How to run your starlink on 12 volt

So you've purchased starlink system and you'd like to take it with you but you don't know the best way to power it? I'm going to share the best methods to run your Starlink System from 12 or 24 Volt!

Let's start with the basics - Starlink was originally designed to be a fixed internet solution but because of its amazing capability to provide high speed internet almost everywhere you go, It's a great tool to have with you while you're travelling on the road. The problem is, Starlink requires a mains power supply to run the hardware which is not always readily available when you're Travelling.

What sort of Starlink do I have? Before diving in, You need to know what sort of system you own. There are different methods of converting starlink to 12v with different systems: Here's a basic way to tell them apart:

Gen 1: This is the original Starlink kit. It comes with a Round Shaped Antenna and a white/grey Rectangular Shaped Router.

Gen 2: Also Referred to as "Standard Actuated" or "Version 3". Has a Rectangular Shaped antenna with rounded corners and an "X" Shaped base, Which can be removed for pole mounting. This Generation comes with actuated motors for Automatic Tilt Adjustment. The router is a White Vertical style unit.

Gen 3: Also Referred to as "Standard" or "Version 4". Comes with a larger, Flat, Rectangular shaped Antenna with a small "Kickstand". The Router is a White Rectangular unit which sits Horizontally and has a Separate Power Supply.

Mini: This is the Latest version, The mini features a smaller rectangular style dish (similar to the Gen 3) and the Wifi router is built in. This unit is capable of running from 12v with a few considerations.

High performance & Flat high performance: Similar to Gen 2 & 3, But provides Faster Speeds at higher temperatures. More suited to Commercial, Military and Emergency Service Applications. Generally more Expensive but better Performance.

How Can I power my Starlink While away from home?
There are a Few options available to power your starlink System while on the road and I'm going to cover a few of those options here today:

Option 1: Mains Power Supply.
This may be an obvious one. But if you're travelling and you have a powered site, you don't need to do anything special. Just plug your starlink kit into an AC Outlet and you're good to go. However, You won't always have mains power available when you're on the move - So Its best to be prepared.

Option 2: Generator.
If you have a Generator handy, You can run your starlink kit off this the same way you would with AC Mains.

Option 3: Power Inverter
If your camping setup has an inverter, you can use the Starlink kit the same way you would use it if you were at home. Simply plug your starlink router into the AC Supply and you're all Set. If you don't have a lot of battery Storage but would still like to run starlink from an inverter, You can purchase a Smaller inverter for relatively cheap that will do the job just fine. Starlink Recommend using a pure sine wave inverter (modified wave inverters can cause electrical noise) with a rating of at least 500w. Although, Many users have reported smaller inverters as little as 150W will do the job, but speeds may be limited and you cannot use the "Snow Melt" Function. A good Quality Victron 12v 500w pure sine wave inverter Will work well for the Gen2, Gen3 & Mini.

Option 4: DIY 12V Conversion.
One popular method to Run your Starlink from 12v is to get rid of the Router that comes with the Starlink kit, purchase a few Relatively cheap components online and create a system that will power your Starlink dish though an aftermarket 12v Wireless Router. I won't go too far into this as there are plenty of In-depth articles explaining exactly how to do this online. In short - It's a good way to convert your starlink to 12v but you will need to have some basic electrical Knowledge and be handy with electronics. Some 12v Conversion kits are available to purchase online, Which makes the job a little easier. Either way, they all generally contain the same basic main Components:
- 12V Wireless Router
- POE Injector
- 12V to 56v (48v for Gen 2 Users) DC-DC Power Converter. 
- Starlink to RJ45 Cable Converter (Or you can Cut the Starlink cable and Re-terminate, Gen2 users)
- Shielded rj45 Cable.

Option 5: Ready to use 12v Converters:

- For Gen 2 Users: Currently, There is no Ready to use 12v Converter available to run the gen 2 Router. The best option is to use a small power inverter. Our Victron 12v 500w pure sine wave inverter works Well in this case.

- For Gen 3 Users: A Simple, DC-DC Converter is the Easiest way to Get your Starlink Kit running Directly off 12v or 24v. Simply Connect the converter to a 12v or 24v Power source and plug in your Starlink Router. Your Starlink system will work the same way as if it were plugged into an AC Mains power supply. you wont need to use the Power Supply included in your Starlink kit. This is a Highly Efficient way to run the Standard Starlink Router. If this sounds like a good option for you, We have a plug and play Converter available in our Store you can order it here.

- For Mini Users: The Starlink mini Can run from DC voltages ranging from 12v DC to 48v DC. The starlink mini comes with a DC Cable and an AC Power Adaptor. While you can in some cases run starlink mini directly from 12v with the supplied cable, users have reported issues with their mini "power cycling" when the voltage levels get low (around 11.5v) due to voltage drop across the length of the cable. If you're planning on running the starlink mini from 12v, You will need to increase the voltage being sent to the unit. Starlink recommend utilising a USB-C to DC Cable Powered from a USB-C / PD Socket with Rating of at least 100W, 20v DC, 5A. You can use a Mini Power Distribution box Which has the PD Socket built in, A Rechargeable Lithium power bank, or a Cigarette style Charger with a 100w PD Outlet.

Conclusion:

Depending on how you travel, and how you would like to use starlink will determine the best method you choose. If you have access to mains power, Then a 12v Conversion is probably not for you. If you're the DIY type and don't mind playing around with electronics, then the DIY 12v Conversion may be a suitable option. If you like the Simple method, A Small power inverter or a Ready to use DC converter would be your Best bet.