Starlink recently arrived in Brazil as a proposal for fast internet without the need for local infrastructure. The global satellite internet created by Elon Musk, which is already operating in the US and 31 other countries, has recently been worth BRL 530/month here in the country. In addition to subscribing to the internet plan, the user needs to purchase equipment with a one-time cost 3000 BRL – values ​​without taxes and other possible charges.

Despite the popularity of the Starlink Internet around the world, users still have doubts about how it works. In this article “Starlink: what you need to know about satellite Internet Elon Musk“, we explain everything about the company’s low-orbit antennas and satellites, in addition to information about the global coverage network created by SpaceX and as an internet signal in Brazil.

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about installing and running Starlink.

Starlink support page

Does Starlink work between trees?

Starlink needs a “clear view of the sky” so it can stay in touch with satellites as they move in low Earth orbit. For example, tree branches, masts, or a roof can cause service disruptions.

However, the company says many Starlink users live in areas with lots of trees. Since trees can interfere with signal reception, it is recommended to install the antenna at a higher location so that the height compensates for the influence of the environment and improves the chances of passing nearby obstacles. That is: it can work as long as the antenna has no obstacles above the angle of its signal.

Instructions for installing Starlink in places with trees. Image: reproduction/Starlink

How to find out the best place to install an antenna?

Starlink’s own app can map the sky, calculate a possible signal, and show you the best location. In the application, the option “Check for obstacles” or “Visibility” shows signal points in the sky through the camera of the user’s smartphone. To calculate the quality of the connection of the antenna with satellites, the cell phone must be placed as close as possible to the height and height of the Starlink antenna.

The interface of the Starlink application during the descent from the sky. Image: Playback/Connected World

Can extreme temperatures affect the signal?

According to the company, Starlink has been designed and tested to operate in a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions, including snow, hail, heavy rain and extreme heat. Despite its strength, Starlink was not designed to deal with hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes. The product’s website also jokes that the antenna cannot withstand “meteors, dinosaurs, or other extreme forces of nature.”

As for temperature, Starlink promises to work outdoors between -30ºC to 50ºCor -22ºF to 122ºF. The router and power supply are also designed to operate indoors between 0ºC and 30ºC or 32ºF to 86ºF.

The antenna is designed to withstand extreme outdoor temperatures. Image: reproduction/Starlink

The company says that even with this rating, the compound may have “slightly reduced performance” in extreme temperatures.

Can rain and lightning damage the product?

The antenna is designed to operate in wet conditions as it is hydrophobic and has a low affinity for water. In the event of rain or strong winds, the connection may be interrupted. The company recommends the user do not install additional protective covers in Starlink, as it interferes with the operation of the signal, including its ability to melt snow (which we will talk about in the next topic).

Although waterproof, rain can affect signal quality. Image: reproduction/Starlink

As for lightning, Starlink complies grounding requirements US National Electrical Code (NEC). However, in susceptible areas, it is recommended to use an external lightning protection system (lightning rod, ground rod, surge protector, etc.). As with electronics and home appliances, it is recommended to turn off Starlink during thunderstorms to prevent damage to the product from lightning or power surges.

Can the antenna work with snow on top?

Accumulation of a large amount of snow on the antenna may affect service. If Starlink is completely covered in snow, the Internet is most likely down due to an obstruction.

The company also states that icicles do not affect antenna performance. “Most of the time ice doesn’t affect performance, but it can stop the motors from moving if the antenna needs to move” (yes, it moves on its own to search for a signal). If the base of the antenna is covered with snow or ice, the user will receive a warning in the Starlink app.

The antenna positions itself automatically. Playback/Updriver Media Inc.

Solution: That’s why Starlink can melt the snow! With functionality snow melting (melted snow), the antenna automatically uses the heat generated by it to warm and melt the snow above and around it. This feature helps avoid maintenance issues and also eliminates the need to go up to the roof to clear snow from the top of the unit.

cats: Cats seem to have discovered that the antenna can heat up to get rid of the snow, which causes kittens to cluster on top of the antenna, causing signal disruption anyway. Starlink does not protect against cats.

