Why operate Starlink off 12 volt
Through our products you will be able to operate Starlink from your 12 volt battery system, instead of having to have access to 240 volt. By operating the Starlink system directly off 12 volt you will have access to reliable and consistent connectivity, even in the most remote locations.
Our 12 volt Starlink solutions do not only cater for those that do not have an inverter, they also use less power compared to a conventional 240 volt inverter setup. By removing the requirement to run an inverter the electrical losses are eliminated, using less power the operate the Starlink system. This allows you to stay off grid for longer.
The different versions of Starlink
There are currently two main versions of Starlink, known as the Standard unit (Gen 3) and the Standard Actuated unit (Gen 2).
The Gen 3 dish is slightly taller and wider compared to the Gen 2 dish, but is more compact when stowed due to the removal of the automated pole. The Gen 3 unit has to be manually aimed with guidance from the Starlink app. The power supply for the Gen 3 system is external to the router and can therefor be replaced with our 12 volt power supply.
For the Gen 3 Starlink System we have developed Cosmo.
The Gen 2 unit automatically aligns to point towards the satellite constellation. The Gen 2 unit also uses less power at 50-75 Watts compared to 75-100 Watts. The power supply for the Gen 2 system is integrated in the Starlink router and therefor the Starlink router is to be replaced with one of our 12 volt VanConnect routers.
For the Gen 2 Starlink system we offer the Starlink Integration Kit.
Cosmo
Specifically designed for the gen 3 Starlink system, Cosmo powers the Starlink router and dish, directly off your 12 volt system.
Cosmo is a dedicated power supply unit that replaces the standard Starlink power supply. The unit plugs directly into the Starlink router, powering the entire Starlink setup through 12 volt. The unit also has its own ON/OFF switch, allowing you to completely turn the Starlink system off when not in use, in order to save power.
Off course the full Starlink system can still be managed through the Starlink App whereby you can monitor the status of the system and change settings.
Cosmo comes with a 50cm electrical cable that is to be wired into the caravans electrical supply. The output cable is a 50cm lead with barrel plug, to suit the gen 3 Starlink router. This plugs directly into the router.
Our internal and external weatherproof cable connection options can be added to the system for an enhanced user experience. The connector has a IP65 rating, meaning weatherproof and dust proof. This connection point can be mounted on the outside wall of the caravan, allowing for easy access to connect the Starlink Dish without the need to leave the caravan doors or windows open.
Starlink Integration Kit
The Cowfish Starlink Integration Kit links the Starlink Dish to the VanConnect system, giving you all the benefits of the VanConnect over the original Starlink router. A complete 12 volt system with a further reaching WiFi network, optional 5G/4G internet fallback and an integrated media centre.
The Starlink Integration Kit is currently not compatible with Gen 1 or Gen 3 Starlink Dish.
The VanConnect systems are preconfigured to accept an internet connection from Starlink through the Cowfish Starlink Integration Kit. There is no additional setup or configuration required. Simply connect the hardware and the VanConnect will utilise the Starlink internet connection when available. When Starlink is not connected or turned off, the VanConnect 5G and VanConnect 4G automatically switch over to 4G/5G internet.
Through this setup, you are able to pause your Starlink service whilst in a good 4G/5G coverage area. This allows you to save money and benefit from a more cost effective internet connection utilising the 4G and 5G networks.
When operating on 4G/5G internet, there is also no additional setup required. No need to set the Starlink dish up outside and ensure you have a clear view of the Southern sky. You are also able to use the 4G/5G internet connection whilst in motion, something that is not possible through the standard Starlink service.
If 4G/5G internet fallback is not required there is the option to use the VanConnect Zero instead of the VanConnect 4G or VanConnect 5G. The VanConnect Zero is the perfect Caravan WiFi solution for those that require a 12 volt WiFi system, but do not need 4G or 5G capabilities. The Zero incorporates the same WiFi features that you are used to from the VanConnect 4G and VanConnect 5G, without the extra price tag.
