Convenient Starlink Mini mount + Video

[Leo Snow]

I didn’t want to permanently install Starlink on the roof or on the glass roof inside (because I’ll have a RTT there and it’ll obstruct the Starlink connection). Instead, I decided to install it under the windshield.

This setup is very useful for road trips, camping, and more, especially if you don’t use it all the time but need it occasionally.

In short, I bought a 99Wh battery with camera mounts, printed a bumper case, and got a quick-release camera mount (male and female). I mounted the entire assembly under the windshield.

It works perfectly this way and is quite stable. The battery lasts about 4 hours, but if you need it for a longer period, you can plug it into a USB-C port, and it will work almost indefinitely (just make sure to use a fast USB-C).

You can mount it on any camera tripod as well if you need it outside, you can put it on the ground and it’ll work and it's compact enough to have it in a backpack.

I love how it came out.

Here's the video as well, it was fun to figure everything out :

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[mitch9]

Leo, do you have a link for those camera mounts, and can you show the detail of how you mounted the phone mount to the Cybertruck dashboard.. did you screw it in, use epoxy, double sided tape.. etc

 

[Leo Snow]

Leo, do you have a link for those camera mounts, and can you show the detail of how you mounted the phone mount to the Cybertruck dashboard.. did you screw it in, use epoxy, double sided tape.. etc

Sure, I added all the things I used to mount in the video description. I think it'll be easier to understand if you take a look .

I'll try to explain though (I'm terrible at explaining, heh): basically, there's a tray you put behind the screen—it has camera gear thread inserts. The tray itself sits there pretty well, and you just attach the Ulanzi Claw to it using a male-to-male camera screw. After that, it's elementary—you just slap it on the mount when needed (like I did in the video).

I wouldn't use this solution on extremely bumpy off-roading when everything is shaky, just in case, but it'll do medium off-roading to paved roads no problem.

 

[mitch9]

I watched your embedded video, after opening it in a browser, I see the links

https://www.amazon.com/Cybertruck-Accessories-Hidden-Navigation-Dashboard-Sunglasses/dp/B0DHNFHQDN?crid=MB5WMDBFJKKI&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9._1iCSicQuuUDjYu8qAM2zGGxoe9RsrJPTr4nH4NIWsLOIVvgK7A_awTdZrDR3E7c6m5W_8I98xGAZ8xPI_tMY9A04W6GR6gy66KGK0a_TTYcp68GEoDmWankA6nR1T8x9mP1R8c5vnf8qHTvZOBGKvyV2uFtDrxboO_4I8sLTKFINYRyXV2rTUoa6b7GdHJwsZ8tm6I1tyZPckr_s3zDJMP8xJZy694EtW7s-CLvH6s.z_KwWNgsQHNCMpYIqXSqLrjy8p09fEeUt2EIgvhcc5o&dib_tag=se&keywords=cybertruck+compartment+behind+screen&qid=1766350972&sprefix=cybertruck+compartment+behind+scree,aps,217&sr=8-16&th=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=leoenin0b-20&linkId=0bfba248edbf8f0dc8a3d3a5346f0755&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

That probably won't work for me, I have my screen on the swivel mount, it's no longer fixed, pivots left/right and up/down about 30 degrees. I also found TPU covers on Amazon for $20-$30, appreciate the 3D print on the H2D, but I have an X1 Carbon, can't see upgrading it for this print, lol

I did buy the Spigen under glass removable mount when they where on sale a month ago or so, think I will stick with that for now.

https://www.spigen.com/products/starlink-mini-car-mount-stl100

Mitch

 

[Leo Snow]

Totally, it's about personal preferences for how to organize the space and how to mod the items we like. I was thinking about a silicon case, but decided to do something different because I wanted to get something maximally robust (that I can control, and I don't really like the feel of silicon, it's a good material, but not for finish imo) + fit the best the battery I chose.

 

[raww1023]

I watched your video this morning. Thanks for sharing your setup and how you went about it. Give me food for thought on some things on my own setup.
Question on the battery for the starlink does it have anything that you can keep plug in to a power source for long periods of time and not have it over charge the battery?

 

[Leo Snow]

Do you mean a BMS? Based on what I found (it's not 100% though as their website doesn't confirm that) it looks like their power bank uses USB‑C power delivery with an onboard bms that governs charge current, voltage, and temperature (all this info is available on the screen). So logically - it should be completely fine to keep it plugged in and not overcharge the cells.

