Idiot's guide to 12v Starlink

[MisterB]

for me it gives me unlimited access to the internet, day or night, wherever i am in the UK or Europe (and further afield) when travelling in my motorhome. that gives us the ability to watch tv, internet browse or phone calls over the internet, i can check my house cameras and monitor my home security and home battery system. it also allows whoever I (we) am travelling with to do the same thing. last year we had it set up across three static caravans in France. 6 adults, 2 children, tv's computers, phones etc all able to access at no additional cost (when on site of course). there are other ways to do the same thing, potentially even cheaper, starlink suits me BUT its not for everyone and i certainly wouldnt list it as anywhere near the top of my priority list of things to buy for a motorhome !

at £85 per month it isnt cheap, but good things usually cost ..... and at £3 per day, i think its worth it as i only 'enable' it when travelling. The rest of the time, it sits there looking ever so sad ..... i think i had it on line for 3 months last year and it will be probably even less this year !

A lot of people bought the Starlink when it was on offer for £99 - i bought two !!!

 

[Gromett]

Looks like the mini is designed to be used in cars. So it'll work on the move. Hopefully it'll be more 12v friendly out of the box?

SpaceX Gets FCC License to Use New Starlink Dishes on Planes, Ships, Cars

The FCC clears the V4 dish and the upcoming Starlink mini dish to operate on moving vehicles.

uk.pcmag.com

Well that article confused me.
I understand I have a V2 dish?

The new V3 Dish is the one with the kick stand.


What is the V4? I thought they were only just starting to roll out the V3? Did I miss something?

 

[Gromett]

Never mind. Just checked. It is the V3 dish they are referring to. Revision 4 is the full technical name, but it is the V3 as we know it. Or that is how I read it?

Starlink terminal revision 4: overview and tests – Oleg Kutkov personal blog

olegkutkov.me

 

[DT]

Gadget John's bringing a video out soon I reckon..

If there's free kit or £££ in it.

 

[MisterB]

for those of you thinking of converting to 12v but dont want to cable cut etc perhaps these offer an option?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Klutchtech-Starlink-Waterproof-Connectors-Accessories-black/dp/B0CQYR5JWS?tag=mhf04-21

even cheaper here

Q-View For Starlink Gen 2 Cable SPX Plug to RJ45 Female Connector Adapter Router & Dish Waterproof (Dual Set)

Elevate your internet setup with our Q-View For Starlink Gen 2 Cable SPX Plug to RJ45 Female Connector Adapter Router & Dish Waterproof (Dual Set), specifically engineered to enhance both usability and aesthetics in satellite system installations. This kit is perfect for homeowners looking to...

www.chigwellsatellite.co.uk

you tube video to help ....





i think they were designed for passing through obstructions rather than drilling a hole for the original starlink connector, but they might be able to be repurposed .....?

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[Carpmart]

for those of you thinking of converting to 12v but dont want to cable cut etc perhaps these offer an option?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Klutchtech-Starlink-Waterproof-Connectors-Accessories-black/dp/B0CQYR5JWS?tag=mhf04-21

even cheaper here

Q-View For Starlink Gen 2 Cable SPX Plug to RJ45 Female Connector Adapter Router & Dish Waterproof (Dual Set)

Elevate your internet setup with our Q-View For Starlink Gen 2 Cable SPX Plug to RJ45 Female Connector Adapter Router & Dish Waterproof (Dual Set), specifically engineered to enhance both usability and aesthetics in satellite system installations. This kit is perfect for homeowners looking to...

www.chigwellsatellite.co.uk

you tube video to help ....





i think they were designed for passing through obstructions rather than drilling a hole for the original starlink connector, but they might be able to be repurposed .....?

I’ve had one, the Dishy end, delivered to home for when we are back. ordered from China for £15…

 

[MisterB]

found a very simple explanation of various methods to achieve the conversion .... if nothing else it does explain everything step by step. its not a video, so you can read and digest at your own speed.

Starlink 12V Conversion | Powering Your Starlink Setup Efficiently

Save precious battery power with a Starlink 12V conversion. We'll guide you through the steps needed to power your Starlink more efficiently.

www.lorjorexplore.com

 

[coopc]

I have now got all the bits to put my 12v conversion together using the Dishy Dualie
I will be assembling together in due course and fitting to van
My only difficulty is finding a decent 12v supply - my battery is under the seat and impossible to get to without seat removal which is beyond me with my back !!
Looking around van I cant seem to find any 12v supply easily accessed - I read somewhere there is contacts behind OS B post cover but have not had a chance to dismantle and look (I have a Carado T447) - The EBL119 Elecrobloc looks too daunting for me to hook up there
I have a couple of cigar lighter sockets in van - would these be suitable for powering ? I have used my 300w inverter in one without issue

 

[Carpmart]

I have now got all the bits to put my 12v conversion together using the Dishy Dualie
I will be assembling together in due course and fitting to van
My only difficulty is finding a decent 12v supply - my battery is under the seat and impossible to get to without seat removal which is beyond me with my back !!
Looking around van I cant seem to find any 12v supply easily accessed - I read somewhere there is contacts behind OS B post cover but have not had a chance to dismantle and look (I have a Carado T447) - The EBL119 Elecrobloc looks too daunting for me to hook up there
I have a couple of cigar lighter sockets in van - would these be suitable for powering ? I have used my 300w inverter in one without issue

Connect a 12v fused supply off the back of socket maybe?

I’m only running a 7.5A fuse on my 12v conversion and it’s been fine for nearly five months now, used daily. That’s for dishy and the TP link router.

