Starlink Mini installation, cracking the 12 Vdc barrier . . . or not!

[Snackchaser]

After lugging around my old heavy Gen-1 Starlink for a few years, I was thrilled to get the new Starlink Mini.  It’s small and light, and the router is built into the dishy.  It speed tested at 202 Mbps, a very respectable speed, although not as fast as the Gen-3 which typically runs over 300 Mbps.  The Mini comes with a 50’ x ~1/8” diameter power cord that has 5.5 mm barrel connectors on each end.  It also comes with a 120 volt AC wall transformer that puts out 30 volts dc (vdc.)  The Mini is rated to run on 12 to 48 volts vdc, and 25 to 40 watts.  It peaks at 60 watts with snow melt on.

The 12 Vdc rating is an attractive feature, particularly for Boondockers who don’t have inverters.  However, when I first hooked it up to the Oliver’s 12 Vdc battery… it would’t work??  After some investigation, it turns out that it’s not so simple and I’ll try to explain why:

Given that the AC transformer puts out 30 volts, and the power is about 40 watts, then it would be drawing 1.3 amps per Ohms law (40w/30v = 1.3 amps.)  With the same calculation at 12 volts, the amperage increases to 3.3 amps.  The resistance of the long thin power cord can’t handle this higher amperage and the resulting voltage drop puts it below the minimum 12 volts operating range.  In fact, I did some bench testing and found it would only work at voltages over 18 volts.

There are solutions to this issue including cutting the cable shorter, using a larger gauge cable, or increasing the voltage.  Without a better option, I chose to increase the voltage.  I looked at cheapie power converters that would probably work, but I wanted something more robust and higher quality.  I found a Victron Orion TR 12/24-5, isolated, DC to DC Converter, and it was perfect for the job.  It has a 12 Vdc (+/-) input and an adjustable output of 20 to 30 Vdc at 5 amps.  Standby power is under 80 mA, and it has remote on/off switching capability.  It comes factory set at 24 Vdc, but I adjusted it to 30 Vdc output with the potentiometer on the front.

To connect the Mini to the trailer’s 12 Vdc power system, I installed a 5.5 mm female panel mount socket into the Satellite TV inlet.  I removed the Coax connector and the 5.5 mm socket and nut fits perfectly in it’s place.  Oliver conveniently labeled it “Satellite.”  If you need the satellite TV, then install a third “Furrion” inlet as I did for my old starlink RJ45 connector.  I mounted the Victron under the rear seat on the street side.  The socket wiring was sheathed and routed along the ceiling of the outside storage garage.  There are a number of options to pick-up 12 volts in that area, I took power off one of the circuit breakers.  I ran the negative wire to the ground bus under the rear dinette seat.   

The Mini comes with both a snap-in kick-stand and a 2” pole mount, and they’re both necessary for optimum RV use.  I prefer having it on a pole, but we often have to move the dishy away from the trailer for a clear sky view.  That’s why it’s a bad idea to shorten the cord.  It also has an RJ45 port that I suppose is for hardwiring without WIFI, but I probably won’t ever use that feature.  I built-up some PVC fittings on my 10’ Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT) mast to fit the Mini’s pole adapter. (See the post for Tacky Starlink Dishy Mast).  A little sanding was involved, and the starlink mount uses a thumb screw to hold it in place.

It’s better to turn the Victron off when not in use, so I recommend using the remote switching feature with a switch installed in an easily accessible location.  I’m too forgetful to switch the Victron off every time, so I came up with a way to turn it on & off when the Mini’s power cord is plugged in & out.  Read on if your interested in that part of the installation:

The “three pin” 5.5 mm female socket sold by Amazon has a built-in switch that’s designed for appliances that use either batteries or a 120v transformer supply.  When the transformer is plugged in, the pin-3 switch opens to disconnect the batteries.  This is opposite of what’s needed for the Victron remote switch, but it can be used to trigger a digital relay and it’s actually easier than it sounds.

