STAR LINK ??
Hi Bob and group
Has there anyone yet tried STAR-LINK/RV ??
Info from one who has:
https://www.zdnet.com/home-and-office/networking/starlink-rv-game-changer-for-digital-nomads/
On Dec 12, 2022, at 12:18, Glen Strecker, KG5CEN <Kg5Cen@...> wrote:
I’m probably going to commit blasphemy here, but down in Louisiana during Hurricane Ida, a number of parishes, counties to the rest of the country, got knocked out by storm surge. Flooding everywhere, commercial power knocked out, cell towers destroyed or without power. Many lost radio antennas. The solution came from Elon Musk and Starlink. Elon donated a number of Starlink units to the state for distribution as needed. This got most of the southern parishes back in direct contact from their EOCs to the Governor’s Office to send and receive WebEOC messages again. Having a reliable Internet connection for the EOC allows the use of several radio digital modes with higher speed data throughput than is normally available via HF using radio hot spot connections to the Internet since the EOCs almost always have backup emergency power to keep things running when commercial power is lost.
Some EMs are very reluctant to utilize ham radios when their normal systems go out. Probably because many of them don’t understand the capabilities we have, or they needed something done faster. Our last EC was of the mind that all he needed was a VHF 2-meter rig, a pad of paper, and a pencil to get things done. He wanted to do everything via voice. Try doing that long-term with complicated lists of requisitions from an EOC or a hospital to your Governor’s Office or FEMA and see how quickly things get backed up. These days, being able to couple your computer to the radio system is a must with or without access to the Internet. But, having Internet access makes a world of difference in allowing the served agency to function in a manner that is more normal to their needs.
Glen – KG5CEN
73 Bruce
WA6DNT@... San Diego Red Cross DST SHARES HF
NNC9RC
Hi Bob and group
Has there anyone yet tried STAR-LINK/RV ??
Info from one who has:
https://www.zdnet.com/home-and-office/networking/starlink-rv-game-changer-for-digital-nomads/
On Dec 12, 2022, at 12:18, Glen Strecker, KG5CEN <Kg5Cen@...> wrote:
I’m probably going to commit blasphemy here, but down in Louisiana during Hurricane Ida, a number of parishes, counties to the rest of the country, got knocked out by storm surge. Flooding everywhere, commercial power knocked out, cell towers destroyed or without power. Many lost radio antennas. The solution came from Elon Musk and Starlink. Elon donated a number of Starlink units to the state for distribution as needed. This got most of the southern parishes back in direct contact from their EOCs to the Governor’s Office to send and receive WebEOC messages again. Having a reliable Internet connection for the EOC allows the use of several radio digital modes with higher speed data throughput than is normally available via HF using radio hot spot connections to the Internet since the EOCs almost always have backup emergency power to keep things running when commercial power is lost.
Some EMs are very reluctant to utilize ham radios when their normal systems go out. Probably because many of them don’t understand the capabilities we have, or they needed something done faster. Our last EC was of the mind that all he needed was a VHF 2-meter rig, a pad of paper, and a pencil to get things done. He wanted to do everything via voice. Try doing that long-term with complicated lists of requisitions from an EOC or a hospital to your Governor’s Office or FEMA and see how quickly things get backed up. These days, being able to couple your computer to the radio system is a must with or without access to the Internet. But, having Internet access makes a world of difference in allowing the served agency to function in a manner that is more normal to their needs.
Glen – KG5CEN
73 Bruce WA6DNT@... San Diego Red Cross DST SHARES HF NNC9RC
Bruce,
As I said during the Dec meeting, I’m seriously looking at it for my RV.
If you read the article in the link you sent, you will find service varies depending on where you are. It does appear the most congested area is all along the Eastern portion of the U.S.. The West is not overly saturated yet but guess it will be as StarLink continues to grow.
Look at the link below that shows differences between home and rv. I believe the person that did this comparison was located in a remote area of northern AZ.
https://changinglanesrv.com/starlink-head-to-head/
It’s not a cheap investment either. Equipment is $599 + tax + shipping. Total cost will end up around $703. Then the service itself is $135 per month for the RV service although you can suspend service when you don’t want to use it. You can setup residential service for about $125 a month then add $10 for portability. As you see it comes out the same price. Only benefit is with home service you get preferred service so when you do travel just change your zip code on the account and you get preferred service, unless you are in a congested service area. In that case they may not turn your service on at all. There are reports of high power usage as well. Even in standby mode it is reported to draw 25watts of power.
Bob
Sent: Monday, December 12, 2022 10:04 PM
To: main@ARC2-SDICC.groups.io
Subject: [ARC2-SDICC] STAR LINK ??
Hi Bob and group
Has there anyone yet tried STAR-LINK/RV ??
