with a semi public comment on their Facebook. And threaten to complain to the FCC or whoever governa their business. AI should be able to write you an excellent complaint just from your descriptions above. And direct it to the appropriate parties.
When I did this with my bank it was amazing. It was like an attorney had written a letter to my bank. Threatening to file complaints with all the legitimate government institutions. Without me having to lift a finger. It would have literally take me hours to do what took moments.
Quote from: Moab on July 20, 2026, 09:16:51 AMQuote from: NT2C on July 20, 2026, 09:02:54 AMMy bank wanted documentation showing the invoice, etc. I sent them 5 screen captures showing how Starlink broke up the original order into 4 shipments and the details of the final shipment that was the unit itself, then I sent the screen cap from my FedEx account showing they never got the shipment from Starlink.
Now I'm wondering if I should just buy one from Home Depot to use this weekend on two off-road trail trips.
Have tried posting to the Stsrlink Facebook page? Or any other public forum? I'd be really surprised if you didn't get an immediate response.
But I also don't think buying it direct is a bad idea either. Get it in hand. And deal with the refund later. You for all the other accessories delivered?
One thing to double check. Although I'm sure it's fine. There are a few resellers here in the Phillipines. With terrific prices on real units. Not knock offs. But the one rub is end up as the reseller being the direct contact to Starkink support. Not you.
But I would be very surprised if that were the case with Home Depot.
But ya. If you can buy a unit and walk out with it. And you already have all the other stuff. I say go for it.
Additionally, I would complain to Stsrlink corporate or online and demand a discount or some sort of compensation. That entire situation is bullshit. Start with a semi public comment on their Facebook. And threaten to complain to the FCC or whoever governa their business. AI should be able to write you an excellent complaint just from your descriptions above. And direct it to the appropriate parties.
When I did this with my bank it was amazing. It was like an attorney had written a letter to my bank. Threatening to file complaints with all the legitimate government institutions. Without me having to lift a finger. It would have literally take me hours to do what took moments.
I've already complained on the FB group about it, and been mocked as a Karen, or told I should have just gone to Home Depot to start (didn't have the extra $$ that would cost, both for the unit and for the service). Got no official response to it. FCC and FTC are next, after my bank finishes the refund. Yes, I got the accessories, which is complicating the refund. The bank wants to do a full refund of the whole amount.
And now they have started charging me the $80 monthly charge, despite having two open service tickets saying I don't have the unit, and a promise from a rep that I will get one month free. In addition, the only way to stop the monthly charge is to pause the service, which you can only do after setting up the unit.
Edit: and they've marked my billing account as overdue
Finally!
QuoteJessica
Hi Bernhard,
I apologize for the delayed response and appreciate your patience as we follow up on your ticket.
Regarding your chargeback, if you're still interested in receiving your hardware and maintaining an active account, could you please cancel it? A processed chargeback will flag your account.
Our review shows an issue during label creation with no carrier update, so we've deemed the kit lost. I can place a free replacement order once you confirm chargeback cancellation and provide an official bank letter including the details and your shipping address.
Alternatively, authorized retailers nationwide offer quick shipping or same-day pickup for Mini kits—purchase one, provide proof, and we'll credit your full cost (chargeback must be cancelled first).
For the subscription charge, our system auto-activates service 7 days post-order. I've refunded the fees and applied a full month of service credit.
Best regards,
Jessica
Quote from: NT2C on July 21, 2026, 03:51:41 AMFinally!
QuoteJessica
Hi Bernhard,
I apologize for the delayed response and appreciate your patience as we follow up on your ticket.
Regarding your chargeback, if you're still interested in receiving your hardware and maintaining an active account, could you please cancel it? A processed chargeback will flag your account.
Our review shows an issue during label creation with no carrier update, so we've deemed the kit lost. I can place a free replacement order once you confirm chargeback cancellation and provide an official bank letter including the details and your shipping address.
Alternatively, authorized retailers nationwide offer quick shipping or same-day pickup for Mini kits—purchase one, provide proof, and we'll credit your full cost (chargeback must be cancelled first).
For the subscription charge, our system auto-activates service 7 days post-order. I've refunded the fees and applied a full month of service credit.
Best regards,
Jessica
Now that sounds more like Starlink. Good deal.
Quote from: Moab on July 21, 2026, 05:34:36 AMQuote from: NT2C on July 21, 2026, 03:51:41 AMFinally!
