BajaNomad

Starlink Anybody have it yet in Baja?

Timinator - 3-20-2022 at 11:48 AM

I know pretty much all about it, don't need a refresher. Has anybody in the states brought their setups to Baja and had it work? Or bought a second antenna and brought their states version to Baja?

Don Pisto - 3-20-2022 at 02:28 PM

some facebookers have reported xlnt results close to the border anyway, I'll send you a u2u so the anti-FBers don't get all riled up:rolleyes:

Timinator - 6-3-2022 at 07:15 AM

So, as a follow up, I have Mexican Starlink now in Bahia de Los Angeles. It's a Mexican account I set up, it had to be shipped to Mexico, which I did. I had it shipped to and held at the DHL facility in Mexicali for pickup by me. No problems or worries, they had it there when I arrived. In setting up the account with Starlink, you also need a physical address, which our house does not have. So, I used Googles "Plus Code", which is a unique "address" that Google has assigned to every location...on earth? Not sure, but it covers Baja. You cut and paste the Plus Code into the "address" portion of the Starlink signup page, and it works perfect.

My Starlink came in a box completely assembled with Wi-Fi router, 150' of cable and the dish and tripod. I just unwound it, plugged the modem in to AC and hit the setup icon on my phone on the Starlink app you download ahead of time. It asks you to name your network and assign a password, and in less than 5 minutes the dish found the satellites and we had 110 mbps with no throttling and no data limits.

Can you buy a dish in the US and take it there? Yes. Will it work, Yes, but only for 2 months now. Then it's a no-no. So, we went with the Mexican service. We're legal, fast, and very happy.

The "plus code" is on the left side of the google maps when looking at your place zoomed up close, and using your cursor to select your "house". You may need to click on the Lat/Long numbers to have the left hand boxes with the plus code show up. This is an example of what the plus code looks like and what you'd paste into the address location of the Starlink signup page "2C6P+FF5 La Sílica, Baja California, Mexico".

It's a little over $500 to buy, then $115/mo.

El Jefe - 6-3-2022 at 08:28 AM

Thanks for the info!

I paid my 99 bucks about a year ago and I'm waiting to hear from them. I too used the plus code for address. Suppose I'll go to the website and see if there is any update. Should have heard something by now. Really, I just kind of forgot about it with life going on.

My friend in Zacatitos has it and is very happy with the service.

Bob and Susan - 6-3-2022 at 11:26 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Timinator  
So, as a follow up, I have Mexican Starlink now in Bahia de Los Angeles. It's a Mexican account I set up, it had to be shipped to Mexico, which I did. I had it shipped to and held at the DHL facility in Mexicali for pickup by me. No problems or worries, they had it there when I arrived. In setting up the account with Starlink, you also need a physical address, which our house does not have. So, I used Googles "Plus Code", which is a unique "address" that Google has assigned to every location...on earth? Not sure, but it covers Baja. You cut and paste the Plus Code into the "address" portion of the Starlink signup page, and it works perfect.

My Starlink came in a box completely assembled with Wi-Fi router, 150' of cable and the dish and tripod. I just unwound it, plugged the modem in to AC and hit the setup icon on my phone on the Starlink app you download ahead of time. It asks you to name your network and assign a password, and in less than 5 minutes the dish found the satellites and we had 110 mbps with no throttling and no data limits.

Can you buy a dish in the US and take it there? Yes. Will it work, Yes, but only for 2 months now. Then it's a no-no. So, we went with the Mexican service. We're legal, fast, and very happy.

The "plus code" is on the left side of the google maps when looking at your place zoomed up close, and using your cursor to select your "house". You may need to click on the Lat/Long numbers to have the left hand boxes with the plus code show up. This is an example of what the plus code looks like and what you'd paste into the address location of the Starlink signup page "2C6P+FF5 La Sílica, Baja California, Mexico".

It's a little over $500 to buy, then $115/mo.


who did you call for service?
what was the number?

advrider - 6-3-2022 at 11:44 AM

What kind of money are we talking? For the dish and monthly...