 

[hemiarch]

Do you mean a BMS? Based on what I found (it's not 100% though as their website doesn't confirm that) it looks like their power bank uses USB‑C power delivery with an onboard bms that governs charge current, voltage, and temperature (all this info is available on the screen). So logically - it should be completely fine to keep it plugged in and not overcharge the cells.

Thanks again for the always awesome posts. Based on our discussion of the fridge I thought you were philosophically opposed to the idea of continuous use of a battery as a voltage convertor because of heat generation.
doss this peek-do battery get hot used in this application? In particular under the windshield where greenhouse effect is a factor too?
Does this little battery have active themal management like a fan or something of that nature?

 

[Leo Snow]

Thanks again for the always awesome posts. Based on our discussion of the fridge I thought you were philosophically opposed to the idea of continuous use of a battery as a voltage convertor because of heat generation.
doss this peek-do battery get hot used in this application? In particular under the windshield where greenhouse effect is a factor too?
Does this little battery have active themal management like a fan or something of that nature?

Hey, no problem. Thank you for checking in on me

Just to clarify my logic: I am not really opposed to using battery or continuous power for accessories. I am thinking mostly about convenience because I do not want to constantly plug and unplug things like for example the fridge. The fridge is a stationary object for me that should be there all the time. When it is warm outside, it is a fridge that cools down drinks. When it is cold outside, it is just storage that keeps all my different items inside.

Starlink is different because 90% of the time during our road trips, we have internet connections through our cellular plans for Canada (+the USA and Mexico). So if there is no problem with internet, and I only need Starlink occasionally for wifi access when we are very far into the wilds (which is quite rare) then why would I install it permanently? This is why I think Starlink should be used occasionally (in our use case obv), and why I am not considering it as a permanent installation like many people do.

So I think about it as something I want to have sometimes in my truck on the go, sometimes at the campsite, sometimes even in my backpack, and sometimes on top of my truck plugged in for an extended period, yet not permanently. I came up with this solution.

So I can confirm that I am not going to use it continuously all the time (there's no point for me), but rather I would use it for extended periods of time such as: If we go to camp, I can plug it into my truck for a day or two and it will provide me an internet connection and it will be fine for sure feeding from the battery while charging the same battery. Or if something happens and I need it on the go, I just slap it under the windshield and I will have about 3 to 4 hours of wifi. And if that is not enough, I will also plug it into a USB-C cable and I'll get it working continuosly. That is my use case for it.

doss this peek-do battery get hot used in this application? In particular under the windshield where greenhouse effect is a factor too?

It gets warm, but definitely nothing critical. It is just normal battery discharging heat. I am pretty certain that when you are in the truck and you are driving, it will be fine because the AC is working and it should cool down the interior just enough for the battery to function normally. If you go somewhere like a campsite, you just put it on a tripod and use it as a normal Starlink, but it is more convenient because you can use any camera tripod. I just like the USB-C connection a little bit more as a continuous source of power. It is easier to maintain and easier to find the cable if you lose it.

 

[hemiarch]

Hey, no problem. Thank you for checking in on me

Just to clarify my logic: I am not really opposed to using battery or continuous power for accessories. I am thinking mostly about convenience because I do not want to constantly plug and unplug things like for example the fridge. The fridge is a stationary object for me that should be there all the time. When it is warm outside, it is a fridge that cools down drinks. When it is cold outside, it is just storage that keeps all my different items inside.

Starlink is different because 90% of the time during our road trips, we have internet connections through our cellular plans for Canada (+the USA and Mexico). So if there is no problem with internet, and I only need Starlink occasionally for wifi access when we are very far into the wilds (which is quite rare) then why would I install it permanently? This is why I think Starlink should be used occasionally (in our use case obv), and why I am not considering it as a permanent installation like many people do.

So I think about it as something I want to have sometimes in my truck on the go, sometimes at the campsite, sometimes even in my backpack, and sometimes on top of my truck plugged in for an extended period, yet not permanently. I came up with this solution.

So I can confirm that I am not going to use it continuously all the time (there's no point for me), but rather I would use it for extended periods of time such as: If we go to camp, I can plug it into my truck for a day or two and it will provide me an internet connection and it will be fine for sure feeding from the battery while charging the same battery. Or if something happens and I need it on the go, I just slap it under the windshield and I will have about 3 to 4 hours of wifi. And if that is not enough, I will also plug it into a USB-C cable and I'll get it working continuosly. That is my use case for it.



It gets warm, but definitely nothing critical. It is just normal battery discharging heat. I am pretty certain that when you are in the truck and you are driving, it will be fine because the AC is working and it should cool down the interior just enough for the battery to function normally. If you go somewhere like a campsite, you just put it on a tripod and use it as a normal Starlink, but it is more convenient because you can use any camera tripod. I just like the USB-C connection a little bit more as a continuous source of power. It is easier to maintain and easier to find the cable if you lose it.

