3 Minutes Freeze - iPad over Starlink (mini or full)

VK1HF

FYI - if you are trying to connect to your Flex Radio from your iPad and going over Starlink : We (VK2JAP//VK1HF) observed issues where it(the SmartSDR for iOS app) would just freeze after 3 minutes (on the dot like). We did a bunch of testing the network with different options and used a VPN client to tunnel over starlink etc.

We concluded the issue is with using Starlink(on the client half of the connection) - as the NordVPN tunnel resolved it. Weird - I am 98% sure my(VK1HF) iPad Pro did not have the same issue - he(VK2JAP) has iPad air or similar (new, just not 'pro' version).

Just sharing in case anyone else comes across it is happens to know WHAT starlink are doing to these network flows. There is no mention in the doco for SmartSDR for iOS that you need a specific hardware model to my knowledge.

• Have raised with with Marcus. he wasn't aware of what it might be. We initially thought it was his software but quite sure it is not now.
• network performance is good up to 3 minute mark
• not MTU related
• this is not related to CGNAT or NAT.
• This is talking about the client end - the iPad - not the head end - different internet connection there - works fine from many other devices/scenarios.
• using Smartlink (not using ZeroTeir etc[intentionally not])

Testing results...

:: Without VPN ::

1. Using Starlink (full size home plan) - FAIL - Freeze after 3 minutes
2. Using Starlink (mini, mobile plan) - FAIL - Freeze after 3 minutes
3. Using friends place - Wifi, their connection to internet 'Telstra fixed wireless' - Works fine.
4. Using Work Colleague's Business Office - Wifi, their connection to internet 'Telstra NBN Terestial' - Works fine.

::WITH VPN:: (using Nord VPN iPad - Exit node, Sydney)

1. Using Starlink (full size home plan) - Works Fine
2. Using Starlink (mini, mobile plan) - Works fine

Just weird - so FYI if anyone else has the same issues and also keen to hear if anyone else has come across the issue.

Did we ? (yes to all)

• Jiggle the cable
• try to use a great network connection
• make sure we have the latest versions
• pinch right earlobe with left hand
• reinstalled the app - cleared all caches etc
• force quit the app
• rebooted iPad (full boot)

73,

Ian