BajaRun - 6-3-2022 at 11:49 AM

$599 for the equipment.
$110/month for service
$25/ month for portability (take it with you if your are a Nomad/ RV'r)

or
$135/month if you get the "RV" Plan

[Edited on 6-3-2022 by BajaRun]

[Edited on 6-3-2022 by BajaRun]

advrider - 6-3-2022 at 12:00 PM

Thanks, that's not a bad price for someone that needs to be connected.

PaulW - 6-8-2022 at 07:15 AM

Firsthand use of Starlink mobile
https://www.race-dezert.com/forum/threads/starlink.138441/

SFandH - 6-8-2022 at 08:22 AM

Quote: Originally posted by PaulW  
Firsthand use of Starlink mobile
https://www.race-dezert.com/forum/threads/starlink.138441/


Good Starlink information video from the link above:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfPGb6vPU4E

RFClark - 6-8-2022 at 09:51 AM

We’re going to switch to RV as soon as we can!

bajabrant - 6-10-2022 at 04:19 PM

in mulege--ordered starlink sunday and it shipped tuesday awaiting arrival

Bob and Susan - 6-11-2022 at 06:47 AM

bajabrant...tell us how it works...we will follow your lead

bajabrant - 6-13-2022 at 03:55 PM

starlink devivered today. that was 8 days from order to delivered. my neighbor who works online has had hers for about 2 months and says very pleased

Bob and Susan - 6-13-2022 at 04:14 PM

did you just order it online?

bajabrant - 6-13-2022 at 04:26 PM

download the app and order off it

Bob and Susan - 6-13-2022 at 06:03 PM

im on it like you...i hope it works like advertised

Udo - 6-15-2022 at 09:20 AM

Perhaps the monthly service fee will drop soon. I would like to get it mostly because our internet in San Felipe, has temporary "blurps" and we lose service from a minute to perhaps a half hour. Then it comes back. It is very annoying when watching TV via wi-fi.

We also have the same problem in Ensenada.
This appears to be a problem in the US as well because I see internet service ads that specifically mention "no temporary service outages."

Bob and Susan - 6-15-2022 at 09:56 AM

we have the same problem with via sat

it drops for a second

StarLink Outages Last 12 Hrs

RFClark - 6-15-2022 at 10:06 AM

This is about average. Speeds have been good too! We’ve moved all our cameras and automation over to this unit which is in the new house.

CBB8D5CB-6EED-4A83-AF9D-15F4691D8FE0.png - 133kB

Udo - 6-15-2022 at 10:47 AM

No one has been able to provide an answer to the temporary outages in US or Mexico.
Quote: Originally posted by Bob and Susan  
we have the same problem with via sat

it drops for a second

RFClark - 6-15-2022 at 10:57 AM

Consider that Viasat has at least a 1sec delay every time you hit return!

Bob and Susan - 6-15-2022 at 11:47 AM

its fast enough /..
i can make phone calls

its just not stable

Starlink and solar power

SFandH - 6-19-2022 at 01:19 PM

I've read the hardware draws 100 watts. Is it a hassle to restart the system after you have pulled the plug or do you just plug it in and go?

Bob and Susan - 6-19-2022 at 02:00 PM

bajabrant says its plug and play

you need to download the starlink app

we ordered our and its on the way....we have a DHL tracking number

it comes from a town near mexico city

cost was about 780usa paid in pesos

update later

Timinator - 6-22-2022 at 05:33 AM

I'm on several Facebook Starlink pages, including "Hacks" and "RV'ers" and there are some people with problems, but, for the most part, everybody is plug and play. I'm not down at our place now, but when I was, we didn't have a single outage or drop from the moment it was plugged in till I told it to "stow" on the phone app, then unplugged it and put it away.

Starlink has NO PHONE NUMBER at all for Customer Service, it's all done via opening a ticket online. Sometimes you get an answer in less than a day, sometimes not for weeks according to what I've heard. I had some questions about business plans and address info when I was trying to figure out a way to pay for the Mexican dish in the states. My questions were answered in a few hours.

