Contemporary remote control (RC) transmitters provide exceptional ranges, but they are primarily designed for line-of-sight operation. So, what occurs when you wish to command a vehicle located hundreds of kilometers away or even across different continents? While mobile technology offers a potential solution, its usability is frequently limited by the constraints of current infrastructure—acquiring a cellular signal in the expanse of the open ocean can be quite challenging.
Envision being able to send commands from outer space. This was the goal of [Thingify] when they developed a prototype RC boat employing a Starlink Mini for its communication necessities. There was confidence that the device would function effectively on the boat due to its compact, lightweight, and energy-conserving design. The central inquiry remained whether the network connection could facilitate real-time control of the vehicle.
Initial experiments carried out on land indicated positive results with the Mini Starlink receiver. Although it is approximately one-quarter the size of the larger variant, the Mini equaled or even surpassed performance standards regarding bandwidth, latency, and signal strength. As anticipated, its power consumption was significantly lower, peaking at around 33 watts, in contrast to the considerable 180 watts generally required by its larger counterpart.
Moreover, trials executed in water demonstrated even more favorable outcomes. The bandwidth sufficed for transmitting high-definition video back to the control center while the boat independently navigated between preset waypoints. When [Thingify] transitioned to manual operation, the latency remained low enough to prevent disturbances. While piloting a fast-moving aircraft using Starlink might not be the most optimal choice, controlling a vessel moving at 4 km/h did not show any notable lag concerns.
However, there are specific drawbacks. The Starlink option comes with a substantial price tag; unless you have a very particular objective, the costs may be challenging to validate. The Mini receiver is available for $599 USD (occasionally discounted), alongside a minimum monthly subscription charge of $50. Although this pricing could make it unfeasible for hobbyist RC enthusiasts, [Thingify] believes it could be a valuable investment for those eager to explore new and undiscovered areas.
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