But there ’ s more . To power the Starlink system off the grid using the standard router , you ’ ll need to run it from an inverter and that means there ’ s more energy loss through the voltage conversion process . You ’ re converting the voltage three times . 12V to 240V to 56V . It would be much more efficient to only have to convert the voltage once and that ’ s where a 12V conversion kit can help .
WHAT HARDWARE DO I NEED ?
For this 12V conversion , you will need several components :
• A 12V router ;
• A 12V to 56V POI converter ;
• A Starlink to RJ-45 cable converter ;
• Some ancillary hardware ; and
• A good 12V source .
Now , you could scour the internet for each individual component and build the system up yourself , or you could purchase a readymade conversion kit . We went with the latter , getting our gear from Cowfish Technologies . These guys are experts in caravan and RV internet communications . We ’ ve been running the Cowfish 12V 4G wi-fi router , VanConnect , for the last two years and it ’ s been fantastic .
As far as 12V Starlink conversion kits go , Cowfish has two options : With a weatherproof wall connection that requires the Starlink cable to be modified ; or with a non-weatherproof connection that does not require cable modification .
We went with the second option as we have an outdoor TV / media box under the awning that was suitable for this connection and my wife wasn ’ t keen on me drilling holes into the side of our van .
The kits come with everything you will need to convert your Starlink system to run off 12V , remembering you will need a 12V router or , at least , a portable wi-fi hot spot with a WAN connection .
This is the best part of the 12V conversion : a single cable to connect when setting up . So much easier .
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