Info from one who has:
https://www.zdnet.com/home-and-office/networking/starlink-rv-game-changer-for-digital-nomads/
On Dec 12, 2022, at 12:18, Glen Strecker, KG5CEN <Kg5Cen@...> wrote:
I’m probably going to commit blasphemy here, but down in Louisiana during Hurricane Ida, a number of parishes, counties to the rest of the country, got knocked out by storm surge. Flooding everywhere, commercial power knocked out, cell towers destroyed or without power. Many lost radio antennas. The solution came from Elon Musk and Starlink. Elon donated a number of Starlink units to the state for distribution as needed. This got most of the southern parishes back in direct contact from their EOCs to the Governor’s Office to send and receive WebEOC messages again. Having a reliable Internet connection for the EOC allows the use of several radio digital modes with higher speed data throughput than is normally available via HF using radio hot spot connections to the Internet since the EOCs almost always have backup emergency power to keep things running when commercial power is lost.
Some EMs are very reluctant to utilize ham radios when their normal systems go out. Probably because many of them don’t understand the capabilities we have, or they needed something done faster. Our last EC was of the mind that all he needed was a VHF 2-meter rig, a pad of paper, and a pencil to get things done. He wanted to do everything via voice. Try doing that long-term with complicated lists of requisitions from an EOC or a hospital to your Governor’s Office or FEMA and see how quickly things get backed up. These days, being able to couple your computer to the radio system is a must with or without access to the Internet. But, having Internet access makes a world of difference in allowing the served agency to function in a manner that is more normal to their needs.
Glen – KG5CEN
73 Bruce WA6DNT@... San Diego Red Cross DST SHARES HF NNC9RC
I have found the Red Cross functions that Red Cross DST serves - are addicted to their cell phones and Laptops, and have the mind set that they will NEVER FAIL!!! They want Internet speeds even during a disaster! Real life training that simulates a major communications failure - injects MUST be in training drills that FORCE Red Cross functions to use the communications tools that Red Cross DST has. I believe that STAR LINK must be a tool in the Red Cross DST communications Tool Box!! The challenge I see, is getting Star Link powered from 12 Volts Bioenno LiFePO4 - 40 - 80 AH battery with solar - rather than 120 VAC - that Star Link currently uses, which may not be available during a disaster.
No one that I know of. I'd consider it but have terrible view of the sky.
Here's a decent demo video of the home version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6pYIo4Wyrs
On Mon, Dec 12, 2022 at 10:04 PM Bruce <wa6dnt@...> wrote:
Hi Bob and group
Has there anyone yet tried STAR-LINK/RV ??
Info from one who has:
https://www.zdnet.com/home-and-office/networking/starlink-rv-game-changer-for-digital-nomads/
On Dec 12, 2022, at 12:18, Glen Strecker, KG5CEN <Kg5Cen@...> wrote:
I’m probably going to commit blasphemy here, but down in Louisiana during Hurricane Ida, a number of parishes, counties to the rest of the country, got knocked out by storm surge. Flooding everywhere, commercial power knocked out, cell towers destroyed or without power. Many lost radio antennas. The solution came from Elon Musk and Starlink. Elon donated a number of Starlink units to the state for distribution as needed. This got most of the southern parishes back in direct contact from their EOCs to the Governor’s Office to send and receive WebEOC messages again. Having a reliable Internet connection for the EOC allows the use of several radio digital modes with higher speed data throughput than is normally available via HF using radio hot spot connections to the Internet since the EOCs almost always have backup emergency power to keep things running when commercial power is lost.
Some EMs are very reluctant to utilize ham radios when their normal systems go out. Probably because many of them don’t understand the capabilities we have, or they needed something done faster. Our last EC was of the mind that all he needed was a VHF 2-meter rig, a pad of paper, and a pencil to get things done. He wanted to do everything via voice. Try doing that long-term with complicated lists of requisitions from an EOC or a hospital to your Governor’s Office or FEMA and see how quickly things get backed up. These days, being able to couple your computer to the radio system is a must with or without access to the Internet. But, having Internet access makes a world of difference in allowing the served agency to function in a manner that is more normal to their needs.
Glen – KG5CEN
73 Bruce WA6DNT@... San Diego Red Cross DST SHARES HF NNC9RC
--
Due to high cost of equipment and monthly service fees. I don’t see it ever happening in the Southern California Region. I know National is looking at StarLink so in the future there may be something that will deploy from the LFC.
We are fortunate to have the IEEE truck that can fill a large portion of our needs for at least one shelter. They did a fantastic job in showing their capabilities during the Border32 fire.
It would be great if there was a hot wash of the DST response to Hurricane IAN.
Bob
Sent: Monday, December 12, 2022 11:15 PM
To: main@ARC2-SDICC.groups.io
Subject: Re: [ARC2-SDICC] STAR LINK ??
