About Starlink Cable Repair: While the Starlink kit is durable, some accessories, such as the ethernet cable, can get damaged occasionally.
When this happens, you cannot enjoy the internet performance that Starlink promises, and the only solution is to repair or replace it.
Unfortunately, Starlink doesn’t offer repairs. For this reason, I have developed a guide to help perform a successful Starlink cable repair on your own.
Tools Required for Repairing Cables
Although the Starlink ethernet cable cannot function with any other ISP system, the good news is that it’s CAT 6 standard.
Therefore, you will require specialized networking tools and accessories like the ones below.
- Crimper
- Wire stripper
- Wire cutter
- Cat 6 jack connector
- Wire nuts
- Cat 6 coupler
- Outdoor enclosure
After you have gathered the tools and parts above, now is time for the actual repair using the steps below:
Unplug the Cable from the Router and the Dish
Disconnecting the cable from the Starlink devices is vital to prevent electrocution and ensure convenience.
It also ensures you don’t pull your router too much, making it fall or damage the connectors.
While unplugging, be careful and inspect the connectors to rue them out, as the problem.
Unplugging a cable from the router
Inspect the Cable and Identify the Damaged Section
In this step, you must inspect the cable’s length to determine the issue. Check for wear and tear and other identifiable damage signs.
Remember, the problem does not result from rodents gnawing or dogs chewing only; it can also be internal.
Therefore, check for kinks, sharp bends, and pinches. While here, also inspect the connectors to ensure they are not corrupted, damaged, or covered with rust.
Peeling an ethernet cable
Cut the Damaged Cable Part
After identifying the problematic part, use a wire cutter to snip it out. While doing so, maintain enough cable length for reconnection and reach the dish from the router without struggle.
However, ensure not to cut close to the damaged part, lest you accelerate the problem without knowing. I recommend snipping an inch from each side of the damaged part.
Strip off the Cable and Peel the Shielding
Now carefully strip approximately two inches of the cable on both sides using a wire stripper.
Once you cut this exterior jacket, you will reveal twister wires (four pairs), plastic shielding, and a sky-blue foil.
You will also encounter a metallic component: the earthing wire on the shielding layer’s outside.
As I said, ensure you do not damage these components as you remove the exterior jacket.
Now, use your hands to peel and remove the shielding that encloses the twisted wires.
Ensure you keep the wires and the grounding in their original position and shape.
Untwist All the Wires and Strip them.
In this step, you must untwist the four wire pairs and straighten them before anything else. Note that this may take some time, so you must be patient.
Now, use the stripper to strip each wire by removing about 6 centimeters of the insulator. At this point, do not touch the grounding wire.
Arrange Your Wires In Correct Order
After you have stripped the insulator at the end of the eight wires, arrange them in the way they enter the cat6 plug.
The universal way of arranging the wires is called T568B. Remember to arrange each end of your cable this way, or else your repaired cable may fail. Starting from the left, the order is as follows:
- White orange
- Orange
- White green
- Blue
- White Blue
- Green
- White brown
- Brown
T568B wire arrangement
Inserting the Wires into the Cat6 plug
Here, you will install the plastic transparent plug, or RJ-45, to the ends where you remove the insulator.
The RJ-45 has 8 small holes for inserting each of the 8 wires on your ethernet cable. First, hold the plug so the retainer clip faces downwards to do this.
Then, use the universal wiring method we discussed above, T568B, to plug wires in their position, starting from left and toward the right.
RJ-45 Connectors
Secure the Cat6 Plug End to Keep the Wires In Position
Once the wires are seated correctly in their respective holes, the next step is permanently securing them.
To achieve this, you will need to use a crimping tool.
Suing a crimping tool
Replicate the Above Process on the Other Cable Piece
Remember when you clipped off the ruined cable part, you have two different wires.
Since you aim to connect them, you must replicate the process discussed in the other part.
Connecting the Wires
In this section, the process involves connecting the two wires using the plug that you have made so far.
To do this, you will require a device known as a Cat 6 coupler.
Now, insert each plug into its position on the couples to achieve a socket to plug joint, thus reconnecting the cables.
Work in the Grounding
Up to this section, a ground wire is still hanging from each side. It is good to note that the Starlink cable is a PoE type that also carries power to the dish.
For this reason, it needs grounding, which I will show you how to do it. For starters, connect the two hanging wires and then use insulating tape.
However, with this method, you may not achieve a clean connection or may sometimes prove futile due to the coupler.
Therefore, you must clip some ground’s wire length and ensure it’s not damaged.
Finally, connect its ends with a pair of wire nuts, and you are done.
Wire nuts
Use a Proper Enclosure if the Part is Outdoor
While this step may not be required in all cases, ensure you use it if the damaged part is outdoors.
This step is to keep your cable from water damage and interference. For this to work, you will require a waterproof enclosure to put the section with the wire nuts and the coupler.
Now, you only need to connect to the dish and the router and check if the cable is functional.
When Do You Need to Replace a Damaged Starlink Cable?
You must replace the cable if it’s ruined beyond repair, especially in several sections.
Repairing a damaged Starlink cable is typically more affordable and quicker than replacing it.
However, there comes a time when its damage is deep, and you only need to place a cable order in the Starlink online shop.
In contrast, it may take about two weeks to arrive.
Conclusion
Now, you have an easy-to-follow step-by-step DIY guide on repairing your Starlink cable.
Remember, if the cable is extensively damaged, you must order a new 150-foot cable from Starlink.
Also, the Starlink setup does not work with other aftermarket ethernet cables.