Starlink Mini wiring info request -2022-R29 Sedan

[Islander220]

I am considering installing a Starlink mini on the imitation smokestack of my R 29 sedan –2022. Can anyone suggest the best way to run the wire back down to the starboard side just behind the helmsman seat.? There is a 10 V outlet that I could possibly connect into and then connect a 30 V transformer or plug into the 110 V outlet just below the dining table.
Any information or advice would be appreciated.

 

[Red Raven]

Does your boat have Scotty downrigger receptacles in the cockpit? If so, you could avoid the wire snaking and pulling and just connect the 12-36v converter in parallel with that receptacle and mount your mini in a rail mount rod holder on the roof or Bimini frame. That’s what I did on our R27 Classic. Works great.

 

[RWHenhouse]

I installed our Starlink Mini with a suction cup mount inside the cabin, looking up through the aft skylight hatch on the port side. Bought a 10' heavy gauge power cable (Amazon) and plugged it into the 12V outlet. My intent was to use it in this configuration while travelling and then move it outside when at anchor or dock. But whenever I check, speed is always > 50 Mbps, so I've never moved it. Boat is a RT31CB with a bimini, I was surprised at how well it worked.

 

[Islander220]

Thanks for the 2 excellent suggestions!
RedRaven-Where did you mount your converter?We could possibly put it in a small locker by the outlet but it could be subject to moisture.

RWHenhouse-Did you not need a 12-36 V converter by using a short heavy duty cable?

Thanks!
David

 

[SKing]

I also use a 10ft heavy duty 12vdc cord with no converter, without any issues. Plugged into cigarette lighter. Just unplug when not in use.

 

[GunkHoling]

I've powered my mini of 12v and a short 10ft - 15ft cable with no issue. I've built a few pigtails with the scotty downriggers plugs from marinco that provide either a 5521 DC barrel jack, or a standard 12v cigarette style plug. I have purchased https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DQV9YHZ9 but not yet used it. I figured having it on hand if I ever need a longer cable run for the mini would be handy.

I mount my mini to an inverted rod holder on the roof of my C28. I don't leave it up permanently as it comes with me when truck camping or to lend out. I have a Peplink device instead that is permanent on the boat with a Google Fi SIM as the primary boat internet. When the Mini boots, the Peplink sees the SSID and picks starlink as the primary network connection. This way boat devices and crew don't need to switch networks. If I have the starlink out it's likely because LTE/5G isn't available or spoty.

 

[Red Raven]

Thanks for the 2 excellent suggestions!
RedRaven-Where did you mount your converter?We could possibly put it in a small locker by the outlet but it could be subject to moisture.

RWHenhouse-Did you not need a 12-36 V converter by using a short heavy duty cable?

Thanks!
David

On our boat the cockpit liner (tan color) fits up under the white gunwhale. When I reach up under the gunwhale I can reach the top edge of the liner and there is room to fit the converter behind the liner near the Scotty receptacle. [Edit: I forgot that it was easier to reach behind the liner from the port locker so I put the converter below the Scotty plug.] When you pull the Scotty receptacle it is pretty easy to fish the wires from the converter to the Scotty hole in the liner to make the connection. I then added a barrel connector compatible to the Starlink cable above the Scotty in the liner. I used some Alien Tape (super sticky and thick double stick tape) to hold the converter. It only weighs a few ounces. Since it is under the gunwhale and behind the liner it stays dry. 5 weeks this year up in the north BC coast and it worked perfectly the whole time.

As others have noted you can probably skip the converter and use a shorter heavy gauge cable from 12v directly. You would need to change out one end of the cable to a Scotty 12V connector. Easy enough for sure. Starlink uses a 36V output from their 120VAC adaptor so I felt using 36V and a stock 15ft cable with the Starlink type water resistant barrel connectors was the best option at the time.

 

[Islander220]

I will definitely go with a 10 ft heavy duty cable!
Thanks very much for all the feedback!

 

[Nwdiver]

I mounted my mini on the cabin roof top to the left of the mast. I Initially used the stock 12V cable wired to an existing rocker switch in the helm, no power booster.

It didn’t work.

I replaced the stock cable with larger gauge wire to the same rocker switch on the helm, it is now working great.

Still no power booster