Hi Steve & Group
What I am suggesting is supplying Internet connectivity to a Red Cross Shelter or Service Center in locations that have NO available functional communications infrastructure because it has been destroyed or overloaded by the disaster event.
I think Star Link/RV has merit - for Emcomm communications.
I have found the Red Cross functions that Red Cross DST serves - are addicted to their cell phones and Laptops, and have the mind set that they will NEVER FAIL!!! They want Internet speeds even during a disaster! Real life training that simulates a major communications failure - injects MUST be in training drills that FORCE Red Cross functions to use the communications tools that Red Cross DST has. I believe that STAR LINK must be a tool in the Red Cross DST communications Tool Box!! The challenge I see, is getting Star Link powered from 12 Volts Bioenno LiFePO4 - 40 - 80 AH battery with solar - rather than 120 VAC - that Star Link currently uses, which may not be available during a disaster.
73 Bruce WA6DNT@...
On 12/12/2022 10:56 PM, Steve wrote:
No one that I know of. I'd consider it but have terrible view of the sky.
Here's a decent demo video of the home version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6pYIo4Wyrs
On Mon, Dec 12, 2022 at 10:04 PM Bruce <wa6dnt@...> wrote:
Hi Bob and group
Has there anyone yet tried STAR-LINK/RV ??
Info from one who has:
https://www.zdnet.com/home-and-office/networking/starlink-rv-game-changer-for-digital-nomads/
On Dec 12, 2022, at 12:18, Glen Strecker, KG5CEN <Kg5Cen@...> wrote:
I’m probably going to commit blasphemy here, but down in Louisiana during Hurricane Ida, a number of parishes, counties to the rest of the country, got knocked out by storm surge. Flooding everywhere, commercial power knocked out, cell towers destroyed or without power. Many lost radio antennas. The solution came from Elon Musk and Starlink. Elon donated a number of Starlink units to the state for distribution as needed. This got most of the southern parishes back in direct contact from their EOCs to the Governor’s Office to send and receive WebEOC messages again. Having a reliable Internet connection for the EOC allows the use of several radio digital modes with higher speed data throughput than is normally available via HF using radio hot spot connections to the Internet since the EOCs almost always have backup emergency power to keep things running when commercial power is lost.
Some EMs are very reluctant to utilize ham radios when their normal systems go out. Probably because many of them don’t understand the capabilities we have, or they needed something done faster. Our last EC was of the mind that all he needed was a VHF 2-meter rig, a pad of paper, and a pencil to get things done. He wanted to do everything via voice. Try doing that long-term with complicated lists of requisitions from an EOC or a hospital to your Governor’s Office or FEMA and see how quickly things get backed up. These days, being able to couple your computer to the radio system is a must with or without access to the Internet. But, having Internet access makes a world of difference in allowing the served agency to function in a manner that is more normal to their needs.
Glen – KG5CEN
73 Bruce WA6DNT@... San Diego Red Cross DST SHARES HF NNC9RC
--
Bruce,
As I said during the Dec meeting, I’m seriously looking at it for my RV.
If you read the article in the link you sent, you will find service varies depending on where you are. It does appear the most congested area is all along the Eastern portion of the U.S.. The West is not overly saturated yet but guess it will be as StarLink continues to grow.
Look at the link below that shows differences between home and rv. I believe the person that did this comparison was located in a remote area of northern AZ.
https://changinglanesrv.com/starlink-head-to-head/
It’s not a cheap investment either. Equipment is $599 + tax + shipping. Total cost will end up around $703. Then the service itself is $135 per month for the RV service although you can suspend service when you don’t want to use it. You can setup residential service for about $125 a month then add $10 for portability. As you see it comes out the same price. Only benefit is with home service you get preferred service so when you do travel just change your zip code on the account and you get preferred service, unless you are in a congested service area. In that case they may not turn your service on at all. There are reports of high power usage as well. Even in standby mode it is reported to draw 25watts of power.
Bob
From: main@ARC2-SDICC.groups.io [mailto:main@ARC2-SDICC.groups.io] On Behalf Of Bruce
Sent: Monday, December 12, 2022 10:04 PM
To: main@ARC2-SDICC.groups.io
Subject: [ARC2-SDICC] STAR LINK ??
Hi Bob and group
Has there anyone yet tried STAR-LINK/RV ??
Info from one who has:
https://www.zdnet.com/home-and-office/networking/starlink-rv-game-changer-for-digital-nomads/
On Dec 12, 2022, at 12:18, Glen Strecker, KG5CEN <Kg5Cen@...> wrote:
I’m probably going to commit blasphemy here, but down in Louisiana during Hurricane Ida, a number of parishes, counties to the rest of the country, got knocked out by storm surge. Flooding everywhere, commercial power knocked out, cell towers destroyed or without power. Many lost radio antennas. The solution came from Elon Musk and Starlink. Elon donated a number of Starlink units to the state for distribution as needed. This got most of the southern parishes back in direct contact from their EOCs to the Governor’s Office to send and receive WebEOC messages again. Having a reliable Internet connection for the EOC allows the use of several radio digital modes with higher speed data throughput than is normally available via HF using radio hot spot connections to the Internet since the EOCs almost always have backup emergency power to keep things running when commercial power is lost.