Cats use the antenna heating function in winter. Image: Reproduction / Aaron Taylor

Can you use Starlink outside of your home address?

Yeah. Starlink recently released a new optional portability feature that allows customers to upgrade their account to use a Starlink terminal anywhere on the same continent as their home address. When used outside the customer’s home, the cost of the service may be reduced depending on network usage in the area.

Starlink has a recreational vehicle plan that any home user can use for a variety of purposes such as camps or for people who holiday homes. This means that the user can take their antenna elsewhere.

Can Starlink be used on the go?

Although the mobile version of Starlink has been talked about for a while, it still it’s impossible use the antenna on the move, whether in a car, motorcycle or boat. The company’s FAQ notes that using Starlink on the go will void the kit’s warranty.

“We do not currently support the use of Starlink on the move. Use of the Starlink kit on the move will void the kit’s limited warranty. Although our teams are actively working to allow the use of Starlink on moving vehicles (e.g. cars, trailers, boats). ), Starlink has not yet been configured to be used securely in this way.”

“We do not currently support the use of Starlink on the move. Use of the Starlink kit on the move will void the kit’s limited warranty. Although our teams are actively working to allow the use of Starlink on moving vehicles (e.g. cars, trailers, boats). ), Starlink has not yet been configured to be used securely in this way.”

It is not yet possible to use Starlink on the go. Image: Reproduction/Ars Technica

Is there an additional charge for the portability feature?

The optional Starlink Transfer feature costs $25 per month on top of the regular $110 monthly fee in the US. In other countries, this cost is slightly different, but in most places it is approximately the equivalent of $25.

To hire this service, simply enter the account page on the Starlink app and activate it. The support page states that this change is effective immediately and the customer will be billed for the entire month in the next billing cycle.

Can I add a third party router or mesh?

First, it should be noted that the Starlink router does not have port forwarding capabilities. About connecting your own equipment to Starlink, it is possible. However, the company does not guarantee the performance or compatibility of Starlink and its applications with third party routers or mesh systems.

To connect a third-party router or mesh system, you need to purchase Ethernet adapter in the Starlink store to allow a wired network connection. According to the Starlink website, the company is actively working on the development of the Starlink mesh product.

The following are warnings and instructions about external connections:

• Bypass mode can be enabled through the Starlink app under Settings.
• Bypass mode will completely disable the functionality of the built-in Starlink WiFi router.
• An Ethernet adapter is required to use this feature. Restoring factory settings will require a manual reset.
• The Starlink router does not have a router bypass mode. If you are using your own router or mesh system, we recommend that you physically remove the included Starlink router and use third party equipment with a power supply only.
• The company does not recommend using Starlink in a dual LAN system or placing network switches in line with Starlink and a Starlink or third party router.

The assembly process of the Starlink kit. Image: Playback/Connected World

In terms of security, what method does Starlink use?

The Starlink router uses WPA2 and WPA3 security. Old security standards will not work with a Starlink router.

What do the indicators on the router and power supply mean?

• The Wi-Fi router has indicators in different places depending on the antenna model. For round Starlink (default), the LED is on the front of the router. In the rectangular model (Business), the light is at the bottom of the router.
• Solid white = good internet connection.
• Flashing white = searching for satellites. If the router cannot connect to the Internet within 20 minutes, the indicator will turn red.
• Red = Starlink is not connected.
• No light = no power to the router. Check cable connections to power supply.

The following shows what the colors on the power supply mean:

• Two solid white lights = good network connection.
• Solid white light = make sure everything is securely connected and there is no damage to equipment or cables.
• Lights off = no power to power source. Check the outlet and make sure it is fully connected.
• N/A – The power supply is built into the router.

If you have any questions about the service, installation or transfer of Starlink, go to Customer Support Page.