Amazon carries fun little programable 5 &10 amp timer/relays for under $20.  I already had the 10 amp version in the Oliver for a hot water recirculation pump timer, and it works great!  The 5 amp is adequate for this application, and you will also need the $20 dollar re-usable Bluetooth programer.  They use 50 μA of idle current, which is nothing, and they can be programed for delay-on, delay-off, flashers, dimmers, duck decoys, and more.  But for our application, we’re just interested in the trigger functions, specifically the “ground-open” trigger.

Before installation, the relay has to be programed from a smart phone or computer.  It’ links by WiFi to flash the program into the relays memory.  Use wire nuts to connect the timer and programer together, and power them from a USB port.  Follow the well written and simple programing instructions using the settings shown in the screenshot below.

The relay requires a timing function, so I arbitrarily used function #12, which is “delay-on.”  I set it randomly to 1.5 seconds.   The trigger is programed to use the “Trig Blue” set at #5, which corresponds to the blue wire used as a “grounded trigger.”   The green wire trigger is disabled.  My wiring sketch shows that the timer is powered with 12 volts from the Victron’s positive and negative inputs.  The relay’s yellow output wire feeds the positive side of the Victron’s remote switch (the negative side is not connected).  The Victron’s output feeds the 5.5 mm power socket, and the blue trigger wire goes to the 5.5mm socket’s pin-3.  Use a continuity tester to identify pin-3, it’s normally shorted to the negative lead of the socket and it “opens” when the male connecter is plugged in.  The socket barrel is negative, or ground, and the center pin is positive 12 vdc.

There is one other step to make this work.  This Victron model is “Isolated,” meaning that the input and output “negative” terminals are isolated from each other.  It needs to be “non-isolated” because the timer is grounded to the Victron input, and the socket is grounded to the output, and the trigger needs continuity between the two.  So remove the jumper wire that comes on the Victron’s remote switch, and use it to jump across the two negative terminals.   Victron support confirmed that shorting the grounds is not a problem, it just un-isolates it.

This works satisfyingly well!  I checked out the power draw with the solar turned off, and while streaming a video.  It was 2 amps, 27 watts (after subtracting the parasite load).  That’s a huge improvement over my previous Starlink, and I don’t have to worry about running the inverter and draining down the batteries anymore.

I hope someone finds this useful

Cheers! Geoff

[Snackchaser]

Here are the program settings for the relay: 

 

 

[Airstreamer64]

Geoff,

Thanks for this post and excellent write up. I used this for my Airstream and performed some additions like powering a WiFi and adding a RJ45 to the external connector. The power relays are awesome too and I know I will find uses for them on other projects.  

[Tim Casey]

Hello Geoff,  I loved the install you did and the write up and pictures were very helpful.  I tried to install the same converter from Victron , but I am having a little trouble. I did not install an on/off switch and left the jumper in the remote slots. I have a solar panel connector on  the outside of the van (SAE type), which I intended to use but was never hooked up . I am using that as the outside connection to power the Starlink. The adapter that I used is an SAE to RJ45 to connect to the Starlink antenna. I adjusted the output voltage to 30 volts at the Victron Orion and measured the voltage to outside connector. The problem is I cannot power up the Starlink( no light) on the antenna, but power light is on the Victron Orion. Works fine when I plug into the 120 in the van. Wondering if you had any suggestions. Tim 

[Snackchaser]

Hi Randy,

I’d be happy to help you, and the first thing that comes to mind is polarity.  Some of the SAE solar connectors are intentionally wired backwards for specific solar chargers.  In fact you can get polarity reversing connectors for them.   Check that out first thing.

However, I’m a little confused that your using an SAE to RJ45 adapter?  We should first confirm that you're hooking up a “Starlink Mini,” which is completely different from other Starlink units.  The Starlink Mini has an RJ45 connection, but it's not a power connection.  You must use the 5.5mm barrel power cord.  Other Starlink units are powered differently and this modification will not work for them.