There are some tricks to resetting the system; unplugging and plugging back in 3 times quickly, or so I've heard. Sometimes this allows you to start fresh. But like i said, I plugged mine in and 2 minutes later I had 100 Mbps and it went up from there over the next 24 hours (as it downloads new software updates).

If you thinking about one, join a few facebook pages and read, you'll get your all your questions answered.

KaceyJ - 6-22-2022 at 07:35 AM

Quote: Originally posted by SFandH  
I've read the hardware draws 100 watts. Is it a hassle to restart the system after you have pulled the plug or do you just plug it in and go?



Solar power w battery back up would be the most stable.
If there is a power glitch for a microsecond it resets , but does it all by itself.
We installed it in the Mulege area a couple of months back .
Easy install as could be , color coded plug and play.
I'd guesstimate an average of 80 Mbps speed and at times has ran over 200
momentarily .

SFandH - 6-22-2022 at 11:28 AM

Quote: Originally posted by KaceyJ  
Quote: Originally posted by SFandH  
I've read the hardware draws 100 watts. Is it a hassle to restart the system after you have pulled the plug or do you just plug it in and go?



Solar power w battery back up would be the most stable.
If there is a power glitch for a microsecond it resets , but does it all by itself.
We installed it in the Mulege area a couple of months back .
Easy install as could be , color coded plug and play.
I'd guesstimate an average of 80 Mbps speed and at times has ran over 200
momentarily .


I wouldn't want to power the system overnight, especially if it draws 100 watts just sitting there. I have an RV solar setup with lead acid batteries. It works fine for my needs. That's why I'm asking about shutting it down (I turn off the inverter at night) and powering on when I want to connect.

RFClark - 6-22-2022 at 10:31 PM

On a 48v system a 40W fan, router and StarLink draw 4A. That is way less than my VIASAT box!

The StarLink system restarts in about 2min.

[Edited on 6-23-2022 by RFClark]

SFandH - 6-23-2022 at 07:00 AM

Quote: Originally posted by RFClark  
On a 48v system a 40W fan, router and StarLink draw 4A. That is way less than my VIASAT box!

The StarLink system restarts in about 2min.

[Edited on 6-23-2022 by RFClark]


That's what I was looking for. Thanks.

48*4 = 192 - 40 = 152.

So Starlink plus router = 152 watts. Re-boot takes about 2 minutes.

Is the router part of the Starlink system or a separate box you use for your network?

Bob and Susan - 6-23-2022 at 09:52 AM

isnt 4amps 500 watts

TSThornton - 6-23-2022 at 09:59 AM

SFandH, there are only two pieces to the complete system (other than cords), the dish and the router:

SFandH - 6-23-2022 at 10:00 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Bob and Susan  
isnt 4amps 500 watts


yes, at 125 volts, RFClark said 48 volts

watts = volts * amps, but you know that.

Bob and Susan - 6-28-2022 at 11:50 AM

starlink arrived...

plug and play

internet speed 180 down 36 up
FAST

everyone should dump viasat and get starlink

the antenna has a motor and automaticly finds SATS
just set it outside

took 3 days to get from mexico city to la paz
sat in DHL wearhouse for a week because they only go up once a week for deliveries

I had it delivered to a local business
tracking was online and delivery was posted immediately

the starlink app is not compatibale with android
iphone is perfered
i may need to get a new phone next trip north

SFandH - 6-28-2022 at 12:46 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Bob and Susan  
starlink arrived...

plug and play

internet speed 180 down 36 up
FAST



That's fast. I wonder how speeds will decrease when subscriptions increase. I bet the satellites zooming over your part of Baja don't have many connections.......yet.

mtgoat666 - 6-28-2022 at 12:55 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Bob and Susan  


the starlink app is not compatibale with android
iphone is perfered
i may need to get a new phone next trip north


after you set it up, is the app even needed?
what is purpose of app? cant you just connect laptop directly to router/wifi and make system adjustments that way?

