I'm on a mission to connect Ride Command to Starlink Mini

[JohnnyG]

I’m not sure what Polaris was thinking when they decided to require Ride Command to use Bluetooth tethering instead of a good old-fashioned Wi-Fi connection. They really missed the mark on this one.

Here’s my problem: Samsung phones will not allow you to Bluetooth tether a Wi-Fi connection. The phone forces Wi-Fi off. I can Bluetooth tether the mobile connection, but that does not help much because I usually do not have cell service where I ride.

I run a Starlink Mini on the roof of my XP5, so I almost always have a solid connection.

The plan is to add a Raspberry Pi 4 to act as a bridge between Ride Command, using Bluetooth, and the Starlink Wi-Fi connection.

I have the hardware and took a run at it last night. Right now, I am having trouble getting the Pi to connect to Ride Command, but I will keep working on it.

Stay tuned.
JG

 

[JTBarlow]

They missed the mark on a lot of things on the ride command.

Front and rear cameras should allow recording if a flash drive is plugged in.

It should allow route planning on device, rather than building a route off device then uploading.

It should allow hardwired music playback through the usb connection, rather than only through Bluetooth. (CarPlay/Android Auto would be nice) They might have to finally up their game on this with all the other manufacturers 1-upping them now.

And yes, definitely Starlink integration would be a major benefit.

 

[Pirate]

I plug an iPhone, in use as an iPod to play music on Ride Command. Works very well.
I have my Samsung 8 Tablet in use with a Kemimoto stand.
This is it:

I use my Tablet with Avenza Maps, and use the Ride Command screen for other things.
I wouldn't mind having a Starlink set up for the Xpedition. But I already have
a Starlink account for the house, a Starlink account for the RV, not sure I can afford three??
Pirate

 

[johndeerefarmer]

I plug an iPhone, in use as an iPod to play music on Ride Command. Works very well.
I have my Samsung 8 Tablet in use with a Kemimoto stand.
This is it:
View attachment 7587
I use my Tablet with Avenza Maps, and use the Ride Command screen for other things.
I wouldn't mind having a Starlink set up for the Xpedition. But I already have
a Starlink account for the house, a Starlink account for the RV, not sure I can afford three??
Pirate

I bought the Starlink mini for $299 from Home Depot. I have it on the standby plan. It's fast enough to play music and load maps. Standby was $5 month but just went up to $10 month.
You also can't drive over 10 mph in standby mode or it shuts off.
My thread on how I mounted it is here Starlink mini packout mount

 

[JohnnyG]

I already have a Starlink account for the house, a Starlink account for the RV, not sure I can afford three??

If your RV account is roaming, you can put that starlink in the Xpedition. If it is a standard, you would need a big power bank to power it. But, it would work.
JG

 

[JohnnyG]

I plug an iPhone, in use as an iPod to play music on Ride Command. Works very well.
I have my Samsung 8 Tablet in use with a Kemimoto stand.
This is it:
View attachment 7587
I use my Tablet with Avenza Maps, and use the Ride Command screen for other things.
I wouldn't mind having a Starlink set up for the Xpedition. But I already have
a Starlink account for the house, a Starlink account for the RV, not sure I can afford three??
Pirate

I have the same setup, except I use OnX on my tablet.

 

[Cabin Fever]

I plug an iPhone, in use as an iPod to play music on Ride Command. Works very well.
I have my Samsung 8 Tablet in use with a Kemimoto stand.
This is it:
View attachment 7587
I use my Tablet with Avenza Maps, and use the Ride Command screen for other things.
I wouldn't mind having a Starlink set up for the Xpedition. But I already have
a Starlink account for the house, a Starlink account for the RV, not sure I can afford three??
Pirate

Pirate,
Are you able to access the windshield handle on tip out glass while using Kemimoto tablet holder?

 

[JohnnyG]

Pirate,
Are you able to access the windshield handle on tip out glass while using Kemimoto tablet holder?

Yes, there is plenty of space behind it to operate the handle.
JG