OP
OP
Scalf77
Senior Member
Internet Access Update - It includes StarLink
I installed Insty-connect on my van over a year ago. It has worked well and brings pretty good coverage when traveling, so for cellular it has been great. Of course, there are those times when you just can’t get coverage, so I have been looking into satellite coverage or Starlink. The big choice will be the new mini or standard Gen3.
So that brings us to the next decision, how to integrate the two. So far, the Insty-Connect router has been OK, but certainly not top tier. And if I really wany to have multiple capabilities for the internet, it would be nice to have something that could switch over automatically if needed. So that got me looking into a newer router. In my old van I used a PepLink SoHo router, I hooked up an external antenna for Wi-Fi, GPS, and cellular from my USB modem. This worked well, I’m sure I never got the most out of the router.
Peplink makes a few mobile routers, and most are now updated with the 5G X62 chipset. I decided to look at the new B One, this is a Soho replacement. It does not have any built-in modem, so it only has Wi-Fi antennas. While not necessarily made for the road, my old SoHo always worked well. It does have 2xWAN and USB port for something like my Insty-connect. While they do have a B One with built in 5G (X62 chipset), this one should offer the capabilities to integrate the Starlink and Cellular options. My first thought was to purchase the new Peplink B One router and see if it works with replacing my existing router.
As I investigated that update some more, I found that Insty-connect had moved to a new antenna, the Insty Squared, that contains a modem that has the (X62cchipset). One of the big selling points to the Insty-connect is the router is in the antenna. This keeps the antenna wires short for better performance. The new unit is not connected via USB, it uses ethernet and is powered by a POE adapter. More importantly, the modem can be controlled by itself, and not tied through any router software.
Cellular Modem Specs:
Adding a new Insty-connect would be about as much as purchasing a Peplink router with built-in modem. The big difference is that I would need to purchase an antenna also. With the Insty-connect, that includes the antenna.
So now while internally debating this decision, I find that Insty-connect comes out with their second-generation router. While Starlink was usable with their old router, it wasn’t seamless. There wasn’t a good failover mode from Cellular to Starlink or Starlink to Cellular. This new router was designed with just this in mind. Now for the kicker, the introductory offer of a new router with the new antenna modem would cost as much as what just the new antenna was going to cost. So, I thought I might as well try out their new router also.
Router Specs:
Now I must mount the router, while not hard I don’t really like the mounting system for the new router. It is under the router, so it is just a little more difficult and not as secure in IMHO. My next nit on the router is that the antennas are not removable.
Of course, the new thing is the new modem connection is through POE (Power Over Ethernet) instead of the previous USB cable. This means I will need to swap out the USB cable for the Ethernet cable provided. Luckily it is not difficult to change the cable with the existing DIYvan solar Entry Puck I used for cable access . After this It was time to test and get the cellular connection working. For better or worse my van is connected 24/7 if cellular is available. I must connect my MokerLink 8 Port Gigabit Industrial DIN-Rail Ethernet Switch to the router. I will then need to verify the IP addresses for various devices so that I can make sure my software will still see everything correctly.
Installation went as expected, new router and antenna is installed, I located all the devices and made the appropriate changes for the software. I am back up and running, now just waiting for the Starlink to show up.
A while back, I embedded a web browser on my RV status rearview mirror display. I am using it for a remote connection to my Victron Cerbo. I decided to add another page to my router’s dashboard. This allows me status of my connection on the go. This connection also works on your phone.
Now back to the decision of what Starlink to go with. Really the big point of contention is the price point between the Mini vs Standard Gen3. If you get the Standard before Oct 6 it is reduced to$299.00 from normal $499.00 cost. The Mini is going for $599.00. It became a moot point as I was not ready to pull the trigger to get the cheaper cost of the standard. Without that, the lower power usage and smaller size of the Mini becomes the targeted choice. At one point connection packages favored the Mini but now the Roam package is available for both.
I expect that I will need to make some changes to my 80/20 roof rack to accommodate the mini mount. This is mainly because I just don’t want to use magnet mounts. By adding a couple 80/20 bars I will be able to use the Starlink Mini - Roof Mount Kit from Striker Fabrication. I need to add an additional cable entry mount from DIYvan.com. The Mini is not POE, so it has a separate power cable. While the Mini can run on 12 volts it takes a wide-ranging power input of 12 to 48 volts. I plan on installing 12 to 24 converter to power Starlink. Of course, here is another case waiting paid off, as the Mini price dropped to $449.00 for cyber black Friday sale.
Of course, the big reason for this change was to add Starlink, the mini arrived late on a Friday and as luck would have it was raining on Saturday. Anyhow I decided to mockup the changes to the roof rack in the garage, this would also allow me to check for clearance on where the roof access would go. As noted earlier I am using the Starlink Mini - Roof Mount Kit from Striker Fabrication
Here is a picture of the modifications I made to hold the Mini in my 80/20 roof rack.