QuoteJessica
Hi Bernhard,
I apologize for the delayed response and appreciate your patience as we follow up on your ticket.
Regarding your chargeback, if you're still interested in receiving your hardware and maintaining an active account, could you please cancel it? A processed chargeback will flag your account.
Our review shows an issue during label creation with no carrier update, so we've deemed the kit lost. I can place a free replacement order once you confirm chargeback cancellation and provide an official bank letter including the details and your shipping address.
Alternatively, authorized retailers nationwide offer quick shipping or same-day pickup for Mini kits—purchase one, provide proof, and we'll credit your full cost (chargeback must be cancelled first).
For the subscription charge, our system auto-activates service 7 days post-order. I've refunded the fees and applied a full month of service credit.
Best regards,
Jessica
Now that sounds more like Starlink. Good deal.
Apparently, what my wife likes to call
The Imp of the Perverse, and I just call bad juju, has decided to stop fucking around with me. Starlink has corrected their cranial-rectal insertion and actually gone a step beyond, and decided they didn't need confirmation from my bank (and shout out to USAA's Rory for helping with the banking end). I have now purchased a mini kit from the local HD, with delivery by 11 AM today. Starlink has also refunded the $80 charge, plus credited my account with two months of free service.
I'm still not ready to recommend doing business with them, because this whole ordeal should never have happened, but I'm softening.
Quote from: NT2C on July 21, 2026, 07:23:36 AMQuote from: Moab on July 21, 2026, 05:34:36 AMQuote from: NT2C on July 21, 2026, 03:51:41 AMFinally!
QuoteJessica
Hi Bernhard,
I apologize for the delayed response and appreciate your patience as we follow up on your ticket.
Regarding your chargeback, if you're still interested in receiving your hardware and maintaining an active account, could you please cancel it? A processed chargeback will flag your account.
Our review shows an issue during label creation with no carrier update, so we've deemed the kit lost. I can place a free replacement order once you confirm chargeback cancellation and provide an official bank letter including the details and your shipping address.
Alternatively, authorized retailers nationwide offer quick shipping or same-day pickup for Mini kits—purchase one, provide proof, and we'll credit your full cost (chargeback must be cancelled first).
For the subscription charge, our system auto-activates service 7 days post-order. I've refunded the fees and applied a full month of service credit.
Best regards,
Jessica
Now that sounds more like Starlink. Good deal.
Apparently, what my wife likes to call The Imp of the Perverse, and I just call bad juju, has decided to stop fucking around with me. Starlink has corrected their cranial-rectal insertion and actually gone a step beyond, and decided they didn't need confirmation from my bank (and shout out to USAA's Rory for helping with the banking end). I have now purchased a mini kit from the local HD, with delivery by 11 AM today. Starlink has also refunded the $80 charge, plus credited my account with two months of free service.
I'm still not ready to recommend doing business with them, because this whole ordeal should never have happened, but I'm softening.
Good deal man. Glad it sorted itself out.
The mini kit has been tested, along with the battery unit I bought for it. I still need to put the mount on the Jeep roof rack and configure the unit to use the Starlink mesh router I bought, but I'll do that tonight. Tomorrow, it will get its acid test at my hotel in Harrisonburg, VA, and over the weekend as I go off-roading with a group of fellow veterans in the George Washington and Thomas Jefferson National Forests. We're doing the Union Springs trail on Saturday (should be extremely muddy after all the flooding we've had), and on Monday I'm going to try to join a group heading up to Bald Mountain.
Got the mesh router configured and the Starlink Mini is currently updating its firmware. When it finishes, I'll log in here using it to see what kind of lag I get.
And, here I am via Starlink.
Quote from: NT2C on July 23, 2026, 03:47:42 PMAnd, here I am via Starlink.
So cool. Can't wait to get your reports from using it in your vehicle off road. I'm sure it will work fine stationary at various locations with clear line of site. But it will be interesting to see how it performs actually in an off-road situation..
Glad you got it figured out. You're for sure to exhausted from this process to do it. But a pic review would be awesome!
Good that they got their heads out of their asses and got you straightened out.
I wonder how Starlink would work in these mountains.
Quote from: DarkAxel on July 24, 2026, 06:16:44 PMGood that they got their heads out of their asses and got you straightened out.
I wonder how Starlink would work in these mountains.
Needs a 110° view of the sky, oriented kinda northwest.
Quote from: Moab on July 24, 2026, 04:33:44 AMQuote from: NT2C on July 23, 2026, 03:47:42 PMAnd, here I am via Starlink.
