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Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: Jeff & Sandy on December 05, 2022, 06:19:46 am

Title: Starlink/Flagpole Buddy install - best place to route the wiring
Post by: Jeff & Sandy on December 05, 2022, 06:19:46 am
For those who have done this, when the dish is on the flagpole, where is the best place to bring the wire intro the coach?

I was thinking of coming from the engine bay into the bedroom, modem on the nightstand?

Thanks all

Title: Re: Starlink/Flagpole Buddy install - best place to route the wiring
Post by: Jeff & Sandy on December 05, 2022, 07:56:53 pm
Perhaps I mis-phrased that. 8)

How would you route a coax type wire from the lower part of the engine bay door into the bedroom?

As an aside the connectors are large and cannot be removed and re-attached to the cable
Title: Re: Starlink/Flagpole Buddy install - best place to route the wiring
Post by: bpal on December 05, 2022, 08:15:50 pm
I am planning to do the same thing although I haven't decided where to route the cable.
I intend to cut the starlink cable and use something like this. I've done 100s of RJ45 cable end connectors so I'm not worried about cutting the cable. http://www.mouser.com/datasheet/2/18/1/RJFRB%20Series-1157848.pdf
Title: Re: Starlink/Flagpole Buddy install - best place to route the wiring
Post by: WS6_Keith on December 05, 2022, 08:25:54 pm
In my coach, the back of the closet is the metal outside of the coach, inside of the rear cap.  With the engine hatch open, you can look up between the fiberglass endcap and see about a 6-8" area between the two.  I'd probably drill through the back of the closet and install a bulkhead coax fitting, then install a cable on each end.  This puts the inside connection in the closet and the outside connection can be attached and coiled up in the engine compartment somewhere when unused.

Of course this assumes your layout has the closet at the rear.  If not, you'd have to see what access you have through the rear.
Title: Re: Starlink/Flagpole Buddy install - best place to route the wiring
Post by: Jeff & Sandy on December 05, 2022, 08:35:21 pm
Thanks guys.
Title: Re: Starlink/Flagpole Buddy install - best place to route the wiring
Post by: Lon and Cheryl on December 05, 2022, 10:11:46 pm
I think I would investigate bringing the cable across the top of the engine bay and exit it near the electronics ( breaker panel/transfer switch area) at the end of the bed pedestal. The router might also fit there.
Title: Re: Starlink/Flagpole Buddy install - best place to route the wiring
Post by: Jeff & Sandy on December 06, 2022, 04:37:23 am
I think I would investigate bringing the cable across the top of the engine bay and exit it near the electronics ( breaker panel/transfer switch area) at the end of the bed pedestal. The router might also fit there.

Great idea, plenty of room, I've got power there, no drilling. Thank you as always.
Title: Re: Starlink/Flagpole Buddy install - best place to route the wiring
Post by: Woody & Sitka on December 06, 2022, 10:16:33 am
Until SL releases the bulkhead socket with shorter cables, I mount the SL router in the wet bay, propped up on top of the shore line reel, plugged into the wet bay outlet.  Run the dishy cable out the service flap with the shore line cable and coil up the excess dishy cable in the wet bay.  Easy to set up and break down with no wires pinched.  Whole Starlink system travels safe and secure  in a Husky box from Home Depot.  JWID.
Title: Re: Starlink/Flagpole Buddy install - best place to route the wiring
Post by: Jeff & Sandy on December 06, 2022, 02:43:26 pm
Until SL releases the bulkhead socket with shorter cables, I mount the SL router in the wet bay, propped up on top of the shore line reel, plugged into the wet bay outlet.  Run the dishy cable out the service flap with the shore line cable and coil up the excess dishy cable in the wet bay.  Easy to set up and break down with no wires pinched.  Whole Starlink system travels safe and secure  in a Husky box from Home Depot.  JWID.


Thanks! Do you have a model number for that Husky case?
Title: Re: Starlink/Flagpole Buddy install - best place to route the wiring
Post by: Woody & Sitka on December 06, 2022, 03:27:52 pm
Husky 12 gallon storage container.  Got the idea from this guy:  https://youtu.be/4MGoybYs7Js

Title: Re: Starlink/Flagpole Buddy install - best place to route the wiring
Post by: Bob & Sue on December 06, 2022, 08:24:34 pm
So,, this is about the portable SL and not the leave it in place permanent one ??    Otherwise wouldn't we mount it on the roof. 
Title: Re: Starlink/Flagpole Buddy install - best place to route the wiring
Post by: Jeff & Sandy on December 06, 2022, 08:46:46 pm
So,, this is about the portable SL and not the leave it in place permanent one ??    Otherwise wouldn't we mount it on the roof.

We have the RV version, it's portable. We want the flexibility of being able to move it if the flagpole is blocked by trees.
Title: Re: Starlink/Flagpole Buddy install - best place to route the wiring
Post by: Jason on December 06, 2022, 11:37:03 pm
We have the RV version, it's portable. We want the flexibility of being able to move it if the flagpole is blocked by trees.

This. First night using it this year, we had trees to contend with. I was able to mount it on the side. Fixed mount would have prevented a good signal.
Title: Re: Starlink/Flagpole Buddy install - best place to route the wiring
Post by: steve31 on December 09, 2022, 01:49:17 pm
Jeff : Do you have the 2 ea 2 inch hitch receivers that was used to move the coach at the shop at time of build? They are mounted on the front of the coach attached to the frame. I will send pics later today. Plan is to use a flagpole mount that fits receiver ( Camco 51611 Amazon ) , a 20 ft Harbor freight flagpole, and Starlink adaptor Starlink square dish adaptor ( Amazon ). Plan on hanging the cable under front cowling in 2 coils. Can access by opening the doors under the windshield. One about 20 ft to run up the flagpole, the other 50 ft or so in another coil so if I have an obstruction, I can ground mount the dish. Going to run the inside of the cable thru the firewall to where the original TV was. Going to mount the router there as well. Have a 110 outlet there for the TV that is powered when plugged in and also hot when using the inverter. Flag pole mount delayed in transit but should be here today, if rain holds of will be done tomorrow and will send pictures.
Title: Re: Starlink/Flagpole Buddy install - best place to route the wiring
Post by: steve31 on December 09, 2022, 02:10:12 pm
Ihave a double bumper, not sure if that matters. Cannot tell by looking at your coach pic if you have them or not. Might be covered up and behind the fiberglass
Title: Re: Starlink/Flagpole Buddy install - best place to route the wiring
Post by: Jeff & Sandy on December 09, 2022, 03:57:52 pm
Thanks Steve. Mine are set back and are covered by fiberglass.