I drilled the hole, deburred the edges and masked it off for some paint and installed the DIYvan cable access.
.
I ran the power cable via a 12 to 24 step up converter. The Mini can run on 12 volts, but this will make sure there is no problem with voltage drop.
After the initial check out in the driveway I decided it was time to move it to the roof. Everything fits like intended.
I hooked up the RJ45 cable to the Lan4 port of the router. Currently the Lan4 port is configured as another Wan port. This gives me three possible sources for internet connectivity, Wi-Fi Wan, Cellular Connectivity and StarLink. Here is a shot of all three being seen on my router dashboard.
The Primary source is my home Wi-Fi, I could use it for any available Wi-Fi hotspot if needed. The second source is my cellular network via the Insty-connect antenna. And finally, the third is the Starlink mini. I can easily slide these around to change which has the higher priority. The great feature is the seamless failover to the next priority. When I pull out my driveway and lose connectivity to my home network, it switches to my cellular network. If that drops, it moves to Starlink. The Insty Dashboard is also available as a phone app.
In review I am generally happy with the New Gen2 Insty Connect. It seems to provide all the things needed to make a very good system. You can also use Speedify with the router, to bond multiple connections. I find the Insty Connect website a little lacking, I would like to see more specifications of their product listed. I did find and use some good data from Mobile Internet Resource Center in my investigation of the product.
It should also be noted that Insty Connect also sells data plans for access Insty.Online. They have a variety of plans, including multiple networks. Their data plans are per month and can be paused for when they are not in use. I have not used this feature, so no real experience.
I installed Insty-connect on my van over a year ago. It has worked well and brings pretty good coverage when traveling, so for cellular it has been great. Of course, there are those times when you just can’t get coverage, so I have been looking into satellite coverage or Starlink. The big choice will be the new mini or standard Gen3.
So that brings us to the next decision, how to integrate the two. So far, the Insty-Connect router has been OK, but certainly not top tier. And if I really wany to have multiple capabilities for the internet, it would be nice to have something that could switch over automatically if needed. So that got me looking into a newer router. In my old van I used a PepLink SoHo router, I hooked up an external antenna for Wi-Fi, GPS, and cellular from my USB modem. This worked well, I’m sure I never got the most out of the router.
Peplink makes a few mobile routers, and most are now updated with the 5G X62 chipset. I decided to look at the new B One, this is a Soho replacement. It does not have any built-in modem, so it only has Wi-Fi antennas. While not necessarily made for the road, my old SoHo always worked well. It does have 2xWAN and USB port for something like my Insty-connect. While they do have a B One with built in 5G (X62 chipset), this one should offer the capabilities to integrate the Starlink and Cellular options. My first thought was to purchase the new Peplink B One router and see if it works with replacing my existing router.
As I investigated that update some more, I found that Insty-connect had moved to a new antenna, the Insty Squared, that contains a modem that has the (X62cchipset). One of the big selling points to the Insty-connect is the router is in the antenna. This keeps the antenna wires short for better performance. The new unit is not connected via USB, it uses ethernet and is powered by a POE adapter. More importantly, the modem can be controlled by itself, and not tied through any router software.
Cellular Modem Specs:
- Cellular Modem: Single 5G
- Modem Module or Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon X62 (Quectel RM520N)
- Supported Networks and Bands: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile
- 5G Bands: n1, n2, n3, n5, n7, n8, n12, n13, n14, n18, n20, n25, n26, n28, n29, n30, n38, n40, n41, n48, n66, n70, n71, n75, n76, n77, n78, n79
- LTE Bands: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12(17), 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 46, 48, 66, 71
- 3G: UMTS/WCDMA B1, B2, B4, B5, B8, B19
- Carrier Certification: Not Specified
- MIMO Support: 4x4 MIMO
- 5G Cellular Performance:
- Max Theoretical 5G Performance: Not Specified
- 5G Carrier Aggregation: 2x download and upload - low and mid-band can be combined
- LTE Performance:
- LTE Performance Category: Cat-19 Download / Cat-18 Upload (Max Theoretical Speed: 1.6 Gps down/ 200Mbps up)
- LTE Carrier Aggregation: Cat-19: 4x Download, 3x Upload
- Cellular Antennas/Ports: 4x4 MIMO
- SIM Slots: 2 Nano
- Power Source: 12V DC
- Outdoor Rated: Indoor Router / Outdoor Modem & Antenna system
- Special Features: Special User Interface, Custom Insty VPN Features, Band Scanning, Locking, Multi-WAN, Starlink Integration, Speedify Integration, available in Black or Grey.
Adding a new Insty-connect would be about as much as purchasing a Peplink router with built-in modem. The big difference is that I would need to purchase an antenna also. With the Insty-connect, that includes the antenna.
