I’m wondering what it would be like to go off-grid with a powerbank to power my Starlink Mini dishy.
I’m aware of the key things to consider when powering up the Starlink Mini, but if you know of anything else, feel free to reply to this thread.
Input Rating of Mini: 12-48VDC, 60W
From what I’ve read in various posts and articles, the Starlink Mini consumes an average of 30-40 watts during active usage and uses less power when in standby or during low usage.
The Mini consumes approximately 60 watts while booting or during heavy usage. Therefore, we need a powerbank that can deliver 60-70 watts. Also, if you have a powerbank, keep in mind that the power output of each port will be different, so be sure to check this.
Choosing a Powerbank
Typically, we look for a powerbank with a Type-C port that can provide 65 watts of power delivery to power the Mini. How many hours of backup you need for your Starlink Mini while off-grid is up to you.
A 20,000mAh powerbank will provide power to your Mini for about 2.5 to 3 hours. Make sure it can deliver 60-70 watts (20V5A PD) from the port you plan to use. For example, if you plan to use a Type-C port, ensure it meets the required power delivery specifications.
Note: The realistic usable battery capacity from a 28,000mAh powerbank is about 85%, or approximately 23,800mAh.
Nowadays, most of the latest power banks should be LiFePO4 type, meaning they use a nominal cell voltage of 3.2V.
Calculating Watt-Hours (Wh)
Wh = (mAh x V) / 1000
~ (23,800mAh x 3.2V) / 1000
= 71.16Wh
To calculate your effective runtime, divide the watt-hours by your load in watts.
For example:
Mini Nominal Load ~ 30W
Effective Runtime at 30W = 2.3 hours
(Don’t fall for any misleading ads!)
Choosing the Right PD Cable
Here are some factors to keep in mind when choosing a PD cable:
Type-C to DC 20V5A Barrel Jack Cable
- Use a shorter cable. If you need a longer cable, you may require a higher voltage to compensate for loss.
- For example, a 50-foot cable may require 30V2A to power the dish.
- A shorter cable should work fine with 20V5A.
- The minimum rating of the cable should be 100W or higher PD.
- Ensure the barrel jack port that plugs into the Starlink Mini is waterproof.
Some of My Questions:
- What powerbank are you using with your Starlink Mini?
- Has anyone found creative ways to extend battery life?
- Are you using any solar charging solutions?
- What’s your typical runtime with your setup?
