Convert Your Starlink to 12v Power For Your Offgrid/Boondocking/Nomad RV Lifestyle

When you're offgrid, you want to conserve power in every way possible. Runing your 12v battery into your 120vac inverter to convert back to 12v and 48v is very wasteful. Here I show you how to run your starlink setup off of 12v DC only! Fairly simple job, Come on in and let's get to it!
Parts Needed:
👉 120v AC to 12v DC Power Supply: geni.us/53H0EM
👉 12v DC to 48v DC Boost Converter: geni.us/pVcG6o
👉 48v Power Over Ethernet Injector (POE): geni.us/oHB9M3
👉 Starlink Cable to Ethernet Media Converter: geni.us/YJgq39
👉 Simple Router: geni.us/ENsGMVc
👉 HomeFi Cellular, Wifi, Ethernet Router: homefi.refr.cc...
Tools Used:
👉 Powerpole Connectors: geni.us/wyPL31
👉 Powerpole Crimpers: geni.us/vVfp
👉 Fuse Kit: geni.us/jkM4
➡️ Use Code "TOHR15" to save extra 💸 on Kaiweets gear ⬅️
👉 Kaiweets Ferrules and Crimper: kaiweets.com/p...
👉 Kaiweets Wire Strippers: kaiweets.com/p...
Shout out to my friend Eric from / @kh6wi for helping with links.
Thanks for watching!
If you'd like to support the channel, you can join us on Patreon here: / livingforalivingrv
Where possible, all links are affiliate links. Its how we pay the bills!

[@g4lmn-ron401]

Starlink are missing a trick here, it's very popular with RV and boat folk, they should consider a 12 volt system just for us! On the other hand I just ordered the parts to do this hack, so fun stuff to do soon.

[@livingforalivingRV]

Excellent, let me know if you run into any trouble

[@jayzo]

Bonus points for the PP30 connectors. I discovered them a couple of years ago and have become obsessed with them - I've standardised everything 12V to use them, and I've also made some multimeter probes with them so I don't need to gov shoving traditional probes into the connectors.

[@livingforalivingRV]

They work really well and are hard to mess up ... Not like the MC4 connectors!

[@HamRadioDX]

Good way to run Starlink off 12V Steve! Thanks for this, easy step by step.

[@livingforalivingRV]

Glad to help

[@sailingavemar]

I had been putting off this project for the past two years, but I wired up your setup today on my boat using the links in your description for the parts. Everything is working great. Thanks! I added an on / off switch on the breaker panel to shut it off when I'm moving. Thanks again.

[@livingforalivingRV]

That's awesome! Glad it worked great! The off switch is perfect. She's a power hog and if you aren't using it, might as well save battery power!

[@KK6USYHamRadioAdventures]

This should really be helpful for people that are offgrid.

[@livingforalivingRV]

I love that it can be 12v and also 120v as needed. Very versatile! Would have been great if the original router was a 12v barrel jack with a little wallwart, but I get the "elegance" of putting it all in one unit also. Different Strokes

[@lyledal]

I was sharing your video over on Mastodon when I discovered that you are a... *GASP* double space after a period guy! I'm shocked. SHOCKED! 🤣 Great video!

[@livingforalivingRV]

Mastadon wouldn't have that. I'm also a CamelCase guy. Can we meet in the middle with tabs set at 2?

[@lyledal]

@@livingforalivingRVFair and done!

[@IcePick.]

My reason for moving a family member to bypass mode was customer defined subnet and DHCP reservations, really missed those.

[@livingforalivingRV]

Yes - as I move around and pick the "best" internet service at each location having to re-assing the laptops/phones/printer/etc is a real pain. That is another benefit of having control of your own router!

[@ZsOtherBrother]

Very nice video. You might want to split it into two 10 min. clips, one for the mod, and the other for "extras" like using and testing, (which are mostly the same for "off" or "on" grid power), with the added bonus of attracting shorter attention span viewers, and more clips in your channel's portfolio. Keep up the good work.

[@livingforalivingRV]

Thanks for the tips! Its always a balance!

[@alanhat5252]

I can see why having a setup in a box is attractive, what I'm not seeing is why a small inverter in the box isn't good enough? Modern inverters seem to be more power-efficient than boost converters.

[@livingforalivingRV]

Why not remove every power hungry thing you can? the 12v inverter in the box is an easy way to not have to go back to the Starlink router. Otherwise - why not just use a small inverter and the normal starlink router? I'll run some other tests to see how much of a difference there is between my setup and white router+inverter. (BTW, there are other benefits that might not be apparent if you're stationary with a good view of the sky. I don't always have the luxury of using starlink, and even when I do, its not always the fastest choice) Stay tuned for more.

[@AD6DMDennis]

Cool hackery to get it to 12 volts. And thanks for pointing out that GL.iNet travel router, looks really interesting.

[@livingforalivingRV]

They have a few different models of that router. It is pretty slick for a go-box or field day.

