Want off-grid Starlink Mini? This power bank kept mine online for hours

ZDNET's key takeaways

• The 158Wh power bank can run a Starlink Mini for up to 8 hours
• -- It features a DC output and USB-C and USB-A
• -- The unit is not IP rated, so it will need protection from the elements.

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While most people get by with a smartphone or hotspot, there are times when you need more. A lot more. These days, the best way to get high-speed connectivity pretty much wherever you are on the globe is to use the huge constellation of Starlink satellites that orbit above our heads. Starlink's most portable dish, the Starlink Mini, is perfect to take off-grid.

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So far, my preferred way to power my dish has been to hook it up to a portable power station, but now that Xtar has released the Link MP158 power bank, a unit specifically built to run a Starlink Mini dish, my preferred off-grid loadout is likely to change.

The Xtar Link MP158 is a large 158Wh power bank that features a 100W max input/output USB-C port, an 18W max USB-A port, and a DC5521 port that can deliver the 15-21V at 5A that the Starlink Mini needs for optimal operation. All the ports feature rubber covers to keep out dirt and moisture, and there is a simple LED display that shows battery capacity.

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As you might guess from the capacity, the Link MP158 is pretty chunky, measuring 7.5 × 3.8 × 2.2 inches, and weighing a hefty 2.2 pounds. This is not a power bank that is going to fit into a pocket.

The Xtar Link MP158 is definitely not a power bank that fits into a pocket.

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

Also, be mindful you will need permission from the airline to take a power bank larger than 100Wh onto a commercial aircraft.

This power bank is built about as simple as they get. There is no button for turning it on and no myriad of features. You plug a device into one of the ports, and the Link MP158 wakes up and starts working. After 20 seconds of inactivity, the power bank automatically enters sleep mode to conserve power.

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The unit supports a wide range of USB-C protocols, including Power Delivery 2.0/3.0/3.1, AFC, SCP, and more, while the USB-A port supports QuickCharge 2.0/3.0, AFC, SCP, and more. For maximum flexibility, the Link MP158 can simultaneously power a Starlink Mini via the DC port and run the USB ports, and it supports pass-through charging, so it can power devices while being charged.

It is a very flexible power bank and not only perfect for powering a Starlink Mini dish, but also for charging other equipment.

Features USB-C, USB-A, and DC5521 outputs.

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

When it comes to charging, the unit can be recharged using a 100W USB-C charger in about 2.3 hours, and on a full charge, it runs a Starlink Mini for up to eight hours thanks to the high-efficiency DC circuit inside the unit.

Note you will need the DC-to-DC cable that your dish came with, or if you do not want to take that out into the wilds, you can always buy a spare cable.

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Another thing to note is the Link MP158 is not IP rated at all, so there are no guarantees when it comes to water resistance. I have either kept the unit in a vehicle or building while it is powering a dish or placed it inside a waterproof bag. I have used both methods.

ZDNET's buying advice

Do you really need a specific power bank for the Starlink Mini? No. Other solutions exist. For example, you can use a small power station or even a power bank with the appropriate USB-C to DC cable, although I have found not all power banks are stable enough to run the dish reliably, so you do need to test whatever solution you choose. 

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There are also cables that allow you to run the dish from a vehicle's 12V outlet. As I have said before, my favorite off-grid solution so far has been to use a small portable power station -- the Ecoflow RIVER 2 has worked great for me and is not too heavy in terms of pounds or dollars.

At $239, the Xtar Link MP158 is not a cheap solution, but it is one of the best options for those who do not want to experiment with power banks or take on the risks associated with AC power outdoors. The Link MP158 is a simple solution that works right out of the box.