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Topic: 2019 MB - Creating access for a Starlink aentenna wire (Read 356 times) previous topic - next topic
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2019 MB - Creating access for a Starlink aentenna wire
I've decided to purchase Starlink Roam for better internet access. Most of installation videos that I have watched show the wire from the dish to the router being run through an slightly opened window. I would like something a little more permanent to keep out mosquitoes and rain, so I had this idea of cutting a small notch in the bottom of the access door in the picture. This is the door on the passenger side that gives you access to the area under the dinette seat. This would allow me bring the wire up through the dinette seat to the router located on the dinette table.

Is this a good or bad idea ?

Bill Moss




2019 MB and 2010 Honda Fit
Re: 2019 MB - Creating access for a Starlink aentenna wire
Reply #1 –
I’ve been using the window method on my 2017 TK for two years now.

Haven’t had any troubles with rain or mosquitoes, that includes a whole summer in Alaska, buggy and rainy.   At very buggy sites, after threading the cable through the window of choice, I use extra wide blue painters tape from the outside to cover any gap.   I don’t bother for the rain. This worked so well that I haven’t bother with other solutions that involve any cutting or holes.

The window method does allow me to deploy out of the right or left window, giving me more cable reach, getting away from obstacles, without having to resort to the longer 150’ cable.

BTW, highly recommend purchasing a 150’ cable as your spare as occasionally you’ll need more cable to reach a clearing with a clear view of the sky.   Also don’t advise hard mounting the dish either, as that limits your choice of campsites to only full sun, away from all trees.
Dave

2017 TK
Re: 2019 MB - Creating access for a Starlink aentenna wire
Reply #2 –
Hi Bill;  IMO Bad idea!  I don't like drilling obvious holes in external doors. Just asking for trouble, leaks and a cosmetic flaw for resale.  I don't know how big the plug end is that you would need to feed through the hole. Since your spare tire isn't stored under the cosmetic 'bustle' cover, I think I remember a person who added a cover plate under that (similar to an electrical outlet cover).  The cover allowed a wire to stay connected. Her plan was to wrap up the 150' line on a reel also stored under that cover. It's not weather tight under there, but might as well use that space for something.
    Like all of the midbath's I've seen, there is access to tow plug and other wiring through a removable cover inside the rear driver side compartment, where the license plate is on the outside.  A hole through the compartment floor could come back up into the tire storage area under the bumper area.  RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: 2019 MB - Creating access for a Starlink aentenna wire
Reply #3 –
Quote
Like all of the midbath's I've seen, there is access to tow plug and other wiring through a removable cover inside the rear driver side compartment, where the license plate is on the outside.
I never know!  I’m looking forward to checking that out. 
Re: 2019 MB - Creating access for a Starlink aentenna wire
Reply #4 –
A picture of the wiring I installed in a friends 2001 MidBath.  You can see the LED tail and reverse light wiring, Self resetting circuit breakers and stop light relay. That relay was to decode the Ford two wire (U.S.) for a three wire European standard with amber turn signal separate lights towed vehicle. And also a brake signal to operate an auxiliary braking system in a towed vehicle. I also replaced the license plate frame lighting with LED lights.  I added a standard RV seven pin socket at the bumper. One 20A breaker was for the tow lights, the other 20A breaker was a charging line for the towed vehicle's battery. Also included was a wire back to the dash of the motorhome to indicate that the towed vehicles brakes were applied. Sometimes a malfunction of the 'break away' plug, or the parking brake still being on in the towed to alert the motorhome driver.
    (sorry the drill motor battery base is in the picture)      RonB
  edit, not shown is the layer of fiberglass batting that goes in before the cover was replaced.
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: 2019 MB - Creating access for a Starlink aentenna wire
Reply #5 –
I would like to find a 5’ extension cord for the Factory StarLink cord, something that could be permanently installed and the access hole sealed. I worry that using the window entry point may lead to the accidental decapitation of an expensive cord.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: 2019 MB - Creating access for a Starlink aentenna wire
Reply #6 –

The Starlink cable itself is a standard off the shelf CAT6 computer cable.    The ends are proprietary.  

It can be cut and spliced like any other CAT6 cable.   

This might be of interest:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgWDzPAydJ0&ab_channel=RamblinHamblins

Once you get to the standard CAT6 connector type, a waterproof coupler could be useful for us RV folks.

If someone doesn't want to deal with cutting and splicing, you can get some of these for both ends of the starlink cable and use CAT6 for whatever in between.

Amazon.com: Klutchtech Starlink SPX Plug to RJ45 Adapters, Waterproof...

Rich



As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
2003 MB
Re: 2019 MB - Creating access for a Starlink aentenna wire
Reply #7 –
Contact Air Stream Nuts and Bolts for a solution to putting a data cable on the outside of the RV for a Starlink.
2006 50th Anniversary Blue/Gold Edition