Bob and Susan - 6-28-2022 at 01:13 PM

starlink comes with its own wifi...
you need the app to use that and secure it

we use another fast wifi router with extenders that actually work

we'll need to get a iphone to set up the system complletely

It does work now...its actually faster than wired cable internet in southern california

it could get slower

my account is mexican

Don Pisto - 6-28-2022 at 02:20 PM

anyone know if a neighbor with the network key can share? be nice to split the cost

Bob and Susan - 6-28-2022 at 02:23 PM

get deco wifi with extenders

plug into modem and away you go

its about 110 a month usa
mine is in pesos about 2400 pesos a month with

viasat was 61bucks a month

SFandH - 6-28-2022 at 03:06 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Don Pisto  
anyone know if a neighbor with the network key can share? be nice to split the cost


Don't know for sure but I imagine anybody within the wifi signal range that has the wifi password can use it.

Bob and Susan - 6-28-2022 at 03:12 PM

range will be about 100 feet
without extender

SFandH - 6-28-2022 at 03:33 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Bob and Susan  


the starlink app is not compatibale with android
iphone is perfered
i may need to get a new phone next trip north


So if you buy an iPhone how much have you spent setting up Starlink?

There's a Starlink android app in the Google Play Store. The issue might be your phone's firmware capabilities, not its operating system.

[Edited on 6-28-2022 by SFandH]

Bob and Susan - 6-28-2022 at 04:34 PM

its the phone...

not the android part...

cost is not important when you are addicted to the internet : )

mtgoat666 - 6-28-2022 at 05:20 PM

Quote: Originally posted by SFandH  
Quote: Originally posted by Bob and Susan  


the starlink app is not compatibale with android
iphone is perfered
i may need to get a new phone next trip north


So if you buy an iPhone how much have you spent setting up Starlink?

There's a Starlink android app in the Google Play Store. The issue might be your phone's firmware capabilities, not its operating system.

[Edited on 6-28-2022 by SFandH]


I find it hard to believe that the starlink app is not designed to work equally well on both iOS and android.
Try updating your Android and app versions and see if app works better.
Easier to de-bug your existing phone than spend time/money on new phone.

PaulW - 7-1-2022 at 06:49 AM

Starlink approved for mobile use
https://www.theverge.com/2022/6/30/23190463/spacex-starlink-...

SFandH - 7-1-2022 at 08:39 AM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  
Quote: Originally posted by SFandH  
Quote: Originally posted by Bob and Susan  


the starlink app is not compatibale with android
iphone is perfered
i may need to get a new phone next trip north


So if you buy an iPhone how much have you spent setting up Starlink?

There's a Starlink android app in the Google Play Store. The issue might be your phone's firmware capabilities, not its operating system.

[Edited on 6-28-2022 by SFandH]


I find it hard to believe that the starlink app is not designed to work equally well on both iOS and android.
Try updating your Android and app versions and see if app works better.
Easier to de-bug your existing phone than spend time/money on new phone.


Here's the Google Play Starlink app for android phones. The page tells me: "This app is not available for any of your devices." Other apps work fine on my phone.

I think my Samsung Galaxy phone lacks some firmware capabilities that Starlink wants. Judging from what I've read, it works on some android phones but many people have trouble using it.

Maybe an update would work.

???

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.starlink.m...

Here's a reddit thread:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Starlink/comments/ppk92v/list_of_ce...




[Edited on 7-1-2022 by SFandH]

mjs - 7-1-2022 at 10:19 AM

Old phone or version of android? Is there a firmware/ android update available from your phone mfg?

The starlink app works fine on my Samsung tablet and Motorola phone. You should be able to look in settings to find the software version that you are using.

Bob and Susan - 7-1-2022 at 01:48 PM

today starlink a little slow...

94 down
46 up

wow
i only need 5 to stream

mtgoat666 - 7-8-2022 at 08:07 PM

STARLINK MARITIME
High-speed, low-latency internet with up to 350 Mbps download while at sea. $5,000/mo with a one-time hardware cost of $10,000 for two high performance terminals.
https://www.starlink.com/maritime

:bounce:

:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::no::no::no:






[Edited on 7-9-2022 by mtgoat666]

elgatoloco - 7-10-2022 at 03:54 PM

https://spaceflightnow.com/2022/07/10/falcon-9-starlink-3-1-...

