SpaceX recently unveiled a new terminal called Starlink V5. The device is designed as a new basic solution for users: more affordable and budget-friendly. The official presentation confirms significant changes in size, weight, and power consumption. So, let's take a closer look.
Physical Characteristics and Parameters
The new model is significantly smaller in size. The device has become much lighter and more compact: its size is something between the previous terminals – Starlink Standard 4 and Mini.
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Body Length: 38.4 centimeters.
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Body Width: 30.6 centimeters.
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Antenna Weight: 1.1 kilograms.
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Protection Level: IP67 standard ensures absolute hermetic sealing against dust and water splashes.
Technical Performance and Energy Efficiency
The new terminal features significant changes in its internal architecture. Thanks to its compactness, the overall load on the power supply system has decreased, and heat dissipation has improved.
Electrical Power Consumption
The average consumption indicator ranges from 35 to 50 W. This level makes the equipment advantageous for powering from portable charging stations, battery packs, and autonomous generators.
Speed Capabilities
The maximum download speed of Starlink V5 is up to 375 Mbps. This figure is slightly inferior to Standard 4 parameters, but it is sufficient for daily use.
What's Included in the Kit?
- Starlink V5 terminal
- Router Mini with stand
- Separate power supply unit for current delivery
- Pipe adapter, which allows mounting the antenna on a mast
- Antenna cable 15 meters long
- Ethernet network cable 2 meters long
- AC power cable 1.5 meters long
Comparison of Starlink V5 with Starlink Standard 4 model
Both models have significant differences in dimensions, power consumption, and basic configuration.
Starlink Standard 4 has dimensions of 59.4 by 38.3 centimeters and weighs 2.9 kilograms. The V5 model has become much more compact: its dimensions are 38.4 by 30.6 centimeters, and its weight is only 1.1 kilograms. Thanks to its updated shape and compactness, the V5 can withstand wind gusts of up to 265 km/h, which practically matches the wind resistance of the Standard 4 model.
The V5 model consumes almost half as much power as the Standard 4. In operating mode, the Standard 4 requires 75 to 100 W, while the new V5 only needs 35 to 50 W. This will allow the V5 to operate much longer from portable charging stations and batteries.
The reduction in antenna size in V5 led to a slight decrease in speed performance. The Standard 4 model provides download speeds exceeding 400 Mbps, while the V5 delivers up to 375 Mbps. As for the configuration, both terminals come with a compact Router Mini.
Who is Starlink V5 suitable for?
Starlink V5 is suitable for use in private homes, camping, and, for example, during power outages.
Thanks to its low power consumption, the terminal will operate longer from charging stations or power banks. Starlink V5 has also been made more compact, so it will be convenient to take with you to nature or for a vacation outside the city.
Starlink V5 to appear in Tesla cars
Despite SpaceX's statement that the terminal is designed for stationary use and not intended for operation while moving (presumably due to the lack of a GNSS module), Tesla has already hinted that future Cybercab robotaxis will feature integrated Starlink V5 (as well as GPS and 5G LTE). This will ensure stable connectivity and navigation even in areas without coverage.
In particular, Ukrainian engineer Oleh Kutkov discovered evidence in the Starlink firmware that the company is already developing a special automotive version of the antenna called rev5_pez_auto_proto1. According to him, 20 antenna elements out of 820 were removed from it, and a STA8090 navigation chip was installed. In addition, this version will better withstand high temperatures and will not overheat while driving.
*Cybercab is a two-seater electric vehicle without a steering wheel or pedals, which will be fully controlled by an onboard computer. Tesla is currently conducting limited testing of the car for the future robotaxi network.
