News for hackers. Stuff that matters.
Re:Setting up Starlink by LimaBearz on Saturday April 10, 2021 @03:43PM (#26764446)
Hows the gimble, I read its auto stabilizing is that true? And how well built is the dish, do you think it can handle long periods of constant wind exposure of 15+ knots

I've been contemplating putting one on my boat for use while at anchor. There is constant movement but its horrible

Re:Setting up Starlink by walrus01 on Saturday April 10, 2021 @05:23PM (#26765259)
It's not a gimbal, it's a set of stepper motors and gears. It's not designed for constant movement or tracking. The current starlink terminal is a dual beamforming phased array that will align itself to have its flat face oriented towards the area above you that has the highest simultaneous density of satellites at any given point in time. Beta terminals in north WA state, for example, are angled about 10 degrees off flat, looking slightly north.

In fact a current starlink terminal (which has a 6-axis sensor and GPS receiver built into it) will turn itself off if it detects movement. The terminals for things like yachts are not available to the public yet, though I have no doubt they're in the works.

Re:Setting up Starlink by geerlingguy on Saturday April 10, 2021 @04:26PM (#26764825)
The dish basically locks into an orientation after it links up with the satellites, so it's not really a "gimbal" in that it's not constantly moving around.

The dish is heavy and feels tough; I'd be more worried about your mount than the dish itself with regard to wind; we're having 40 mph gusts today in St. Louis and dishy's working fine.

I'm more worried about hail, though... hopefully we can avoid the golf ball variety this spring.

Re:Setting up Starlink by appleiigs on Saturday April 10, 2021 @08:42PM (#26766637)
I’ve had 80km/h winds and it’s just sitting on the bare ground without being fastened. Also had -25C temp and knee high snow drifts. No issues.