 

[MattWithMoho]

What do I need to buy and do, to get my electricity hungry 240v Starlink working on a miserly 12v. Thanks

I’ve ordered the Gen3 & a 12v converter within the mounting bracket, far more simple than other solutions, plus neat and tidy.

Shop Mounts — TRIO Flatmount Starlink Mounts

TRIO Flatmount specializes in accessories for Starlink Internet satellite dishes. We provide high quality and innovative mounting solutions and 12V supplies that make Starlink convenient and easy to use in many different applications including overland, RV, van, boat, truck, and more.

www.trioflatmount.com

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[coopc]

I’ve ordered the Gen3 & a 12v converter within the mounting bracket, far more simple than other solutions, plus neat and tidy.

Shop Mounts — TRIO Flatmount Starlink Mounts

TRIO Flatmount specializes in accessories for Starlink Internet satellite dishes. We provide high quality and innovative mounting solutions and 12V supplies that make Starlink convenient and easy to use in many different applications including overland, RV, van, boat, truck, and more.

www.trioflatmount.com

Looks good
I believe the Gen 3 uses standard ethernet wiring so no need for all the conversion kit for the dish cables which makes the conversion to 12v a bit easier - I did read somewhere that the Gen 3 does use more power though which seems odd as there are no motors in the dish ? - Maybe a change of router will reduce this extra power ?
I would like to see the "mini" dish its apparently the size of a macbook pro - I guess it will be a while before its available
Good luck with your hassle free install - A lot simpler

 

[Tombola]

still showing 299 for the gen 3 on roam and considering the ease for 12v , gotta be worth a look Jim and ebay the V2?

 

[HillRunner]

The EBL119 Elecrobloc looks too daunting for me to hook up there

The EBL is a great place to connect and is what I used. You just need to locate a spare feed. On the EBL119 it look like there are plenty of possible options.

All the "spares" are candidates. The blocks indicated are 5 and 8. The numbers above indicate the pins in the block.
If you check the blocks you should be able to see the pins that are not used. For example if pins 1 and 5 are unoccupied on block 8 then you could use them.

Just crimp 2 male pins on to + and - leads and push them into the blocks.
The pins are Mate n Lok like the ones in this listing Mate n Lok (and useful to have).
You can reduce the value of the blade fuse if you wish.

 

[Carpmart]

still showing 299 for the gen 3 on roam and considering the ease for 12v , gotta be worth a look Jim and ebay the V2?


View attachment 900094

It’s just the power that’s the issue! The V2 uses a good bit already! Feeding a Gen3 would need me to invest in even more solar, which I just don’t have the roof real estate to accommodate…

 

[MisterB]

The V3 is power hungry BUT i dont know how that relates when using it as a 12v setup, might just be worth checking before buying if youre specifically looking for a lower power useage, i assume it does have other advantages though ?

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[Mr Mousy]

Carpmart

Harvey, please can you post the link to the £15 connector.

I’ve had one, the Dishy end, delivered to home for when we are back. ordered from China for £15…

 

[Carpmart]

Carpmart

Harvey, please can you post the link to the £15 connector.

Here you go Martin. Was £15 ish with postage. Dishy end RJ45 adapter

 

[h8ten]

Out of ignorance I had to Google to find out what Starlink is.

I also now know the cost - Blimey !

We get unlimited Gb on the phone in Poland and 3Gb per billing quarter anywhere in EU (and UK) for about £25pcm. That does us for tethering to laptop.

Why do you guys need Starlink? Is it to downstream football and Eastenders or other TV?

I cannot see a need for us to pay that much. And E. Europe does not seem to be covered yet.

Please explain.

The reason for my buying it is that some of the places I travel to do not have a good/any mobile phone signal, this allows internet access whilst away from mobile coverage and it will also (hopefully) allow Wi-Fi calling so that I can still make/receive phone calls. I will also do away with the broadband (only 34mb with no sign of fibre) at home and just use Starlink after buying an extra cable to leave fitted at home.

 

[Carpmart]

The reason for my buying it is that some of the places I travel to do not have a good/any mobile phone signal, this allows internet access whilst away from mobile coverage and it will also (hopefully) allow Wi-Fi calling so that I can still make/receive phone calls. I will also do away with the broadband (only 34mb with no sign of fibre) at home and just use Starlink after buying an extra cable to leave fitted at home.

You don’t need to sell it to us lot!

 

[coopc]

The EBL is a great place to connect and is what I used. You just need to locate a spare feed. On the EBL119 it look like there are plenty of possible options.


View attachment 900139


All the "spares" are candidates. The blocks indicated are 5 and 8. The numbers above indicate the pins in the block.
If you check the blocks you should be able to see the pins that are not used. For example if pins 1 and 5 are unoccupied on block 8 then you could use them.

View attachment 900129
Just crimp 2 male pins on to + and - leads and push them into the blocks.
The pins are Mate n Lok like the ones in this listing Mate n Lok (and useful to have).
You can reduce the value of the blade fuse if you wish.

Thanks for the info. It would seem like the correct way to go
Here is a pic of the mass of wires coming out of my EBL119

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[HillRunner]

Here is a pic of the mass of wires coming out of my EBL119

Yes, I can see that could be a bit off-putting! Block 5 looks like a good option though. There seem to be a few empty fuse holders as well. Spare/Reserve2 looks like a possibility.

 

[coopc]

Yes, I can see that could be a bit off-putting! Block 5 looks like a good option though. There seem to be a few empty fuse holders as well. Spare/Reserve2 looks like a possibility.

Yes. Thanks for the diagram of the blocks and associated fuses. I do not seem to have that or completely missed it in the manual
The mass of wires is worse now as I have solar in block 6 !
I will order some connectors and get the multimeter out and get myself a decent fused feed sorted
Thanks agsin