HeyMulegeScott - 7-14-2022 at 11:01 AM

FYI if you are ordering with a Baja California Sur shipping address the state code is BS. No bull. Friends were having problems with BCS on the website.

El Jefe - 7-14-2022 at 04:02 PM

Quote: Originally posted by HeyMulegeScott  
FYI if you are ordering with a Baja California Sur shipping address the state code is BS. No bull. Friends were having problems with BCS on the website.


BS! That's for sure! I spent hours trying to enter the shipping address just two days ago. Wish I had seen this first! I started with my nephew's address and when that didn't work I tried a friend's office address. I kept getting a message that it was not a valid address. Finally by random blind luck I put in BS instead of BCS or Baja California Sur for the state and it worked. Whew!

There is no human you can chat with at Starlink, and the help system robot was no help.

At least my Dishy is on the way. I'll report back after installation.

SFandH - 7-14-2022 at 04:32 PM

Quote: Originally posted by El Jefe  
Quote: Originally posted by HeyMulegeScott  
FYI if you are ordering with a Baja California Sur shipping address the state code is BS. No bull. Friends were having problems with BCS on the website.


BS! That's for sure! I spent hours trying to enter the shipping address just two days ago. Wish I had seen this first! I started with my nephew's address and when that didn't work I tried a friend's office address. I kept getting a message that it was not a valid address. Finally by random blind luck I put in BS instead of BCS or Baja California Sur for the state and it worked. Whew!

There is no human you can chat with at Starlink, and the help system robot was no help.

At least my Dishy is on the way. I'll report back after installation.



Just guessing, but I would bet the programmer wrote the code so only 2 letter state codes are valid.

BS is the official two-letter code for BCS. Everybody knows that, right?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Mexico_State-Abbrevia...

The system should use a drop-down select box with the state names spelled out in alphabetical order.



[Edited on 7-14-2022 by SFandH]

Villas - 7-14-2022 at 08:21 PM

I had the same issue ended up using BC and the right local postal code, will see if it shows up,
On another note, they said they can’t issue facturas on the personnel account, of course that is not the right answer, they are required to issue a factura with proper info, they asked for mine, but processed it with the generic non resident one, than when I asked that it be in the business name, they said this is residential service, I answered, yes the house is owned by a business and I need the factura to document expenses correctly, I don’t want a business account.

They have not answered back,

To start a ticket with them, just go to any FAQ, and then down at the bottom click the thumbs down button and presto you open up a ticket, even though they close the ticket, also keep your conversation with the same ticket, ( apparently it keeps your ticket close to the top of the response que)

Villas - 7-19-2022 at 06:10 PM

Delivered today even with the wrong state code , currently out of the country a friend is setting it up, located in Pescadero

55steve - 7-20-2022 at 10:52 PM

A friend took it south on a multi-day trip on a fishing boat out of San Diego and it worked fine.

Timinator - 7-21-2022 at 04:36 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Villas  
Delivered today even with the wrong state code , currently out of the country a friend is setting it up, located in Pescadero


Be sure to have the SL app on your phone and connected to your dishy, not your buddies phone after you return.

Villas - 7-21-2022 at 08:10 PM

He tried a zoom call and gave up after 10 minutes and went back to his other network, too much latency,

I can see the speeds on the app also, not so bueno. 44 down and 40 up during the day, when SL says less demand,

I just can’t see the latency with the SL app, have to use an other app, on the Wi-Fi to really know how its doing.

Bob and Susan - 7-22-2022 at 08:52 AM

today

SPEED.jpg - 75kB

apple - 7-22-2022 at 02:25 PM

Have any of you bought a travel case for yours yet? I'm thinking about one of these: https://www.caseman.com/product/starlink-travel-case/

RFClark - 7-23-2022 at 08:37 AM

That’s a Pelican Case! Harbor Freight sells a case like that which will hold everything except the base (for the new square antenna) for around $60 U.S.

eastmeetswest - 7-24-2022 at 05:52 PM

I signed up for beta more than a year ago. Finally got the email last week. Paid my money and ordered the dishy, etc. I used the PLUS code for my address because my house is off grid. I got the notice saying it is shipped and tracking information. I am in Canada for the summer. I guess we will see if it shows up and do the install in the Fall.