[@desertpointadventures]

Genuinely not trying to be a jerk, you are right, there should be a reset button. It is much easier to unplug and replug on the wall side than the router side. Thanks for the great 12v tutorial!

[@livingforalivingRV]

Thanks for watching!

[@WhatsUpWithSix]

Great video my friend. As you know I have the exact same setup except for the router. Would just like to mention that on some routers it's not necessary to go into bypass mode. I have one that is and one that isn't required. Thought I would mention that ol buddy

[@livingforalivingRV]

Thanks for the info!

[@SuperFredAZ]

I know a lot of people are doing this, and it does make a "little" sense. What you are saving is the 12 V to 120 V inverter. You add a 12 V to 48 V inverter(source of inefficiency) and something between the 12 V and the router. I calculate perhaps you are saving 10-20 watts.

[@livingforalivingRV]

The other thing to add would be a timer to turn it off at night so you're not providing internet to sleeping users.

[@danr5375]

to go back to regular from bypass mode, you just have to reset your starlink system. It's easy

[@livingforalivingRV]

Yep. You're right

[@michael_KD8GIJ]

Nice. Note: If you consider moving back to Wisconsin your can probably remediate the heat problem for most of the year. 🙂

[@livingforalivingRV]

I don't mind snow... when visiting it for the weekend and promptly leaving!

[@robertmeyer4744]

great job. did something like that for Star link on 12V . had some inline fuse and disconnect switch and some ferrite on DC to DC converter . put a PC fan in box to cool with air filer. that user was a AM and SW radio listener. what a challenge with solar.

[@livingforalivingRV]

What battery and panel size did you land on?

[@robertmeyer4744]

@@livingforalivingRV went into RV 12V system. 400 Ah LiFePO4 with 500 watt solar with Victron MPPT and smart shunt., the new fridge was 12V no propane no 120V . has shore power converter 50A at 13.5V . lots of ferrite. they spent over $100 on ferrite alone. they made the box. even had to put ferrite on 12V vent fan motor . if you get RFI from that DC to DC converter. make DC chokes with t 240-31 on both in and out close to DC converter. what I had to do.

[@livingforalivingRV]

That makes sense. I just did a solar conversion on an RV like that. 31 is the best!

[@paulsundquist5258]

Thanks for the video. I'm upgrading my 12vdc Starlink I converted 2 years ago with the power poles and KAIWEETS KDC01 you presented

[@livingforalivingRV]

Sweet! Glad it helped!

[@markmonroe7330]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Thank you. You are still using inverters and converters in the process. The real question is how many watts does raw Starlink use in the shipped configuration versus your configuration with you inverters/converters/router. It looks like your setup may use 35-45 watts which is roughly the same as default Starlink after it stabilizes from power-up. I use several of those DC-DC converters/boosters from amazon and they typically have a 10-15% loss under load in my environment.

[@livingforalivingRV]

This is a future test. The problem is finding a good inverter. Any suggestions?

[@danielboughton3624]

@@livingforalivingRV My victron uses an easy amp+ just sitting there. With the starlink plugged in we are talking another 4-5 with the net being around 6 amps at 12v. It isn't a brand new inverter but it is a quality one. If you have to run an inverter anyways then maybe it is not a big deal. If you don't have to run the inverter all the time then it saves you some. One other annoyance, though minor, is if you have to switch your 120v supply (we do) from shore to generator to inverter then you drop your connection when you do it. This is most annoying when your shore power is going on/off randomly due to some instability.

[@livingforalivingRV]

@@danielboughton3624 And victron is supposed to be one of the best...1amp consumption at rest is hard to swallow. Your other issues make battery power a better choice when you can charge the battery at the same time as drawing power from it. I'd rather be charging via solar or shore power and have my connection un-interrupted.

[@allswellinendwell6957]

Nice clean build. FYI, it sounds like "Feral" not "Fe-rule"

[@livingforalivingRV]

Thanks for watching!

[@HamRadioNomad]

Thank you for sharing this, I was looking for a DC only setup to power my Starlink. Parts purchased.

[@livingforalivingRV]

Hey Nomad! Glad it helped. How you been?

[@HamRadioNomad]

I am doing well, looking for another van.

[@livingforalivingRV]

Good to hear!

[@donascher8315]

Where do I find the Tools and Materials list? Where is the "Description Button" to click on? Is there a link to your "Friend" who makes the small fuse board with the Pole Connectors at each end?

[@livingforalivingRV]

If you scroll down under the video, you'll find the description, you might have to click "...more..." or something to expand the description to see all the links, but that's where they are. Parts Needed: 👉 120v AC to 12v DC Power Supply: geni.us/53H0EM 👉 12v DC to 48v DC Boost Converter: geni.us/pVcG6o 👉 48v Power Over Ethernet Injector (POE): geni.us/oHB9M3 👉 Starlink Cable to Ethernet Media Converter: geni.us/YJgq39 👉 Simple Router: geni.us/ENsGMVc 👉 HomeFi Cellular, Wifi, Ethernet Router: homefi.refr.cc/living Tools Used: 👉 Powerpole Connectors: geni.us/wyPL31 👉 Powerpole Crimpers: geni.us/vVfp 👉 Fuse Kit: geni.us/jkM4

[@clivegar624]

I followed your video with interest and purchased the exact parts you used, but I cannot get it working, starlink will not recognise the router, cannot get into router settings, tells me no internet,

[@livingforalivingRV]

Gotta get into the router settings first to pick the starlink as the "thing to route from". See what you can do to get into that. I'll have another video coming up on this soon where I have a specific router I'm testing. Stay tuned!