So cool. Can't wait to get your reports from using it in your vehicle off road. I'm sure it will work fine stationary at various locations with clear line of site. But it will be interesting to see how it performs actually in an off-road situation..
Glad you got it figured out. You're for sure to exhausted from this process to do it. But a pic review would be awesome!
I managed to pinch a nerve in my back last night, in my sleep, and was up from 0130 in agony until about 0900 when I managed a few hours of sleep. Might take photos tomorrow since the Jeep is parked in the garage. I'm 99% certain the mount for the roof rack will work in a spot I didn't even think to try, which will put it just above and behind the driver's seat. Should make it easy to orient for best signal. Running on battery on my deck, not correctly aimed, I was getting 100 Mbps down and about 20 up, with 27ms latency. Nothing to write home about, but good enough to stream a movie or browse the web.
My master plan is to plug the Starlink into my 330wh powerbank that has a 12v socket and will pass-through charge, then plug that into a switched 12vdc outlet in the Jeep cargo area. That socket only works when the Jeep is running, so when parked the Starlink runs off the powerbank, and the powerbank charges when the Jeep runs. To shut off the Starlink I can do it from the app, turn off the powerbank, or setup times of day when it "sleeps".
Quote from: NT2C on July 24, 2026, 08:13:16 PMQuote from: Moab on July 24, 2026, 04:33:44 AMQuote from: NT2C on July 23, 2026, 03:47:42 PMAnd, here I am via Starlink.
So cool. Can't wait to get your reports from using it in your vehicle off road. I'm sure it will work fine stationary at various locations with clear line of site. But it will be interesting to see how it performs actually in an off-road situation..
Glad you got it figured out. You're for sure to exhausted from this process to do it. But a pic review would be awesome!
I managed to pinch a nerve in my back last night, in my sleep, and was up from 0130 in agony until about 0900 when I managed a few hours of sleep. Might take photos tomorrow since the Jeep is parked in the garage. I'm 99% certain the mount for the roof rack will work in a spot I didn't even think to try, which will put it just above and behind the driver's seat. Should make it easy to orient for best signal. Running on battery on my deck, not correctly aimed, I was getting 100 Mbps down and about 20 up, with 27ms latency. Nothing to write home about, but good enough to stream a movie or browse the web.
My master plan is to plug the Starlink into my 330wh powerbank that has a 12v socket and will pass-through charge, then plug that into a switched 12vdc outlet in the Jeep cargo area. That socket only works when the Jeep is running, so when parked the Starlink runs off the powerbank, and the powerbank charges when the Jeep runs. To shut off the Starlink I can do it from the app, turn off the powerbank, or setup times of day when it "sleeps".
I really need to buy this. But I really don't think I'm going to stay here in the Phillipines. And I already have a truck load of stuff I will need to sell before moving back. And that's not easy here. People just don't buy used stuff here.
I would be more than happy with that speed. But I think the max iirc is 300mbs download? Not that I would need it except in an emergency. But signal while driving is of interest to me. I've read reports that good signal can still be had while driving. But iirc driving coupled with heavy rain has a negative impact. But those reports are from here in the PH. And it rains HARD here.
I also thought some of the hardware was self aiming? Or does it only do that on the home units first time set up stationary?
Quote from: Moab on July 24, 2026, 11:32:23 PMQuote from: NT2C on July 24, 2026, 08:13:16 PMQuote from: Moab on July 24, 2026, 04:33:44 AMQuote from: NT2C on July 23, 2026, 03:47:42 PMAnd, here I am via Starlink.
So cool. Can't wait to get your reports from using it in your vehicle off road. I'm sure it will work fine stationary at various locations with clear line of site. But it will be interesting to see how it performs actually in an off-road situation..
Glad you got it figured out. You're for sure to exhausted from this process to do it. But a pic review would be awesome!
I managed to pinch a nerve in my back last night, in my sleep, and was up from 0130 in agony until about 0900 when I managed a few hours of sleep. Might take photos tomorrow since the Jeep is parked in the garage. I'm 99% certain the mount for the roof rack will work in a spot I didn't even think to try, which will put it just above and behind the driver's seat. Should make it easy to orient for best signal. Running on battery on my deck, not correctly aimed, I was getting 100 Mbps down and about 20 up, with 27ms latency. Nothing to write home about, but good enough to stream a movie or browse the web.
