Seattle Remote Link
Up-Front Details & Questions
Q: Tell me more about what you’re offering.
A: You’re renting a standard Starlink kit, which provides Internet connectivity in remote locations throughout North America, Central America, and Greenland (yes, Greenland. . . don’t ask me why they group Greenland with North America; it’s part of Denmark). The Starlink includes Starlink Roam service, which means that it can be used anywhere in these locations that you can get at least a decent signal from the Starlink satellites.
Q: Can I use this literally anywhere?
A: Yes and no. You can use it anywhere there is Starlink service and a clear view of the sky. If you’re deep in a valley, surrounded by trees, for example, the odds are high that you’re not going to be getting any service. If you’re partially surrounded by trees, you might have better luck. Or, you might not. I’ve been told by past renters, for example, that they didn’t have any luck getting service at Deception Pass.
Q: How do I know if the place I’m planning on using your Starlink setup will actually have coverage?
A: There are no guarantees, but hit up the Starlink coverage map here: https://www.starlink.com/map
Q: Can I travel with your Starlink?
A: Yes.
Q: Can I use your Starlink from a moving vehicle?
A: Nope. That requires a different service, not provided with this rental.
Q: Do you place a cap on the amount of data I can stream with your Starlink?
A: Nope. Stream away!
Q: What if it rains? Is it OK to use the Starlink in the rain? What about snow?
A: Yes, you can use the Starlink in the rain and snow. In fact, the Starlink includes a mode that will melt snow from the dish. The wireless router provided as part of the system, however, is not water resistant (what router really is?), and should be kept away from the elements. The cable I provide allows you 50 feet (approximately 15 meters) of distance between the Starlink and the wireless modem, which should allow you to keep the modem safe from the elements.
Q: Is the Starlink in a case? How big is the case?
A: The Starlink is provided to you in a Pelican 1610 case. The dimensions of the case are 25 inches x 20 inches x 12 inches (or, if you speak metric, 63 cm x 50 cm x 31 cm). Fully loaded with the Starlink components, you’re looking at hauling about 35 pounds of remote internet goodness. Yes, the case weighs more than the Starlink itself.
Q: Do I need power to use the Starlink?
A: Absolutely, yes. You need access to 110 v power. The Starlink plugs in just like any appliance.
Q: I have a small, portable power bank that I use to recharge my phone / iPad / computer. Will that work to power the Starlink?
A: Nope. You need either an actual outlet or a generator to power the Starlink.
Q: Do you also rent a remote power source for the Starlink?
A: Not yet, though this is under consideration, if there’s enough interest.
Q: How do you define a rental day?
A: Pretty simple. If you tell me you want to rent the Starlink from Monday through Friday of a particular week, that’s a five-day rental. I don’t get into pro-rating days based on when you picked up or returned the equipment. I am willing, though, to have you pick up the Starlink the day before a rental period or return it the day after a rental period, if it works better time-wise for both of us.
The Rental Process
Holding your rental reservation requires pre-payment of the full rental amount ($25 / day). I will email or text you an electronic invoice that you can pay via credit card / debit card / etc. I use Square as my payment processor, and I never see your credit / debit card information. Payment for the rental is only via this method.
Please note that if we’ve discussed your reservation of the Starlink and I’ve sent you the electronic invoice, if it isn’t yet paid I don’t consider that a confirmed reservation. I don’t accept partial payment for the reservation (I’m not a big business. . . just a guy with a Starlink).
My cancellation refund policy.
If Canceled Before: Refund Amount:
14 days prior to rental period 90% of the amount paid
7 days prior to rental period 50% of the amount paid
3 days prior to rental period 10% of the amount paid
No refunds are provided otherwise.
I require a $300 deposit upon handing over the Starlink rental to you. This can be paid via cash, Venmo, or credit card. If paying via credit card, you will be charged $312 and refunded $300 upon returning the Starlink and case in the condition in which it was delivered to you. The additional 4% ($12.00) covers my credit card processing fees, which are not refundable to me by my credit card processor.
I generally provide the Starlink to you at or near my home, located near the Kenmore / Brier line. We will agree upon a day and time to meet, at which time I’ll briefly walk you through the equipment and answer any questions. We will also agree upon a day and time when the equipment will be returned. I will take a quick photo of your driver license or other government-issued identification at this time.
If wished, I will provide delivery of the equipment within approximately a 20 mile radius of my home (but no ferries, please. . . sorry) for a fee. The fee will depend on where you live and/or how busy I am. I’ll also pick up from you for a fee. Note that the fee for pickup may vary from the fee for delivery, based on day and time.
What Else?
You’re going to want to download the Starlink app on your mobile phone prior to heading out to the wilderness, and preferably before you pick up the Starlink from me. You will use it to help you find an ideal location to place the Starlink. You won’t need a Starlink account, and you won’t need it to set up the Starlink. It’s already set up and ready to go. When I hand over the Starlink to you, I’ll give you the information regarding the wireless network that the Starlink creates for your use.
Finally. . . and this is important. . . to stow the Starlink back in the Pelican case, you’ll need to put it into Storage Mode — while it is still connected to power. If you don’t do this, you’re going to be wondering why it won’t fit back in the case correctly! Please take note of this procedure; it is important! I’ll also provide you information regarding how to do this upon handing over the Starlink to you, but in general, the process is:
1) Open the Starlink app on your phone
2) Tap Settings
3) If “Router” is selected, tap “Starlink” to switch to the Starlink settings
3) Look for the Stow Starlink section, and slide the toggle to the right
4) Sliding the toggle will maneuver the Starlink to a position where it will easily fit back in the case