So now while internally debating this decision, I find that Insty-connect comes out with their second-generation router. While Starlink was usable with their old router, it wasn’t seamless. There wasn’t a good failover mode from Cellular to Starlink or Starlink to Cellular. This new router was designed with just this in mind. Now for the kicker, the introductory offer of a new router with the new antenna modem would cost as much as what just the new antenna was going to cost. So, I thought I might as well try out their new router also.
Router Specs:
- Wi-Fi Router:
- Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 6
- Wi-Fi Antennas/Ports: 4x4 MIMO
- Wi-Fi as WAN: Yes
- Guest Wi-Fi Network: Yes
- Default Control Panel Address:
- Address: http://my.insty or 10.1.1.1
- USB Tethering Support: No
- Ethernet Ports: 2x Ethernet WAN, 3x Ethernet LAN
- Router Throughput: Not Specified
Now I must mount the router, while not hard I don’t really like the mounting system for the new router. It is under the router, so it is just a little more difficult and not as secure in IMHO. My next nit on the router is that the antennas are not removable.
Of course, the new thing is the new modem connection is through POE (Power Over Ethernet) instead of the previous USB cable. This means I will need to swap out the USB cable for the Ethernet cable provided. Luckily it is not difficult to change the cable with the existing DIYvan solar Entry Puck I used for cable access . After this It was time to test and get the cellular connection working. For better or worse my van is connected 24/7 if cellular is available. I must connect my MokerLink 8 Port Gigabit Industrial DIN-Rail Ethernet Switch to the router. I will then need to verify the IP addresses for various devices so that I can make sure my software will still see everything correctly.
Installation went as expected, new router and antenna is installed, I located all the devices and made the appropriate changes for the software. I am back up and running, now just waiting for the Starlink to show up.
A while back, I embedded a web browser on my RV status rearview mirror display. I am using it for a remote connection to my Victron Cerbo. I decided to add another page to my router’s dashboard. This allows me status of my connection on the go. This connection also works on your phone.
Now back to the decision of what Starlink to go with. Really the big point of contention is the price point between the Mini vs Standard Gen3. If you get the Standard before Oct 6 it is reduced to$299.00 from normal $499.00 cost. The Mini is going for $599.00. It became a moot point as I was not ready to pull the trigger to get the cheaper cost of the standard. Without that, the lower power usage and smaller size of the Mini becomes the targeted choice. At one point connection packages favored the Mini but now the Roam package is available for both.
I expect that I will need to make some changes to my 80/20 roof rack to accommodate the mini mount. This is mainly because I just don’t want to use magnet mounts. By adding a couple 80/20 bars I will be able to use the Starlink Mini - Roof Mount Kit from Striker Fabrication. I need to add an additional cable entry mount from DIYvan.com. The Mini is not POE, so it has a separate power cable. While the Mini can run on 12 volts it takes a wide-ranging power input of 12 to 48 volts. I plan on installing 12 to 24 converter to power Starlink. Of course, here is another case waiting paid off, as the Mini price dropped to $449.00 for cyber black Friday sale.
Of course, the big reason for this change was to add Starlink, the mini arrived late on a Friday and as luck would have it was raining on Saturday. Anyhow I decided to mockup the changes to the roof rack in the garage, this would also allow me to check for clearance on where the roof access would go. As noted earlier I am using the Starlink Mini - Roof Mount Kit from Striker Fabrication
Here is a picture of the modifications I made to hold the Mini in my 80/20 roof rack.
I drilled the hole, deburred the edges and masked it off for some paint and installed the DIYvan cable access.
.
I ran the power cable via a 12 to 24 step up converter. The Mini can run on 12 volts, but this will make sure there is no problem with voltage drop.
After the initial check out in the driveway I decided it was time to move it to the roof. Everything fits like intended.
I hooked up the RJ45 cable to the Lan4 port of the router. Currently the Lan4 port is configured as another Wan port. This gives me three possible sources for internet connectivity, Wi-Fi Wan, Cellular Connectivity and StarLink. Here is a shot of all three being seen on my router dashboard.
The Primary source is my home Wi-Fi, I could use it for any available Wi-Fi hotspot if needed. The second source is my cellular network via the Insty-connect antenna. And finally, the third is the Starlink mini. I can easily slide these around to change which has the higher priority. The great feature is the seamless failover to the next priority. When I pull out my driveway and lose connectivity to my home network, it switches to my cellular network. If that drops, it moves to Starlink. The Insty Dashboard is also available as a phone app.
In review I am generally happy with the New Gen2 Insty Connect. It seems to provide all the things needed to make a very good system. You can also use Speedify with the router, to bond multiple connections. I find the Insty Connect website a little lacking, I would like to see more specifications of their product listed. I did find and use some good data from Mobile Internet Resource Center in my investigation of the product.
It should also be noted that Insty Connect also sells data plans for access Insty.Online. They have a variety of plans, including multiple networks. Their data plans are per month and can be paused for when they are not in use. I have not used this feature, so no real experience.