Villas - 7-24-2022 at 06:05 PM

not muy bueno, and not very good latency

Villas - 7-24-2022 at 06:13 PM

Only 4 by 4 today on mine

Don Pisto - 7-24-2022 at 06:46 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Villas  
Only 4 by 4 today on mine


translation?

RFClark - 7-24-2022 at 08:52 PM

“4 by 4” Radio talk! I’ve noticed that heavy cloud cover does slow and even stop starLink from working. It also does the same thing to the other satellite systems, point to point terrestrial systems (rain, snow, fog and dust) and your solar panels!

Readability/signal strength table:

The scales are as follow (in the format # – readability scale – strength):
1 – unreadable – bad
2 – now & then – poor
3 – with difficulty – fair
4 – readable – good
5 – perfect – excellent
So a “4 by 4” means “Good” I don't know where this ties into a digital transmission but that’s what the numbers mean!

PaulW - 7-25-2022 at 02:07 PM

Another option
Starlink case review
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1057976028164700
=== = =
Quote: Originally posted by RFClark  
That’s a Pelican Case! Harbor Freight sells a case like that which will hold everything except the base (for the new square antenna) for around $60 U.S.

Villas - 7-28-2022 at 09:41 PM

4mbps down and up a little slow,

BajaParrothead - 7-28-2022 at 10:09 PM

Here's a thorough review off of the Facebook Everything Los Barriles page:
I have been using starlink for about a week now. I am a heavy user and have really tried to put it through its paces. Download speeds are great, but do vary greatly; I have seen as low as 28, and as high as 300. Upload speeds are ok, they sit around 20-30. Latency isnt great compared to terrestrial options, but much better than any other satellite option. Streaming works well; Zoom calls work ok - I have been on approximately 12 zoom meetings.... I have gotten the "Your internet connection is unstable" on multiple occasions. VOIP calls work ok(This is where latency comes into play). I havent tried gaming on the system. On the Starlink phone app you can monitor service drops; the first day I had about 40x service drops of 10 - 20 seconds. Since then it has improved and I average only 2 - 5 service drops of 15 seconds per day. My dish is on the roof, with absolutely zero obstructions in any direction.
My overall opinion (Its a biased opinion of course!), is that it does work well for a satellite option, no other satellite company can compete. But it didn't work as well as I had expected - due to the frequent drops in connection. Once we get our Fiber Optics system in to the neighborhoods it should be a better option at a better price.

volcano3 - 9-29-2022 at 12:05 PM

question: we are looking at getting Starlink...we are in a remote area with no cell service. Does one have to have cell phone service onsite in order to set the router up ? We would be shutting down when not actively using....... so is this an impossibility?

RFClark - 9-29-2022 at 12:12 PM

Hi,

You set up your new service on the Starlink website. If you have wifi calling it will just work. If you are in Mexico make sure it will work there. T Mobile PrePaid is a good choice. Our Mexico Starlink bill this month was reduced to $54 US!

Don Pisto - 9-29-2022 at 12:20 PM

more and more folks sharing bandwidth, ours went from full gallop to SLOWLINK:(.....I am in a highly populated area, Elon needs to get more birds up there. often completely useless.

Don Pisto - 9-29-2022 at 12:27 PM

Quote: Originally posted by volcano3  
question: we are looking at getting Starlink...we are in a remote area with no cell service. Does one have to have cell phone service onsite in order to set the router up ? We would be shutting down when not actively using....... so is this an impossibility?


phone app is a handy tool but NOT required.

mtgoat666 - 9-29-2022 at 12:55 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Don Pisto  
more and more folks sharing bandwidth, ours went from full gallop to SLOWLINK:(.....I am in a highly populated area, Elon needs to get more birds up there. often completely useless.


The news has had several stories about starlink speed decreasing as users increased.
A variety is studies say 35% of worldwide bandwidth is pornography, so perhaps the biggest use of starlink bandwidth is porn. Lately becoming slow-motion porn :lol::lol::lol::lol::no: