On: Realtime Starlink Satellite Map

[modeless]

Details are here: https://licensing.fcc.gov/myibfs/download.do?attachment_key=...

TL;DR User terminals are RF phased array antennas. Ka-band and Ku-band, plus E-band for ground stations. v1 has no cross satellite links. Plans for v2 include laser cross links.

[mNovak → modeless]

The user terminals in the current generation are Ku only; Ka is reserved for the gateways.

Interesting, the picture on reddit above--those don't look like phased arrays to me.

[shaklee3 → mNovak]

They could be phased array under a radome.

[ruslan → shaklee3]

AFAIK, those are regular dishes with tracking system. Phased arrays do not require mechanical tracking as they use phase shift to direct radiation.

[shaklee3 → ruslan]

SpaceX phased antennas are both phased arrays and mechanical steering since they are lowering cost by decreasing the scan angle of the phased array.

[ruslan → shaklee3]

From my point reducing electronics while adding more mechanical parts will most likely lead to both cost and size increase which will make product less attractive. Fast FPGAs are getting cheaper daily.

[ruslan → modeless]

Ok, thanks. Designing a DYI terminal won't be easy for these bands.