Starlink is already with our volunteers and is ready for further transmission

We have received a request to purchase Starlink communications equipment for our Defenders. Buying such equipment is generally not a problem, but the delivery terms were not satisfactory: from 15 working days to 6 months. With the help of the Mountain Seed Foundation, the necessary equipment was provided as quickly as possible and free of charge! Currently, Starlink is already helping the military. Together we are a force! All for Victory."

A few tips from the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine about using Starlink:

• As soon as you receive your Starlink, take a picture of the KIT ID sticker on the box. This information may be needed in many cases. For example, if the enemy captures your terminal, then in order to disconnect it from the Internet, you need to know the KIT ID.

• If you are at the very frontline, then be very careful with WiFi - it is detected at a distance of up to 3 km by ordinary manual spectrum analyzers. If we talk about drones or enemy EW devices with special equipment installed on them, then they can see WiFi up to 10 km.

• To hide the antenna from visual observation and protect it from debris, it is best to dig a hole measuring 1x1x1 meter and place it there. Keep in mind that the antenna must "see" the horizon well, the viewing angle must be at least 170 degrees. Also, note that most of the satellites are on the north side, so it should be better visible from there.

• It is not necessary to cover the hole with the antenna with glass. Glass contains metal oxides and creates unnecessary obstacles for signal transmission, and most importantly, excessive heating. In general, be careful when you cover the antenna with something - it can cause it to overheat. It is enough to cover the antenna with a masking net.

• The Starlink antenna is not afraid of rain, but not enough to submerge it under water. Recently, a non-working antenna came tback, because it rained heavily, and the guys' hole was flooded with water so that the dish "plunged with its head". Therefore, make drainage in the pit or remove the antenna in case of heavy rains.

Advice for other volunteers. When you brought Starlink to Ukraine, turn it on and check if it works. Because there are rare cases of receiving non-working devices. It can also turn out that Starlink is activated in Poland, the portability service is not activated, there is no access to the personal account, and all this takes time.