DEUTSCH
Starlink has revolutionized internet connectivity by providing high-speed internet access to remote areas. However, powering the Starlink 12/24V adapter can be challenging, especially when using long cable runs. One of the most common issues users face is voltage drop, which occurs when using thin wires over large distances. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the importance of selecting the suitable cable diameter to minimize voltage drop and ensure optimal performance of your Starlink system.
How does a power issue show on the 12/24V Yaosheng adapter?
Your adapter is blinking red, green, orange… red? Orange? Green? (find all blink codes for the Yaosheng Adapters on our docs page!) – this is most likely a sign of power issues! The same goes for seeing Dishy stuck in a boot loop (e.g., showing “getting connected” or “online” followed by “booting” or “disconnected” on the app). For debugging power issues, we always recommend testing with the most oversized wire diameter you can find as close to the battery as possible.
What is Voltage Drop?
Voltage drop is the decrease in voltage that occurs when electrical current flows through a conductor, such as a cable. The longer the cable and the thinner the wire, the more significant the voltage drop. This can lead to insufficient power reaching the Starlink adapter, causing performance issues or even failure.
Selecting the Right Cable Diameter!
To minimize voltage drop and ensure your Starlink 12/24V Conversion adapter receives the proper power, choosing the correct cable diameter is crucial. The cable diameter is measured in square millimeters (mm²) and directly affects the cable’s resistance. A larger cable diameter results in lower resistance and less voltage drop.
The table below displays the recommended cable diameters for a 120W load at both 12V and 24V. This may seem excessive, but a second-generation dishy will use approximately 110W during the initialization sequence. If the adapter doesn’t have enough power, the device may experience boot loops, random disconnects, and other related problems.
| Cable Length (m) | 12V Cable Diameter (mm²) | 24V Cable Diameter (mm²) |
|---|---|---|
| 0.25 | 1.5 | 0.75 |
| 0.5 | 1.5 | 0.75 |
| 0.75 | 1.5 | 0.75 |
| 1 | 1.5 | 0.75 |
| 1.5 | 2.5 | 1.5 |
| 2 | 2.5 | 1.5 |
| 2.5 | 4 | 2.5 |
| 3 | 4 | 2.5 |
| 3.5 – 4.5 | 6 | 4 |
| 5 – 6 | 10 | 6 |
| 7 – 8 | 16 | 10 |
| 9 – 10 | 25 | 16 |
As you can see, for the same cable length, the required cable diameter is smaller for 24V systems compared to 12V systems. Higher voltage systems experience less current flow, resulting in lower voltage drop.
Tips for Minimizing Voltage Drop
- Use the recommended cable diameter based on your system voltage and cable length.
- Keep cable runs as short as possible to reduce resistance.
- Use high-quality, low-resistance cables specifically designed for electrical applications. You might be surprised to know that there are many fake cables being sold on reputable marketplaces like Amazon. These cables may claim to have a wire diameter of 2.5mm², for example, but in reality, the diameter is well below 1.5mm².
- Consider using a higher voltage system (e.g., 24V) to reduce current flow and minimize voltage drop.
Conclusion
Powering your Starlink 12/24V adapter requires careful consideration of cable diameter to minimize voltage drop. By using the recommended cable sizes based on your system voltage and cable length, you can ensure optimal performance and reliability of your Starlink internet connection. Remember to keep cable runs short, use high-quality cables, and consider higher voltage systems when possible. With the proper cable selection, you can enjoy uninterrupted, high-speed internet access even in remote locations.