Starlink internet on CAID

Below is the communication centre that I have designed and implemented on CAID. It is connected to the physical outside world with waterproof connectors and all ethernet traffic on the boat is connected and runs through it (internet with Starlink, radar, BMS, all Victron, plotters, etc). For example, I can use a Zeus3S 12" plotter to check the status of the batteries from behind the helm easily or monitor the boat remotely by phone over the internet - important if the boat is a bit further away from Finland, for example in the Mediterranean. I've used Starlink for 2 Years now, it is very reliable and fast. I get at least 200MB in and 50MB out everywhere.

Starlink has its own 12V/500W inverter as the actual Victro battery charger/inverter on our boat consumes quite a lot of electricity for this rather limited purpose. I also tried different 12V systems for the Starlink but they turned out to be a bit unreliable. Apparently the basic Chinese 12/48 DCV converters have quite a lot of distortion components which disturbes the Starlink.

For the router, I chose GLiNet's Slate+ model, which is relatively inexpensive and reliable. It is quite freely configurable and also allows the use of an alternative WAN (e.g. 4/5G) if the first choice does not work. There are two communication switches, the first is only used when sailing, allowing the use of radar and plotters. The second is used when full internet access to the outside world is desired via Starlink or 4/5G. 

The attached picture also shows the drawings of the floating voltage system I designed for electronics. The navigation electronics on our friend's boat were fried last summer when lightning struck between our boats. The CAID was spared no problems apparently due to the grounding of the mast cable. However, I decided to protect the electronics and minimize the cables into which the lightning energy could be induced. I used two Victro 12/12VDC Orion units, one as a backup in case the other one breaks down. My habit is to duplicate all critical systems.

Communication junction box