Can Starlink cable be cut & reconnected?

Summary

In this video, the creator demonstrates how they installed Starlink on their roof and successfully connected it to their home network. After testing the internet speed, they encountered a challenge with the large end of the Starlink cable that couldn't fit through their house's entry point. They decided to cut and re-terminate the cable with new RJ45 connectors, using a Cat6 coupler to reconnect it. After performing the modification, they tested the connection, confirming that the internet was still functional with speeds similar to their initial test. The creator also notes the importance of grounding the cable properly for safety.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Starlink antenna was successfully installed on the roof, and the setup works well, providing good speeds around 200-236 Mbps.
• 😀 The large end of the Starlink cable was too big to fit through the small copper tube, leading to the decision to cut and replace the ends with new RJ45 connectors.
• 😀 The speaker used a Cat6 crimping tool, connectors, and a coupler to re-terminate the cable after cutting off the large end.
• 😀 A pin diagram for wiring was followed (white-green, green, white-orange, blue, white-blue, orange, white-brown, brown) to properly attach new RJ45 connectors on both ends of the cable.
• 😀 After the modification, the Starlink system was successfully connected and the internet speed remained stable, similar to the initial test.
• 😀 The speaker performed a phone speed test after the modification, confirming that the Starlink internet was still working with good speeds and low latency.
• 😀 The use of a coupler allowed the two re-terminated cable ends to be joined together, successfully completing the modification.
• 😀 The speaker advised that if the cable doesn’t work after the modification, it may be necessary to buy a new one, as the process was low risk.
• 😀 The speaker clipped off extra metal wires from the Starlink cable, speculating they might be part of a grounding system.
• 😀 A grounding concern was raised, and the speaker recommended ensuring a good ground connection, possibly adding electrical tape for extra safety, especially given the antenna's exposure to potential lightning strikes.

Q & A

What was the purpose of the Starlink installation?

The purpose of the Starlink installation was to set up a satellite internet connection with the Starlink antenna placed on the roof to provide high-speed internet access.

What were the initial speed test results after connecting Starlink?

After connecting Starlink, the speed test results showed 150-200 Mbps, with a ping of around 50 milliseconds in the morning and 236 Mbps later during the test.

What issue was encountered with the Starlink cable during installation?

The issue encountered was that the end of the Starlink cable, which is too large to fit through the intended hole in the house, was problematic for connecting it to the inside of the house.

Why did the person want to cut the Starlink cable?

The person wanted to cut the Starlink cable to make it easier to feed it through a small hole in the house, as the end of the cable was too large to fit through the available space.

Is it safe to cut the Starlink cable and add new ends to it?

Although some people online thought it might be risky, the person felt it was a low-risk task. If the modification didn't work, they would simply lose the cable and have to buy a new one.

How did the person modify the Starlink cable?

The person used a crimping kit to add new RJ45 connectors to the ends of the Starlink cable, following the standard wiring diagram for Cat6 cables, and used a coupler to connect the two ends.

What components were used to modify the Starlink cable?

The components used included a crimping tool, RJ45 connectors, a Cat6 coupler, and the original Starlink cable.

What was the result after modifying and testing the cable?

After modifying the cable and connecting the ends with a coupler, the internet connection worked perfectly, with similar speed test results and consistent performance.

What concern did the person have regarding the Starlink cable's grounding?

The person was concerned that there might be a grounding system in the Starlink cable due to the presence of extra metal wires, which they cut off but kept in mind for safety, potentially as a grounding feature for lightning protection.

What would the person recommend to others if they decide to cut their Starlink cable?

The person recommends ensuring a good connection to the ground system, particularly if there are extra wires in the cable that might be intended for grounding, and possibly covering it with electrical tape after modification.