RV FEATURE
The special waterproof external connection for the Starlink dish data cable .
Now , you might have noticed that I ’ m being specific about gen 3 Starlink . That ’ s because the Cosmo is only compatible with the latest iteration of the Starlink router . The power supply for the gen 3 unit is external to the router , meaning it can use the 12V Cosmo as an external power supply .
But here ’ s a touch that I thought was pretty neat : Cowfish has developed a bracket to firmly hold the Starlink router in place – the router simply clicks in . What ’ s more , the bracket colour-matches the router perfectly and , in general , looks like something of which Elon Musk himself would approve – it ’ s a perfect fit for the router .
Why is running Starlink on 12V important , especially when most vans have inverters these days ? Of course you could do that . However , it is inefficient , and the name of the game when caravanning is power efficiency . Essentially , gen 3 Starlink routers require 57V . By using an inverter , you ’ re converting the voltage twice , 12V to 240V , and then to 57V . Much better to do it only once .
CONNECTION TO THE DISH
Now , if you were to have a new van built , the best bet would be to have the manufacturer install Starlink provision during the build stage . Basically , you ’ d want them to fit the data cable with corresponding RJ45 connections – one on the outside of the van , and one on the inside for the Starlink router .
It can certainly be done as a DIY job on an older van or – better still – have a specialist do it for you . Either way , there ’ s some good news : Cowfish provides a special waterproof external RJ45 connection . It includes a plastic ‘ shroud ’ that clamps to the data cable , a bit like a hose fitting , and includes a silicone seal .
Let ’ s talk about what you get in the Cosmo kit . It ’ s available in a basic format , which includes the Cosmo unit itself , plus the three aforementioned options to power it . However , you can also purchase a Cosmo Premium kit , which includes the Cosmo unit , the special router bracket , and the weatherproof RJ45 external connection point and internal point .
The Cosmo comes with three leads . The one you ' d use depends on your 12V access .
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