My master plan is to plug the Starlink into my 330wh powerbank that has a 12v socket and will pass-through charge, then plug that into a switched 12vdc outlet in the Jeep cargo area. That socket only works when the Jeep is running, so when parked the Starlink runs off the powerbank, and the powerbank charges when the Jeep runs. To shut off the Starlink I can do it from the app, turn off the powerbank, or setup times of day when it "sleeps".
I really need to buy this. But I really don't think I'm going to stay here in the Phillipines. And I already have a truck load of stuff I will need to sell before moving back. And that's not easy here. People just don't buy used stuff here.
I would be more than happy with that speed. But I think the max iirc is 300mbs download? Not that I would need it except in an emergency. But signal while driving is of interest to me. I've read reports that good signal can still be had while driving. But iirc driving coupled with heavy rain has a negative impact. But those reports are from here in the PH. And it rains HARD here.
I also thought some of the hardware was self aiming? Or does it only do that on the home units first time set up stationary?
The units are, in effect, phased array antennas, so they are electronically "aimed" (and the bigger home unit antennas work better), but they still need to be oriented with the satellite constellations for best signal.
Just mounted the mini to the Jeep, and immediately realized there may be an issue with wind noise and rain intrusion at highway speeds. Not to mention not being able to reach both locking screws with the tool provided.
(https://ufozs.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FmcIcrVJ.jpg&hash=ea0b4e8e197df93ea0014456e82239a4e52871d8) (https://imgur.com/mcIcrVJ)
That's the mount. The two screws on the right are screws to lock the release bar to prevent the unit from being easily unlocked. I can only reach the one close to the camera; the other is impossible to reach with the Allen key they provide.
(https://ufozs.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FEpNj9zt.jpg&hash=672754656183f679fe38e5001cb922499e83e079) (https://imgur.com/EpNj9zt)
(https://ufozs.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FsprEIHI.jpg&hash=7c0271505f88580df29ee673e6a900a7f9df2e44) (https://imgur.com/sprEIHI)
See that angle? That's high in the front, so wind will be trying to lift it off, but the power connection is under the low part. It's pretty waterproof, but still...
(https://ufozs.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F6SqsUAD.jpg&hash=9d939be66956a2b6f8fd0e1d54c055b7a5340d81) (https://imgur.com/6SqsUAD)
(https://ufozs.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FgFEKlD2.jpg&hash=ce9c6fcc780fdf51888f2dd2925c051450e19944) (https://imgur.com/gFEKlD2)
The other issue is that the unit is significantly blocked by that big steel-belted tire and steel rim on a big steel mount. I think I'm going to relocate it to the rear of the tire. That will have it facing away from the tire and better out of the wind.
put it on top of the tire right in the center, it would then be hidden from people walking around
And... if I'd read the mount instructions, I'd know I have it backward. :headbang:
So, I have to take it off, reverse the mount so the slope angles the other way (but the connections are facing to the front) and try to reach the screws and connections past the lightbar. I may have to put it further out on the rack.
Edit: Fixed (had a helluva a time getting it off)
(https://ufozs.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F9SC8r19.jpg&hash=901342778f38000f766a48717184f3c5fb53b83a) (https://imgur.com/9SC8r19)
(https://ufozs.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FVQNa23y.jpg&hash=e20310a0c6a187aace57d91b4237b079606d0b73) (https://imgur.com/VQNa23y)
Had to move it back a row because the mount was hitting the bolt heads of the lightbar bracket.
Quote from: eugenenine on July 25, 2026, 09:01:15 AMput it on top of the tire right in the center, it would then be hidden from people walking around
Wouldn't fit through a standard 7' garage door then. The tire just barely clears. I have to remember to lower the air suspension going in/out.
I was just refused service at a local carwash this week because of the solar panel I have mounted on my roof rack. Apparently they've changed their policy and are now denying access for people who have external aftermarkets "because it might damage our equipment"... Your Jeep would probably set off flashing red lights and screaming alarms for them! :D
(I just went to a different carwash who had no problem with it whatsoever)
Quote from: EBuff75 on July 25, 2026, 09:47:18 AMI was just refused service at a local carwash this week because of the solar panel I have mounted on my roof rack. Apparently they've changed their policy and are now denying access for people who have external aftermarkets "because it might damage our equipment"... Your Jeep would probably set off flashing red lights and screaming alarms for them! :D
(I just went to a different carwash who had no problem with it whatsoever)
Yeah, mine only goes in "touchless" car washes, if at all.