Very logical approach which I entirely agree with. Certainly not checking in on you, just appreciate the discussions. Always learn a lot from you as do many others and the banter/brainstorming helps me so I imagine it also helps some others better understand and assimilate the valuable information you’re choosing to share
One point to consider with respect to running the Starlink continuously on the $5 standby mode though. Having continuous WiFi in the car when you walk away from it can in fact be useful in some use cases.
I sometimes keep insulin in the fridge in the cabin and when we go camping I sometimes keep frozen things in my subtrunk freezer. Specifically, we like to bring home seafood from the coast or take grilling meat with us when we go camping. I also use an Ecoflow air conditioner when we camp.
if you have continuous low data and your power station runs these items you can easily tell what’s on by the draw from said power station and actually control it remotely via WiFi too.
So, with a glance at your phone you can tell if the fridge and/or freezer are running or start preconditioning your tent with the portable ac when you’re headed back to camp.
Not essential features but nice to have. Especially if you leave a solar setup to charge the car that potentially benefits from app adjustment of charging speed based on power station SOC.
I imagine there are people who also have other use cases like WiFi connected hunting cameras or other devices that benefit from continuous internet that I may not be thinking of.

 

[raww1023]

I enjoy all these different discussions. As I use my truck as a mobile office which I use the starlink all day but also have a second cell phone as a hot spot and a 5g sim in a router to load shed everything. I maybe a little over the top.

 

[EWELON]

I watched your embedded video, after opening it in a browser, I see the links

https://www.amazon.com/Cybertruck-Accessories-Hidden-Navigation-Dashboard-Sunglasses/dp/B0DHNFHQDN?crid=MB5WMDBFJKKI&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9._1iCSicQuuUDjYu8qAM2zGGxoe9RsrJPTr4nH4NIWsLOIVvgK7A_awTdZrDR3E7c6m5W_8I98xGAZ8xPI_tMY9A04W6GR6gy66KGK0a_TTYcp68GEoDmWankA6nR1T8x9mP1R8c5vnf8qHTvZOBGKvyV2uFtDrxboO_4I8sLTKFINYRyXV2rTUoa6b7GdHJwsZ8tm6I1tyZPckr_s3zDJMP8xJZy694EtW7s-CLvH6s.z_KwWNgsQHNCMpYIqXSqLrjy8p09fEeUt2EIgvhcc5o&dib_tag=se&keywords=cybertruck+compartment+behind+screen&qid=1766350972&sprefix=cybertruck+compartment+behind+scree,aps,217&sr=8-16&th=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=leoenin0b-20&linkId=0bfba248edbf8f0dc8a3d3a5346f0755&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

That probably won't work for me, I have my screen on the swivel mount, it's no longer fixed, pivots left/right and up/down about 30 degrees. I also found TPU covers on Amazon for $20-$30, appreciate the 3D print on the H2D, but I have an X1 Carbon, can't see upgrading it for this print, lol

I did buy the Spigen under glass removable mount when they where on sale a month ago or so, think I will stick with that for now.

https://www.spigen.com/products/starlink-mini-car-mount-stl100

Mitch

would the battery pack shown in the video work with this spiegen mount? seems like it would which would be awesome.

 

[hemiarch]

would the battery pack shown in the video work with this spiegen mount? seems like it would which would be awesome.

Which Spegen mount?

 

[EWELON]

Which Spegen mount?

https://www.spigen.com/products/starlink-mini-car-mount-stl100

I dont yet own a starlink. but im deep in the rabbit hole of considering it. planning a drive from pennsylvania to wisconsin next year, ans have a trip to shenandoah also planned so it seems like the best time to jump in.

this mini battery pack is pretty cool. the ct dash is so vast that mounting it to the dash seems like the best idea.

 

[Leo Snow]

https://www.spigen.com/products/starlink-mini-car-mount-stl100

I dont yet own a starlink. but im deep in the rabbit hole of considering it. planning a drive from pennsylvania to wisconsin next year, ans have a trip to shenandoah also planned so it seems like the best time to jump in.

this mini battery pack is pretty cool. the ct dash is so vast that mounting it to the dash seems like the best idea.

I don't think it will work properly with this type of mount AND this battery because it relies on two lips to hold it in place. While it is fine on one side, it should not work on the other side since the battery is flush and there is nothing to grab when the battery pack is installed.

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