[@LeeMcc_KI5YPR]

Why was I surprised there is a square Dishy to ethernet adapter?

[@livingforalivingRV]

I was surprised that the router side cables were recessed and gasketed for a device that isn't waterproof...

[@KH6WI]

@@livingforalivingRV The router is IP54 rated. I've had mine sitting outside for a year on my lanai. It is covered, but exposed to the elements

[@livingforalivingRV]

Your starlink router? As you know, it didn't come with a ton of documentation, but I remember seeing somewhere "don't sit it out in the rain" @KH6WI

[@user-ne9hv4dm4n]

How can I get the parts to convert to the DC system and what is the price of the parts?

[@livingforalivingRV]

Check the links in the description, add them to the cart and you're good to go! Since the price changes, seeing them in your cart is the best way to add them all up.

[@rayherriott6517]

An inverter would be much easier to implement and less complex. That way one can easily go back and forth between 120VAC and 12VDC.

[@livingforalivingRV]

Inverters waste power and every drop helps to last longer in the desert.

[@pmurphy12667]

will this setup work the same for the gen 3? when do you plan to do a follow up video showing it all in action and using the home router as mentioned? Would like to see you using the the router when plugged into shorepower also?

[@livingforalivingRV]

I don't have a Gen 3 to test with, but if I find somebody that has one I can try it out. I have been doing a long term test on the black router in the video and I'm convinced its really the only device in its category... but I'm having trouble recommending it because its not "great"... its kinda "meh" and I'd like it to be at least "ok" (I mean I really want it to be GREAT!, but my expectations might be too high)

[@user-cs1gy6ft4e]

I tried this step-up inverter and for some reason the output is reading 12v. What does your output(yellow/black) read as on a multimeter?

[@livingforalivingRV]

The 48v model? If your's reads 12v, you might have the wrong wires or a bad unit. Mine worked flawlessly for weeks and is now in my new RV which is 2 hours away at the moment getting tires on it. Would love to check, but she ain't here 🥲

[@billking6870]

Hi, is it possible to use this for Gen 1 dish by eliminating the rj45 adapter? Gen 1 is already rj45 from the dish.

[@livingforalivingRV]

I don't have one to confirm, but you can check out the pinout on the RJ-45. Does the dish have any other connector/wire on it?

[@richdv6800]

Nice video thanks, is this mod only for the Gen 2?

[@livingforalivingRV]

It might work for others directly or with minor adaptation. I don't have a different model to test with.

[@pauljohnston7700]

Hi, not sure you'll see this. Will this config. work on a gen 3?

[@livingforalivingRV]

Hello Paul - I'd have to get a Gen3 to be sure. Is the Gen3 connected via the same cable/power arrangements?

[@shawnbeerens4292]

I understand the want for a 12 volt input, but how much more efficient is using the buck boost transformer than just using the inverter you probably have and using the factory 120 v starlink setup?

[@livingforalivingRV]

I'll have to do a video on what the power difference is!

[@KH6WI]

Have you checked to see if the boost converter puts off any RFI? That's the one thing I'm concerned about before converting mine over. I plan on running it off a Epic PWRGate so it normally runs with the 12v power supply on grid power but fails over to 12v during a power outage.

[@livingforalivingRV]

I haven't checked yet, but I did give you a shoutout in the description for helping out with this project.

[@KH6WI]

@@livingforalivingRV I saw that, thanks!

[@Repin5]

Are you able to use starlink router??

[@livingforalivingRV]

If you wanted to keep using the starlink router, you'd need an AC inverter that did at least 1500w like this one: amzn.to/3I5k8ft

[@timel64]

Noooo! Where's the boot?

[@livingforalivingRV]

oops!

[@mymobile5014]

All I saw was someone who knows what they're doing, becoming exasperated as it was so difficult to do. My takeaway from this is: if I ever get Starlink, I'm just gonna plug it in and use it like it was intended. I don't need my brain fried :)

[@livingforalivingRV]

After it was done it hasn't been a problem. I just wanted to make sure people knew some patience was needed. So many videos make it look easy and then the viewer struggles. I just try to mix in some "reality". I has worked great so far!

[@lesliehunter1823]

There us a canadian guy in some big expedition vehicle on YT and he shows how to convert all your appliances to 12v.

[@budoconnor6126]

Youre mispronouncing ferrule.

[@livingforalivingRV]

You spelled "you're" wrong.

[@howardfine2209]

i converted mine over a year ago.you guys are slow.

[@livingforalivingRV]

Yep.