One cornerstone of a fantastic tailgate setup is having a TV on-site to catch pregame shows and other games before heading into the stadium. However, unreliable TV signals in certain tailgating lots can disrupt the experience, things like physical obstructions and distance from broadcast stations often cause frozen screens or no signal at all.
Dish Tailgater System
Many tailgaters have tried portable satellite systems like the Dish Tailgater to solve this issue. While this system is generally effective, it still is prone to problems like signal obstruction from stadiums, trees, or even bad cables.
Additionally, any movement of the satellite can require a tedious reconnecting process, which always seems to happen right in the middle of the game. This frustration led me to explore alternatives—and that’s when I discovered the Starlink Mini by SpaceX.
Starlink Mini Kit
The Starlink Mini is a satellite-based internet system with access to over 7,000 satellites deployed around the globe. With high-speed, reliable internet access across the U.S., it’s a game-changer for tailgaters. Pairing the Starlink Mini with a streaming service like YouTube TV unlocks access to virtually any game you’d want to watch, including the NFL Sunday Ticket package.
Unboxing and Setup
When you purchase the Starlink Mini, everything comes neatly packed in one cardboard box. For convenience, I bought a carrying case to keep everything organized and safe from damage.
Unlike traditional portable satellite systems, the Starlink Mini simplifies the process—no need for the satellite dome, receivers, or remote controls. There is just one small, square antenna and a thin power cord. Here’s how easy it is to set up:
- Assembling the Antenna: The antenna connects securely with a ridged barrel jack designed to keep water out. The cord provided is 50 feet long, offering plenty of flexibility for placement.
- Aligning the Satellite: After plugging everything in, you use the Starlink app on your phone to align the antenna northward. The app’s interface helps ensure proper alignment, and once connected, the system is good to go.
- Connecting to the TV: Once the alignment was complete, I connected my Smart TV to the Starlink network. From there, I accessed YouTube TV and enjoyed uninterrupted streaming.
Performance in Real-Life Tailgating
In a tailgating environment with approximately 20 RVs, the Starlink Mini performed exceptionally well. The internet speeds hovered around 75-80 Mbps, more than sufficient for streaming multiple games.
The connection remained stable with no buffering for more than 6 hours. For context, streaming in HD typically requires only 15-20 Mbps, so this level of performance was impressive to me.
Energy Efficiency and Portability
The consumes just 25-35 watts of power, making it compatible with various power sources. Whether you use a generator, portable power station, or an inverter(100 watts plus) plugged into your vehicle’s cigarette lighter, powering the device is straightforward and efficient.
Costs and Subscription Plans
Starlink offers two subscription plans:
- Unlimited Plan: $165 per month for unlimited data.
- 50 GB Plan: $50 per month, which provides around 20+ hours of HD streaming.
The service is month-to-month, so you’re only charged when you use it. If you choose the 50 GB plan and approach the data limit, you can easily add more data through the app.
The equipment costs $599 plus shipping, but purchasing directly from the Starlink website includes a 30-day trial period with a full refund if you’re unsatisfied.
Free Month: Referral Program
If you purchase the Starlink Mini through their website using a referral link, both you and the referrer receive a free month of service after the 30-day trial period. This is a great way to test the product risk-free.
So, if you’ve found this information to be helpful and you would like to try the Starlink Mini for yourself, I’ve included my link and appreciate the support!
Final Thoughts
The Starlink Mini is a great option for tailgaters who want to stream TV and receive uninterrupted access to games while in a crowded parking lot. Its portability, ease of use, and stable connection make it a winner for serious fans. If you’re considering upgrading your tailgating setup, the Starlink Mini is a fantastic option to ensure you you can maintain a strong signal while streaming.
