Finding the Perfect Power Bank for the Starlink Mini
If you’ve followed our travels, you know how much we rely on Starlink. It’s been a game-changer. So when the super-portable Starlink Mini came out, I knew it would be perfect for trips where we want to pack light. But there’s a catch: powering it.
Unlike the big dish, the Mini runs on USB-C. That’s great in theory, but as I quickly discovered, it’s incredibly picky about its power source. It needs a Power Delivery (PD) port that can supply a full 100 watts (at 20V/5A). See this article on the Starlink page.
Your average phone charger or small power bank won’t even make it blink. This sent me on a hunt for a battery that was powerful enough to run the Mini but small enough to toss in a backpack. After a bit of digging, I found a fantastic solution: the INIU 25,000mAh 100W Power Bank.
Getting it to Work
Out of the box, this little power bank delivers the 100 watts the Mini needs to boot up and connect. The key is to make sure you use the main USB-C port, which is labeled for 100W output.
Of course, there’s one more piece to the puzzle. The Starlink Mini’s cable doesn’t plug directly into a standard USB-C port. You need a small adapter to bridge the gap. It’s a bit of a “gotcha” if you don’t know about it, but thankfully this one on Amazon does the trick perfectly.
With the adapter and the battery, we now have a completely portable Starlink setup that can run for about 2.5 to 3 hours on a full charge. That’s more than enough for a work session or an evening of streaming from anywhere with a clear view of the sky.
A Bonus for Air Travel
One of my favorite things about this specific battery is its capacity. It’s rated at 92.5 Watt-hours (Wh). If you’ve ever tried to fly with lithium batteries, you know the magic number is 100 Wh. The FAA and airlines get a bit nervous about anything bigger. This INIU battery slides right under that limit, meaning you can toss it in your carry-on without any hassle. It’s a huge plus.
Here’s the Best Part: The Price
A 100W power bank can be surprisingly expensive. But I stumbled on a killer deal for this one. Normally it’s about $50, but with a coupon code on Amazon, the price drops to just $27.49.
- Use Coupon Code:
IP3GGX8A
I have no idea how long a code like this will last, so if you’re thinking about it, I’d grab it sooner rather than later. A 45% discount on a battery this capable is a fantastic find.
For us, this little power bank solves the final problem of the Starlink Mini. It’s a simple, reliable, and affordable way to get online, wherever our van (or our feet) can take us.
I ordered two of these. Once I get them, I’ll test them with the Starlink mini and see how they perform. I’ll post my results to the blog.