Starlink

[g8erh8er]

The cable between the dish and the controller box is (apparently) not a standard cable. Some have speculated it is some type of enhanced CAT 6e variation that can support more power than standard PoE. It isn't recommended to cut it, nor to extend it. If your dish mount has to be more than 100' from your in-home network location, the recommendation would be to provide an weather-tight enclosure with AC power within 100' of the dish mount location, store the dish controller there, and then connect it back via any standard supported length of CAT 6e to the router location in your home*. You can use the included Starlink router then or any other router of your choice. The Starlink router is also powered via PoE so the cable run from the controller to it needs to be within PoE supported length if you use their router. Obviously if you use your own router that has its own power supply then no need for PoE from the controller so length can be higher.

Some folks have altered the included dish cable and been successful. Some not. It's your $500 to experiment with.

Rob

*Note that knowledgeable folks will generally recommend using a CAT to fiber converter and run fiber if you need to bury or string it outside, to avoid lightning risks. Starlink doesn't seem to think that is vital, given their stock CAT connection though. YMMV.

Thx for the replies Rob & Peter. I do have a power junction box for my well about 10 feet from the post but I'll likely try connecting Dishy's cable to my existing cable first to see if it works. I don't like the idea of the power brick sitting outside in the Florida heat/humidity. I also have an unused cat5e cord going to my garage attic if I chose to mount Dishy somewhere around that location. Again though, the brick would be subjected to a lot of heat in that attic.

 

[plowhog]

the brick would be subjected to a lot of heat in that attic.

I'd really try to avoid that. Considering Starlink is in beta it might be a challenge to get that replaced. Heat is not the friend of electronics.

 

[ponytug]

Thx for the replies Rob & Peter. I do have a power junction box for my well about 10 feet from the post but I'll likely try connecting Dishy's cable to my existing cable first to see if it works. I don't like the idea of the power brick sitting outside in the Florida heat/humidity. I also have an unused cat5e cord going to my garage attic if I chose to mount Dishy somewhere around that location. Again though, the brick would be subjected to a lot of heat in that attic.

Having read of other's experiences trying to lengthen Dishy's cable I really doubt it will work. People have tried, and Dishy spikes to a really high power draw when the satellites aren't overhead (150W).

I do recommend a ventilated enclosure, similar to this one;

They aren't cheap, but they are of the "set it, and forget it" variety.

All the best,

Peter

 

[cqaigy2]

That's a very nice enclosure. I'd probably spring for something like that.

 

[ponytug]

That's a very nice enclosure. I'd probably spring for something like that.

It has been on my bookmark list, waiting for a Starlink POE adapter. Altelix makes a large number of variations in size, outlets, backboard, and ports.

All the best,

Peter

 

[buckeyefarmer]

Could build something equivalent for way less I would think.

 

[ponytug]

Could build something equivalent for way less I would think.

I am sure you and many other folks could. I have built a few.

I would point out that a basic NEMA 4X+ enclosure is pretty pricey just by itself. These boxes aren't just rain tight sheet metal boxes that you can pick up at Lowe's.

However, if you don't happen to have the parts lying around, and you are ordering a couple of cable glands, strain relief, fans, mesh, filters, filter holders, acetal, terminal strips, and glue, it adds up. Personally, I think that the tricky bit for me is getting the cooling fan covers to be watertight, but we all have different strengths.

All the best,

Peter

 

[Frankenkubota]

As mentioned, no the cable cannot be disconnected from the dish. And it is suspected that it is not a standard Cat 6e cable due to the power requirements. The suggested option if you need the dish further then 100' (of cable) from your indoor location is to have a weather-protected place with power to house the controller, then use a longer standard Cat 6e cable to connect the controller to the Starlink router (or you own router).

Rob

or

 

[cqaigy2]

Yes, i've built a few outdoor boxes for electronic equipment, and if you already have the parts, it's possible to do it cheaper, but to get all of the parts for cheaper can be a bit challenging.

 

[ponytug]

I just went to Amazon, and if you are willing to give up some on the ventilation and rain proofing, and perhaps box quality, I think that you could build it yourself for about 2/3rds of the price.

All the best,

Peter