Tracking via Starlink alone isn't possible; you'll need a dedicated tracking device. For GPS Tracking with Starlink, we recommend buying a DataHub or DataHub Pro. The DataHub has been designed to integrate with satellite and cellular communication devices, including Starlink, and offers a dedicated GPS Tracking device which can connect to your boat's N2K network to receive accurate instrument data, including your GPS position. This will be much more accurate than the position uploaded by your phone using the PredictWind Tracker app.
DataHub or DataHub Pro
Most Starlink Customers use a DataHub or DataHub Pro for automated tracking as it uses the boats accurate NMEA GPS position.
The DataHub is a device used to collect GPS tracking data (including TWS and TWD), so you can share your voyage with friends and family using PredictWind GPS Tracking and Blogs. We can create a custom tracking page for your boat. An example of GPS tracking can be seen here.
With a Professional PredictWind Forecast account you can take advantage of all the DataHub features beyond GPS tracking. Those features include:
- AI Boat Polars: It can generate custom 5-dimensional boat polars to ensure the most accurate weather routing. More information is available here.
- AIS Data: It can broadcast AIS, GPS, and Environmental info available on your N2k boat network over Wi-Fi to connected devices. Apps like Aquamap/Navionics can show
- The Anchor Alert App: Monitor your boat at anchor, live N2K data, and weather forecasts, on or off the boat. Customize your alerts, then relax, knowing your boat is in good hands with Anchor Alert. More details can be found here.
Find more information on the DataHub and DataHub Pro at https://www.predictwind.com/datahub/family
PredictWind Tracker App
The PredictWind Tracker App is a great way to get started with GPS tracking before buying a purpose-designed GPS hardware device, or as a last resort if there's no time before heading off on your passage. The Tracker App will use your Starlink connection to send off GPS position reports. To learn more about the PredictWind Tracker App please see this article
Important Note: iOS is available now; Android is coming soon.
Iridium GO! unit
If you have an Iridium GO! unit onboard as a backup to your Starlink, you can use the Iridium GO! Basic airtime plan to send regular GPS tracking updates using the GO! unit. The Basic airtime plan includes 1500 free SMS messages, which is sufficient to cover hourly GPS tracking.