Starlink Mini Installed to Replace TV Antenna on 2019 R-29 CB?

Here's a couple pics of our StarLink mini setup and a screenshot of the throughput and ping test today in Gig Harbor. 83 Meg down, ~9.5 up.
 
Rauguthj said:
We keep our Starlink mini on the port side of the CB helm, plugged into the 12v outlet. It’s held on by a suction mount.
View attachment 25417
Click to expand...
The suction cup is supposed to be pumped up periodically, 4-5 hours. How long does yours hold up?

Thank you.
Tibor
 
All these installations are great. Like the original poster, wondering if anyone has removed the KVH TV dome and put the Starlink Mini antenna there? Or is there a good reason to avoid this installation? Many thanks.
 
Check out this solution from Simple Onboard Solutions:


Link to purchase the kit:
simpleonboardsolutions.com

Starlink Mini Mount for R27/29

This product is not affiliated with or endorsed by Starlink A simple way to install a Starlink Mini on your R27 or R29. A strong, UV protected plastic adapter designed to mount the Starlink Mini to the Ranger Tug R27 and R29 masts in place of the Magestic TV Antenna. You will need the Starlink...
simpleonboardsolutions.com simpleonboardsolutions.com
 
We purchased the Mini mount from Simple Onboard Solutions and the kit works like a charm! We also got the mast strut, as well as their other hooks etc.

They are fabulous to work with: quality products, prompt shipment, and honest service. They are also Ranger Tug owners.

The Starlink Mini mount kit was easy to install. The mount withstands all conditions we faced cruising in New England. I would, however, recommend their mast strut, or shrouds, at the very least.

Simple Onboard Solutions (SOS) is a good resource!
 
serendipity said:
We purchased the Mini mount from Simple Onboard Solutions and the kit works like a charm! We also got the mast strut, as well as their other hooks etc.

They are fabulous to work with: quality products, prompt shipment, and honest service. They are also Ranger Tug owners.

The Starlink Mini mount kit was easy to install. The mount withstands all conditions we faced cruising in New England. I would, however, recommend their mast strut, or shrouds, at the very least.

Simple Onboard Solutions (SOS) is a good resource!
Click to expand...
Do you think that the mast strut is a necessary addition? Thanks in advance
 
Adrianlam said:
Do you think that the mast strut is a necessary addition? Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Yes, I would consider the strut necessary. While the RT masts are well designed and built for their original purpose, the Starlink Mini does weigh more than the Majestic antenna. With the extra weight, the mast may shake at speed or in rough h ch conditions.

Some owners use wire shrouds to support the mast. A DIY shroud project may be less expensive than the SOS strut. However, it’s a personal choice.

Channel Surfing has a good video on what they did for their mast shrouds.

We chose the SOS strut solution for the simplicity, strength, and quality. Both methods work well.

Our strut installation took about 15 minutes and it has a quick release feature to enable the mast to lower when needed.
 
Here's my setup. I wired it to to the accy. switch (I swapped it out for a branded Starlink switch) on the CB dash. I used a small step up transformer (Procured on Amazon) to boost the voltage. Everything works great.
Starlink Mount.jpg
Starlink switch.jpg
Starlink Mount.jpgStarlink switch.jpg
 
serendipity said:
We purchased the Mini mount from Simple Onboard Solutions and the kit works like a charm! We also got the mast strut, as well as their other hooks etc.

They are fabulous to work with: quality products, prompt shipment, and honest service. They are also Ranger Tug owners.

The Starlink Mini mount kit was easy to install. The mount withstands all conditions we faced cruising in New England. I would, however, recommend their mast strut, or shrouds, at the very least.

Simple Onboard Solutions (SOS) is a good resource!
Click to expand...
Hi Doug & Beth,

Thanks for sharing your experience! I’m considering the same SOS Starlink Mini setup for my Cutwater 30 and would appreciate a little more detail on the wiring.

I found the Majestic UFO box in the quarter berth near the fuse panel. Did you remove that box and install the Victron DC/DC converter in its place, reusing the existing 12V positive and negative wires that powered the Majestic?

Am I understanding your setup correctly?

Existing antenna 12V supply → Victron DC/DC converter → existing antenna coax, using the kit’s adapters → Starlink Mini.

A few questions:

  • Did you reuse the existing antenna coax for the entire run to the Mini, or did you need to run any new cable?
  • Did you retain the original antenna fuse or change its rating? If you changed it, what rating did you use, and did you also need to upgrade the supply wiring?
  • Were any other changes needed, such as additional fusing, connectors, or a separate power switch?