Some EMs are very reluctant to utilize ham radios when their normal systems go out. Probably because many of them don’t understand the capabilities we have, or they needed something done faster. Our last EC was of the mind that all he needed was a VHF 2-meter rig, a pad of paper, and a pencil to get things done. He wanted to do everything via voice. Try doing that long-term with complicated lists of requisitions from an EOC or a hospital to your Governor’s Office or FEMA and see how quickly things get backed up. These days, being able to couple your computer to the radio system is a must with or without access to the Internet. But, having Internet access makes a world of difference in allowing the served agency to function in a manner that is more normal to their needs.
Glen – KG5CEN
73 Bruce WA6DNT@... San Diego Red Cross DST SHARES HF NNC9RC
Due to high cost of equipment and monthly service fees. I don’t see it ever happening in the Southern California Region. I know National is looking at StarLink so in the future there may be something that will deploy from the LFC.
We are fortunate to have the IEEE truck that can fill a large portion of our needs for at least one shelter. They did a fantastic job in showing their capabilities during the Border32 fire.
It would be great if there was a hot wash of the DST response to Hurricane IAN.
Bob
From: main@ARC2-SDICC.groups.io [mailto:main@ARC2-SDICC.groups.io] On Behalf Of Bruce
Sent: Monday, December 12, 2022 11:15 PM
To: main@ARC2-SDICC.groups.io
Subject: Re: [ARC2-SDICC] STAR LINK ??
Hi Steve & Group
What I am suggesting is supplying Internet connectivity to a Red Cross Shelter or Service Center in locations that have NO available functional communications infrastructure because it has been destroyed or overloaded by the disaster event.
I think Star Link/RV has merit - for Emcomm communications.
I have found the Red Cross functions that Red Cross DST serves - are addicted to their cell phones and Laptops, and have the mind set that they will NEVER FAIL!!! They want Internet speeds even during a disaster! Real life training that simulates a major communications failure - injects MUST be in training drills that FORCE Red Cross functions to use the communications tools that Red Cross DST has. I believe that STAR LINK must be a tool in the Red Cross DST communications Tool Box!! The challenge I see, is getting Star Link powered from 12 Volts Bioenno LiFePO4 - 40 - 80 AH battery with solar - rather than 120 VAC - that Star Link currently uses, which may not be available during a disaster.73 Bruce WA6DNT@...
On 12/12/2022 10:56 PM, Steve wrote:
No one that I know of. I'd consider it but have terrible view of the sky.
Here's a decent demo video of the home version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6pYIo4Wyrs
On Mon, Dec 12, 2022 at 10:04 PM Bruce <wa6dnt@...> wrote:
Hi Bob and group
Has there anyone yet tried STAR-LINK/RV ??
Info from one who has:
https://www.zdnet.com/home-and-office/networking/starlink-rv-game-changer-for-digital-nomads/
On Dec 12, 2022, at 12:18, Glen Strecker, KG5CEN <Kg5Cen@...> wrote:
I’m probably going to commit blasphemy here, but down in Louisiana during Hurricane Ida, a number of parishes, counties to the rest of the country, got knocked out by storm surge. Flooding everywhere, commercial power knocked out, cell towers destroyed or without power. Many lost radio antennas. The solution came from Elon Musk and Starlink. Elon donated a number of Starlink units to the state for distribution as needed. This got most of the southern parishes back in direct contact from their EOCs to the Governor’s Office to send and receive WebEOC messages again. Having a reliable Internet connection for the EOC allows the use of several radio digital modes with higher speed data throughput than is normally available via HF using radio hot spot connections to the Internet since the EOCs almost always have backup emergency power to keep things running when commercial power is lost.
Some EMs are very reluctant to utilize ham radios when their normal systems go out. Probably because many of them don’t understand the capabilities we have, or they needed something done faster. Our last EC was of the mind that all he needed was a VHF 2-meter rig, a pad of paper, and a pencil to get things done. He wanted to do everything via voice. Try doing that long-term with complicated lists of requisitions from an EOC or a hospital to your Governor’s Office or FEMA and see how quickly things get backed up. These days, being able to couple your computer to the radio system is a must with or without access to the Internet. But, having Internet access makes a world of difference in allowing the served agency to function in a manner that is more normal to their needs.
Glen – KG5CEN
73 Bruce WA6DNT@... San Diego Red Cross DST SHARES HF NNC9RC
--