There are 5.5mm to SAE adapters that could be used in your application, if you are in fact powering a Starlink Mini.  The picture shows one from Ebay with a polarity reverser included.

I hope this helps and please feel free to contact me privately is you have more questions.

Cheers, Geoff

[Tim Casey]

Hello Snackchaser, You were spot on with your advise. It was indeed a polarity issue and I verified that by switching around the pos/neg at the Victron. I have now ordered the 5.5mm to SAE that corrects the polarity issue. Love the Starlink Mini. Thanks again.  Tim

[Siorb]

hello and first of all thank you for your post concerning the mini's 12v power supply.
I want to do exactly the same thing and I'd like to know what programmer you use for the timer.
if you have a link amazon or other it would be great!
thanks again
christophe who follows you from france! 

[Snackchaser]

Hi Christophe, I'll give it a try.  Have fun!

https://a.co/d/bZozQwR  Mini Time delay relay

https://a.co/d/gNjuq6R  Universal programer

https://a.co/d/ecvI5cW  Victron DC to DC converter

Cheers!  Geoff

[Siorb]

Thank you so much for these links! 

[jd1923]

On 7/13/2024 at 9:30 PM, Snackchaser said:

It also has an RJ45 port that I suppose is for hardwiring without WIFI, but I probably won’t ever use that feature.

Thanks Geoff, for again being a leader in technical electronic HW installations! Not easy to pair compatible electronics with so much in the marketplace!  😂

I will add a Starlink Mini at some point. Hope the HW prices keep coming down! Like the $50 monthly service option for the limited data plan. I would merely use the included 120VAC power adapter since we run our Victron MP2 inverter ON always.

You wrote you would not "use that feature" but given I have a smart Pepwave router that can chose between 4-5G cellular service (T-Mobile monthly business plan with unlimited data) and a WAN RJ45 input, I'm hoping this is compatible in the way I'm thinking. This way you have one Wi-Fi login for all devices, not having to switch to a Starlink-only Wi-Fi.

I would manage the settings to prefer cellular connection to minimize Starlink data usage for when it is truly needed. Has anybody else integrated cell and Starlink services in an onboard router? I will ask tech support at MobileMustHave.com where I purchased the Pepwave system for configuration help, and will post later when I get their answer.

Another question is does the Starlink Mini have to be positioned at an angle? Thought I read somewhere it should be pointed at the northern sky. The manuals just show 110 degrees unobstructed is necessary. I see rooftop mounts that are flat and pole mounts that are angled. Can it lay flat to the horizon to receive signal or must it be angled? Best wishes and thanks again. JD

[Snackchaser]

11 hours ago, jd1923 said:

I have a smart Pepwave router that can chose between 4-5G cellular service (T-Mobile monthly business plan with unlimited data) and a WAN RJ45 input, I'm hoping this is compatible in the way I'm thinking. 

Another question is does the Starlink Mini have to be positioned at an angle? Thought I read somewhere it should be pointed at the northern sky. The manuals just show 110 degrees unobstructed is necessary. I see rooftop mounts that are flat and pole mounts that are angled. Can it lay flat to the horizon to receive signal or must it be angled? Best wishes and thanks again. JD

Awe thanks, but you probably know more about it than I do!

There is great information about using a Pepwave with Starlink on the YT channel “Mobil Internet Resource Center.”  People primarily use them for better reliability and stronger WiFi for increased speed, and they would certainly supplement the 50 GB Starlink roaming data plan.  The Starlink Mini’s built-in router is not as powerful and the speed decreases the further away it is.  We usually get 100 to 150 mbps with the mini compared to reported speeds of 300 when using aftermarket routers, which is about the same as our Gen-3 dishy at home.  However, 100 mbps is still a respectable speed.