To connect the Starlink dish to the Integration Kit you have the option of three different connection methods:
By far the most secure and robust connection to power your Gen 2 Dish whilst on the road. This option incorporates a weatherproof connection point for on the outside of your caravan.
The connection point has an integrated cap and is rated IP65, meaning weatherproof and dust proof. This connection point can be mounted either on the outside wall of the caravan, or in the tunnel boot or media hatch, allowing for easy access to connect the Starlink Dish, without the need to leave the caravan doors or windows open.
A specialised connector is installed on the end of your Starlink cable, providing a full weatherproof connection on the outside of your caravan. Wind, rain or hail, you can leave the Dish cable plugged in and enjoy the internet, without risking water getting into the electronics or getting inside your caravan.
The Starlink cable requires to be cut for this option and our connector secured at the end of the cable. In order to install the new connector at the end of the Starlink cable, a standard RJ45 crimp tool is required.
For those who are unwilling to cut the Dishy cable, the Starlink to RJ45 Adapter has been developed. This option is our tool free, hassle-free conversion. No need to cut the cable and no need to install any special connectors. Simply plug the Starlink cable into the adapter and turn on the Cowfish 12V Dishy Power Supply.
The Starlink adapter converts the proprietary Starlink connector to a standard shielded RJ45 connection, allowing for the Dish to be connected directly to the Cowfish Starlink Integration system.
The adapter is not weatherproof and should therefor be used whilst running the Dish cable into the tunnel boot, media hatch or similar enclosure of your caravan. With this adapter there is no requirement to modify the Starlink cable in order to use it with our Cowfish 12V Dishy Power Supply.
A secure and robust connection to power your Gen 3 Dish without the need to modify the Starlink Gen 3 cable. This option incorporates a weatherproof connection point for on the outside of your caravan.
The connection point has an integrated cap and is rated IP65, meaning weatherproof and dust proof. This connection point can be mounted either on the outside wall of the caravan, or in the tunnel boot or media hatch, allowing for easy access to connect the Starlink Dish, without the need to leave the caravan doors or windows open.
A specialised connector is installed on the end of your Starlink cable, providing a full weatherproof connection on the outside of your caravan. Wind, rain or hail, you can leave the Dish cable plugged in and enjoy the internet, without risking water getting into the electronics or getting inside your caravan.
The Starlink cable slides into our propriety connector for a weatherproof fitting.
Technical Specifications
Cosmo
Cosmo has an input voltage of 12 / 24V and gives you a single output to connect directly to the gen 3 Starlink router.
The unit is rated to a maximum of 35A @ 12V. It is important that a minimum of 10AWG cabling is used, fused at 35Amp, to supply power to Cosmo. This is to ensure that sufficient current is supplied and that there is no voltage drop that may cause the input voltage to fall below the minimum requirement of 12V.
The unit comes with a 50cm electrical cable (10AWG) with XT60 connector that is to be wired into the caravans electrical supply.
Specifications:
- Input Voltage range: 12V – 24V
- Output Voltage: 57 V
- Max output current: 7 A
- Rating: 400 W
Starlink Integration Kit
The Starlink Integration Kit is not a stand alone product. The Integration Kit is an Add On system for the VanConnect 5G or VanConnect 4G. The Integration Kit supplies power to the Starlink Dish and links a Starlink internet connection with the VanConnect WiFi system.
The Starlink Integration Kit has an input voltage of 12 / 24 Volt and gives you a single ethernet output to connect directly to the ethernet input (WAN) of you VanConnect system.
The unit requires 10A @ 12V to ensure sufficient current is available during startup. It is important that a minimum of 14AWG cabling is used, fused at 10A, to supply power to the Integration Kit. This is to ensure that sufficient current is supplied and that there is no voltage drop that may cause the input voltage to fall below the minimum requirement of 12V.
Specifications:
- Input Voltage range: 12V – 24 V
- Output Voltage: 48 V
- Maximum output current: 2.5 A
- Rating: 120 W
- Ethernet: 10/100/1000 Mbps
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