How To Choose UPS Battery Backup For Starlink? 5 important steps

The Starlink system continues to revolutionize internet connectivity worldwide. That’s especially true for users who don’t have access to other high-speed internet options. However, Starlink requires power to run and can’t be used during a power outage.

First things first: UPS stands for Uninterruptible Power Supply

Choosing a UPS battery backup for Starlink is pretty straightforward. The system consumes under 100 Watts of power and continues to become more efficient over the years through firmware updates. Be sure to account for any other devices that share the same UPS as the Starlink to ensure enough backup power for all during a blackout.

Keep reading through the following sections to understand what to consider when choosing a UPS battery backup for your Starlink.

How Do You Choose A UPS For A Starlink System?

Choosing a UPS for a Starlink system is incredibly straightforward for two reasons. Firstly, the components of a Starlink system (i.e. the dish and the router) share the same power supply. So, the system will only require one socket on the back of your UPS.

Secondly, the Starlink system has become increasingly energy-efficient over the years. As a result, you won’t have to buy a big UPS, and the Starlink system will require less battery capacity as it becomes more efficient with time.

Here’s what the process looks like to choose a UPS for your Starlink internet system:

Step 1: Estimate Starlink Power Usage

The first step in choosing the correct UPS battery backup is understanding your power requirements. More specifically, you’ll want to estimate the power it takes to run your Starlink during a power outage, so you can continue to have internet access.

Earlier, you read that Starlink has become increasingly energy-efficient over the years. That’s important to consider when choosing a UPS because the Starlink system doesn’t have a constant power consumption like other devices.

For example, the Starlink system consumed 80-100 Watts in past years. However, updates to the Starlink firmware (i.e. software in the equipment that controls its functionality) have reduced the average consumption to 60-70 Watts.

Despite the lower Wattage, be sure to account for spikes in energy consumption, particularly around the winter months. That’s because Starlink satellite dishes have built-in heaters that turn on to melt away any snow that might affect its functionality.

Read: How To Choose UPS Battery Backup For Desktop PC? – Troubleshooting Guide

Step 2: Account For Other Devices

A UPS battery backup can be used to provide backup power to multiple devices simultaneously. These units have numerous power outlets where you can plug in additional equipment like computers, monitors, and more.

Let’s be clear: there’s nothing wrong with using your UPS with other devices alongside your Starlink system. All UPS models are meant for use with multiple devices.

However, you must always ensure that the power requirements of those devices don’t exceed the UPS battery capacity.

In other words, if your Starlink must share the UPS with too many other devices, there won’t be any backup power left to use during a power outage.

Read: How To Choose UPS Battery Backup For Garage Or Attic? – Troubleshooting Guide

Step 3: Shortlist Suitable UPS Models

Completing Steps 1; 2 will make it much easier to find UPS models with sufficient battery capacity for your Starlink and other devices.

All UPS models have their capacity ratings displayed prominently on their packaging or product listings. Typically, UPS models are rated by their volt-ampere (VA) capacity. However, more and more manufacturers are also rating them by their wattage.

In this step, your goal is to create a shortlist of suitable UPS models. While it’s essential to consider their backup battery capacities, there are still other specifications before choosing which one to buy.

Read: How To Choose The Right Size UPS Battery Backup? – Troubleshooting Guide

Step 4: Consider Other UPS Features (battery backup for Starlink)

Now that you have a shortlist of suitable UPS models, it’s time to compare them based on their additional features.

No matter which model you choose, you’ll be paying a significant price to obtain that UPS. So, getting a UPS with features that give you plenty of value is an excellent idea.

When it comes to a UPS, some of the many features to consider are:

• Indicators and displays: Entry-level UPS models typically only have indicator lights on their control panel to warn you of any issues or problems. However, costlier models will have LCD screens that can offer you much more information and control over your UPS, making it easier to manage.
• Warnings and alarms: All UPS models have alarms that warn you of different conditions (e.g. overheating, overloading, etc.). Still, higher-end UPS models have more sophisticated warnings that can predict issues before they happen. For example, some can tell you a battery replacement is needed long before a failure occurs.
• Form factor: UPS units come in different shapes and sizes. Some are small and light enough for your tabletop, while others are standalone towers that require floor space. The form factor is crucial as you’ll have to place it close to wherever your Starlink internet system is located in your building.
• Battery replacements: All UPS batteries last between 3-5 years. Some UPS models allow you to replace worn-out batteries with new ones. The ones that don’t, however, will force you to purchase a brand new UPS entirely.
• Hot-swappable batteries: Some UPS models allow you to switch one of its drained batteries with a new one while in operation. That’s called a ‘hot-swappable battery. With that feature, you can keep your UPS running for extended periods uninterrupted as long as you can provide it with charged batteries.

Read: How Reset APC UPS After Battery Replacement?

Step 5: Check Warranty Terms

Finally, check the warranty terms for the UPS models you’ve shortlisted and choose the best one. You probably already know that UPS models can be costly.

Well, their repairs and spare parts can also get quite pricey. So you must choose a UPS with excellent warranty coverage to help cover those costs if the device experiences a fault.

For example, suppose the UPS unit fails due to a manufacturing defect. In that case, you’re likely entitled to a replacement or repair that’s free of charge. In addition, the warranty coverage will ensure that you don’t have to pay a cent of your money to get your UPS up and running again.

Read: Can A UPS Battery Backup Catch Fire?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Check out these questions and answers to learn more about your Starlink internet system:

Can Starlink Be Used In An RV?

Yes, you can use a Starlink in an RV almost seamlessly. Starlink even has unique subscription plans tailor-made for RV users.

Does Starlink Dish Have A Heater?

Yes, Starlink dishes have heaters built into them. The theater aimsto preveaims tonal disruptions by melting any snow collected on the satellite dish. As such, you can expect your Starlink system to consume more power in the winter months as the heater becomes activated more often.

What’s In A Starlink Kit?

A Starlink Kit consists of the satellite dish, the dish mount, the WiFi router, the power supply, and all necessary cables.

How Does Starlink Dish Connect To Router?

The Starlink dish connects to the router with a Cat 6 power-over-ethernet (POE) cable. Only one cable connects the two, as the Cat 6 POE cable carries data and power together.

Does Starlink Have An Ethernet Port?

No, the Starlink WiFi router does not have any ethernet ports. Unfortunately, that means you can only wirelessly connect devices (e.g. printers) to the router.