We’ve exceeded the 50 GB limit a few times.  So we just pay for the extra GB’s as we go.  The real expense is the extra snacks and cocktails for internet mooching visitors 😉

I seen Starlink dishy’s laying flat, but not a Mini so far.  Not to say it wouldn't work!   I think orientation is more important for them because of the small surface area.  The kickstand and pole mount are angled and the Starlink App lets you know if they’re not pointed in the right direction.  Which seems odd to me because the Mini is approved for mobil use and Iv’e wondered how well that works considering they're directional??

[jd1923]

On 7/13/2024 at 9:30 PM, Snackchaser said:

I found a Victron Orion TR 12/24-5, isolated, DC to DC Converter, and it was perfect for the job.

Yesterday I wrote I would use the 120VAC adapter for the Starlink Mini. My router and cell antenna are truck mounted. The RJ ethernet connection to the Pepwave would be at the interior rear wall of the truck cab (see pic). I run the router off the dual Ram batteries that I had recently upgraded to AGM. I have a simple power switch under the hood but when camping the Pepwave is always powered ON.

I need to measure the AH draw of the Pepwave. From experience, I know it can run 3 days with ample voltage remaining to start the truck. I also have a 50’ extension cord and 10A charger in case of trouble. Wonder if the truck batteries can take another  2AH overnight, the number Geoff mentioned for the Mini while streaming. I would add the Mini with Victron Orion-Tr 12/25-5 to the truck if possible.

Though it may be simpler to just pull out the Starlink when cell signal is too low. Love the truck mounted router and would like to integrate the two. We can be on a day trip or sitting in a restaurant and we have our own Wi-Fi. The 2.4GHz band over the Parsec antenna has easy over a 100’ range!

[jd1923]

So curiosity got me and I powered on the Pepwave, truck sitting in driveway. Connected my living room TV and my cell phone to the 2.4 band. Streaming a news show inside and ran Ookla Speedtest on my iPhone. The test got 95 Mbps down and 50 up, on the phone with the TV streaming. The Pepwave pulled between 0.10A to 0.17A. Call it 0.14A on average, amazingly efficient! No wonder I can leave it powered on for days.

The 2A draw for the Mini is likely too much for truck batteries. Could I use the 4 AWG cabling for the DC-DC charger setup in reverse direction to power when parked, hmmm?

[Snackchaser]

2 hours ago, jd1923 said:

The test got 95 Mbps down and 50 up, on the phone

Could I use the 4 AWG cabling for the DC-DC charger setup in reverse direction to power when parked, hmmm?

What is your cell phone speed without the Pepwave for comparison?  

The DC to DC charger will not work in reverse, otherwise it would charging the truck battery.

2 hours ago, jd1923 said:

I would add the Mini with Victron Orion-Tr 12/25-5 to the truck if possible.

The Victron is still a good option when using the Starlink supplied 50’ cable, which is really desirable when trying to find clear sky view when camping around trees.  Starlink now offers a 16’ USB cable for in-motion use that would be a better option for the truck.

[jd1923]

2 hours ago, Snackchaser said:

What is your cell phone speed without the Pepwave for comparison?  

The DC to DC charger will not work in reverse, otherwise it would charging the truck battery...

The speed is not the issue as I just wanted to see power usage when the Pepwave was busy. But since you asked, I measured again this afternoon. This time on the 2.4 GHz band I got 105 down, 13 up. On 5GZ it read 340 down and 70 up and on 5G cell with Wi-Fi turned OFF is was 716 down and 39 up. Where the truck is parked the antenna is blocked by the garage. When I back it away from to the building even 20 ft the numbers improve.

You wrote, "...it would be charging the truck battery." That's what I would need to run the Starlink Mini on the truck batteries. Maybe I could install a switched relay in the DC-DC cabling. Charge the Oliver batteries when towing and throw a switch to bypass the DC-DC charger, when camped, to hardwire the 600AH LiFePO4 in the Oliver to supply the drain caused by the Mini.