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TampaDave · 05-18-2025, 05:05 AM

Have yall found a waterproof through-bulkhead mount that works with Gen3 Standard?

**hamm2018** · 05-18-2025, 05:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TampaDave

Have yall found a waterproof through-bulkhead mount that works with Gen3 Standard?

Dave, I installed this in our rig:
https://www.amazon.com/Waterproof-Co...08CDD2BRF&th=1

Then used this to connect 2 cables:
https://www.amazon.com/VCE-Waterproo...07FLY7233&th=1

I went thru the J-wrap then followed existing cable run to the junction box for power to the slide outlets. Ran Starlink up that area and into the slide out.
Only hole I had to drill was for the J-wrap

TampaDave · 05-19-2025, 03:21 AM

I got that exact thru-bulkhead connector, it worked once, and even then it took a half hour to boot up. After that, no joy. Maybe I got a dud, although I see it's only rated for 1.5a, Starlink can draw up to 2.5a... It's cat 5e, maybe I should be doing 6 or 6a?

PushedAround · 05-19-2025, 06:12 AM

I am putting a Cat6 bulkhead connector on the underside of my slide, directly below the A/V cabinet and running a patch cable down to it. Then when I open the slide all I have to do is to place and plug in the satellite panel. It's not waterproof, but it is in a dry location under the slide and there is an outlet under there already, so it should be a good location. I am going to test it first before I install it.

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PushedAround · 05-19-2025, 04:52 PM

I setup my Starlink system and ran a few speed tests. Then I connected the bulkhead and a 6' extender cable. It booted up in the same time, maintained the satellite alignment and seems to run at the same speed. Looks like a go as far as using it.

Tskadberg · 05-19-2025, 06:25 PM

I believe any connector needs to be Starlink comparable it not a normal Ethernet plug.

92LandYacht · 05-19-2025, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tskadberg

I believe any connector needs to be Starlink comparable it not a normal Ethernet plug.

Actually, the Gen 3 and Mini both use direct ethernet compatible connectors and wiring. It's only the gen 1 and 2 that use unique cable wiring.

TampaDave · 05-23-2025, 05:13 AM

To my understanding they use POE (power over ethernet). How much power it can draw, or that it usually draws is not totally clear to me. I read gen3 can pull up to 2.5a which can exceed the specs for 5e. But not all the time, which I think may explain why it worked, and then it didn't. Will see if I have better luck with cat6

Also, for the record, leading the wire through a bay door worked until it didn't. Now matter how gently I closed the door, eventually it kinked the cable enough to where that quit working.

The thing can be a little persnickety, although when I set it up how Elon says to set it up, that there's some good internet. Following instructions is typically my last resort but it remains under consideration

Tskadberg · 05-23-2025, 01:25 PM

Yes the gen three uses a normal looking Ethernet plug but it’s running a lot of wattage through the POE not all connectors are rated for the wattage. The dish will do weird things if underpowered. I learned this the hard way.

PushedAround · 05-23-2025, 03:47 PM

I checked out my bulkhead connector and it has tabs on the side to conduct the ground through from one cable to the other. Also, the 8 tines that carry the signals & power look quite robust, and I don't think that this would have any problem handling the POE power for the dish.