Thank you!
 
Last edited:
abastos said:
Hi Doug & Beth,

Thanks for sharing your experience! I’m considering the same SOS Starlink Mini setup for my Cutwater 30 and would appreciate a little more detail on the wiring.

I found the Majestic UFO box in the quarter berth near the fuse panel. Did you remove that box and install the Victron DC/DC converter in its place, reusing the existing 12V positive and negative wires that powered the Majestic?

Am I understanding your setup correctly?

Existing antenna 12V supply → Victron DC/DC converter → existing antenna coax, using the kit’s adapters → Starlink Mini.

A few questions:

  • Did you reuse the existing antenna coax for the entire run to the Mini, or did you need to run any new cable?
  • Did you retain the original antenna fuse or change its rating? If you changed it, what rating did you use, and did you also need to upgrade the supply wiring?
  • Were any other changes needed, such as additional fusing, connectors, or a separate power switch?

Thank you!
Click to expand...
Hi Alex,

I’m just going to jump in here ahead of Doug & Beth and answer your questions (hope that’s okay )

You are correct… you remove the majestic converter and in it’s place you install the Victron power converter. The kit includes an adapter that the Victron fits on, and it uses the same holes that the majestic converter uses so you don’t have to drill anything. I tried to make it as simple as possible for installation.

You are also correct with the setup 'chain' as described.
  • The existing antenna coax for the entire run is used… no extra wiring required (plug and play)
  • Original fuse can be kept the same, no upgrade to the supply wiring
  • The kit comes with the power switch that connects to the Victron – everything you need to be up in running in less than a 1/2 hr install.
If you have a moment, perhaps take a quick look at the manual for the R27 on the product page, should be quite similar.

I’m not sure where to mount the power switch on your Cutwater, and one should make sure there is clearance for the mini in place of the antenna on your boat, but I’m more than happy to help find a (simple onboard) solution for your setup

Feel free to direct message or reach out via the website contact page.

Shawn
 
IslandHopper said:
Hi Alex,

I’m just going to jump in here ahead of Doug & Beth and answer your questions (hope that’s okay )

You are correct… you remove the majestic converter and in it’s place you install the Victron power converter. The kit includes an adapter that the Victron fits on, and it uses the same holes that the majestic converter uses so you don’t have to drill anything. I tried to make it as simple as possible for installation.

You are also correct with the setup 'chain' as described.
  • The existing antenna coax for the entire run is used… no extra wiring required (plug and play)
  • Original fuse can be kept the same, no upgrade to the supply wiring
  • The kit comes with the power switch that connects to the Victron – everything you need to be up in running in less than a 1/2 hr install.
If you have a moment, perhaps take a quick look at the manual for the R27 on the product page, should be quite similar.

I’m not sure where to mount the power switch on your Cutwater, and one should make sure there is clearance for the mini in place of the antenna on your boat, but I’m more than happy to help find a (simple onboard) solution for your setup

Feel free to direct message or reach out via the website contact page.

Shawn
Click to expand...

Awesome, Shawn!!! Thanks for replying back.

I read it but decided to post here because it seemed too good to be true, LOL. Everything is complicated on a boat.

I think I have my winter project now!
 
abastos said:
Awesome, Shawn!!! Thanks for replying back.

I read it but decided to post here because it seemed too good to be true, LOL. Everything is complicated on a boat.

I think I have my winter project now!
Click to expand...
Alex, I concur! The folks at Simple Onboard Solutions provided everything needed including instructions. You will need to get a Victron DC to DC 12/24 to boost the line voltage.

Please message me and we can chat via phone if I can help. I’m on the coast but am a bit of a night owl.
 
serendipity said:
Alex, I concur! The folks at Simple Onboard Solutions provided everything needed including instructions. You will need to get a Victron DC to DC 12/24 to boost the line voltage.

Please message me and we can chat via phone if I can help. I’m on the coast but am a bit of a night owl.
Click to expand...
Thank you! I think it will be my winter project!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

  • Tugnuts.com is the community hub for Ranger Tug, Cutwater, and Solara owners. Since its inception in 2008, the Tugnuts forum has grown into an active and thriving community of more than 9,000 members. It serves as both a meeting place for the best boating community online, and an invaluable archive of information.

  • User menu
Back
Top