Introduction: What the Veracity HIGHWIRE Powerstar Duo Is and Why It Matters
Veracity HIGHWIRE Powerstar Duo (VHW-HWPS-C2)is a compact, purpose-built 2-port camera adaptor that delivers full 100Base-TX Ethernet and Power over Ethernet (PoE) to two IP cameras over existing coaxial cable. Designed for security installers, systems integrators and facilities teams, the HIGHWIRE Powerstar Duo re-uses RG59, RG6 or RG11 coax to carry both data and power, avoiding costly re-cabling while providing a simple plug-and-play solution for upgrading analogue CCTV to modern IP cameras.
Key features include an integrated 2-port unmanaged PoE switch (IEEE 802.3af / 802.3at), support for up to 200 Mbps total bandwidth (up + down), flexible power input via PoE-over-coax or a local 57 V DC input, and the SafeView™ power and diagnostic display for on-site verification of link and power status. The unit operates automatically — no IP configuration or manual pairing is required — making installation fast and predictable.
Detailed Specifications and Benefits
- Bandwidth: 100Base-TX performance with up to 200 Mbps total throughput (combined up and down), ensuring smooth video streams and reliable camera management.
- Ethernet ports: Two RJ45 10/100 unmanaged ports with auto MDI/MDIX for easy camera connection — no crossover cables or special configuration needed.
- HIGHWIRE interface: Uses standard BNC 75 Ω connectors and supports RG59, RG6 and RG11 coax types for wide compatibility with existing CCTV cabling.
- PoE standards: Compliant with IEEE 802.3af and 802.3at, the Duo supplies PoE to modern IP cameras and devices.
- PoE output: Power is managed across two ports with up to 25 W available per port, depending on the headend power source and cable losses.
- Flexible input options: Receive power via PoE-over-coax from a HIGHWIRE Powerstar Base at the head end, or use a local 57 V DC supply via a detachable screw terminal when higher local power budgets are required.
- Power diagnostics: SafeView™ gives instant visual confirmation of link and power status, speeding troubleshooting and on-site verification.
- Typical range: Up to approximately 300 m over RG59, 350 m over RG6 and 500 m over RG11 coax — distances will vary with cable condition, PoE load and installation environment.
- Operating conditions: Designed to operate between -10 °C and 50 °C with up to 85% non-condensing humidity, making it suitable for many indoor and sheltered outdoor environments.
- Physical size and weight: Compact form factor (132 mm L including BNC × 75 mm W × 22 mm H) and lightweight (172 g) for easy mounting near cameras, with optional mounting lugs available.
- Certifications: Conforms to CE, UKCA, FCC, RoHS and UL markings where applicable, meeting common regulatory and safety requirements.
- Installation guidance: For safety and warranty compliance, installation should be performed by a qualified electrician or network installer, and the official Veracity datasheet should be consulted for PoE budget details and wiring recommendations.
Why these specifications matter — benefits in real projects
Using existing coax instead of running new Ethernet cabling dramatically reduces labour costs, site disruption and project timelines. The HIGHWIRE Powerstar Duo combines full Ethernet performance with on-device PoE for two cameras, so you don’t sacrifice video quality or power capability when upgrading analogue systems. The 100Base-TX link with up to 200 Mbps combined throughput supports multiple high-resolution video streams, while the unmanaged 2-port PoE switch eliminates the need for extra PoE injectors at the camera.
SafeView diagnostics speed up commissioning and fault-finding — installers can confirm link and power status at the camera end without specialised test equipment. The option to accept local 57 V DC lets projects with higher power cameras or longer runs maintain adequate PoE budgets when headend power is limited.
Use Cases and Scenarios Where the Powerstar Duo Excels
- Analogue-to-IP upgrades: Replace analogue cameras with IP models while retaining existing coax infrastructure, saving time and capital on re-cabling.
- Retrofit and historical sites: Locations where new cable routing is impractical or prohibited (heritage buildings, finished ceilings) benefit greatly from coax reuse.
- Temporary deployments and events: Rapidly deploy IP cameras for short-term surveillance using existing coax feeds or temporary runs, then remove equipment without having altered building fabric.
- Large estates and campus sites: Where long coax runs already exist, the HIGHWIRE solution offers long reach options (up to 500 m on RG11) to avoid complex rewiring across buildings.
- Power-constrained headends: If the headend cannot supply sufficient PoE for every camera, use a local DC supply at the camera end to boost available power while still using coax for data transport.
- Industrial or sheltered outdoor camera points: The compact, lightweight unit is easy to mount in camera enclosures or on walls, keeping installation tidy and protected.
How It Compares With Alternative Approaches
Running fresh Ethernet cable gives native PoE and higher-speed links (Gigabit), but it is costly and disruptive where coax is already installed. For many surveillance installations that need 100 Mbps and reliable PoE, the HIGHWIRE Powerstar Duo delivers a faster, lower-cost upgrade path without losing essential performance.
Fibre provides excellent distance and bandwidth but requires fibre termination expertise and different infrastructure. Fibre is ideal when very long runs or Gigabit+ bandwidth are required; for straightforward camera upgrades where existing coax is available and 100 Mbps is sufficient, coax-over-Ethernet solutions like the Powerstar Duo are more economical and quicker to deploy.
PoE extenders can increase reach on Ethernet cabling but still require Cat cabling to the camera. The HIGHWIRE approach replaces the need for extenders by using coax as the transmission medium — leaving in-place cabling and using a matched HIGHWIRE headend removes many point failures and simplifies the power topology.
Some competitors offer single-port adaptors or devices without integrated PoE switching. The Powerstar Duo stands out by delivering two powered ports from a compact, camera-end unit, SafeView diagnostics and flexible power input options. This makes it a more convenient, lower-parts solution for multi-camera heads or dual-camera housings.
Customer Feedback and Installer Impressions
While individual reviews vary by project, common installer feedback for the HIGHWIRE Powerstar Duo tends to focus on three themes: ease of installation, time savings and reliability. Installers appreciate plug-and-play operation with no manual pairing or IP configuration, the convenience of the SafeView diagnostics during commissioning, and the cost savings of re-using existing coax cabling. In retrofit scenarios, systems integrators often report that the solution shortens project timelines and reduces disruptive work for building occupants.
Where higher PoE budgets are needed, technicians value the ability to add local DC power at the camera end without replacing the coax run — a flexible option that avoids extensive changes to the headend.
Conclusion: Why Choose the Veracity HIGHWIRE Powerstar Duo
The Veracity HIGHWIRE Powerstar Duo VHW-HWPS-C2 is a practical, effective solution for upgrading CCTV infrastructure to IP without the expense and disruption of re-cabling. It combines full 100Base-TX performance, an integrated 2-port PoE switch, flexible power inputs and simple SafeView diagnostics into a compact, installer-friendly package. For projects where existing RG59/RG6/RG11 coax is present and 100 Mbps PoE is sufficient, the Powerstar Duo offers significant cost and time advantages compared with re-cabling, fibre deployment or multiple separate PoE injectors.
Whether you are a security integrator working on a retrofit, a facilities manager seeking to modernise surveillance with minimal disturbance, or an event production team needing temporary IP camera deployment, the HIGHWIRE Powerstar Duo is designed to make the transition to IP easier, faster and more predictable.
Suggested retail price:379.00 (currency as applicable). For full technical details and PoE budget calculations, consult the official Veracity HIGHWIRE Powerstar Duo (VHW-HWPS-C2) datasheet and follow recommended installation practices for safety and warranty compliance.
