If you're lucky, you'll be able to get your hands on a Starlink satellite internet kit in 2022. Everything you need is already included in the box, making it easy to set up. Only a tiny, four-leg base is included, though. While it may suffice for first-time use or testing, many Starlink customers want more DIY (do-it-yourself) options for mounting the new rectangular "dishy" in a precise location. Before you go through all the Starlink mounting options, let's understand what types of obstructions you may have to face.
There are two types of obstructions: Man-made and natural. Man-made obstructions include buildings, trees, and other structures that block your view of the sky. Natural obstructions include mountains, hills, and clouds.
1. The first step for a successful Starlink install is to find a precise location without obstructions.
2. Using the Starlink app on your smartphone, you can select "Check for Obstructions".
3. In 3-easy steps, you can figure out an ideal mounting location to begin receiving optimal speeds and performance!
Before you set up your Starlink, go outside and scan the sky with your phone's camera. This will help ensure that you have chosen the best location with the least amount of interference. Be sure to stand still while doing this test for more accurate results.
Now that you understand what obstructions are let's look at the different Starlink mounting options.
Once you've found a suitable location for your Starlink dish that is free of obstructions according to the Starlink app, you can proceed to pick a mount for a permanent installation. This section covers the various Starlink mounting options.
The structure you will be mounting to will determine what type of mount you need. For example, an adjustable J-Mount or Starlink Wall Mount would be appropriate if you want to install it on an exterior wall. For a roof installation, a Flashing Mount might be the best option.
The J-Mount is one of the finest mounting solutions for Starlink. They are widely accessible, inexpensive, and versatile to use. You could already have a J-Mount from another satellite provider like Dish Network. To use Starlink with a pipe diameter of 1.5 inches or less, such as the Winegard DS2000A, you'll need a J-Mount with a pipe diameter of around 1.5 inches.
The J-Mount solution requires some slight changes to be compatible with the Starlink mounting tube. The most straightforward approach is to use u-bolts or pipe clamps to attach the Starlink dish to the J-Mount. Alternatively, you can drill a hole and replace the original Starlink dish's tabs for mounting with a bolt and nut instead.
You may need to use spacer material or a bolt to properly secure the Starlink mast if your J-Mount has an inner diameter wider than 38 mm. Electrical tape will suffice. Note that a J-Mount might not be the best choice if there are many obstacles in your area because they are only 2-4 feet high on average.
The Flashing Mount is one of the recommended Starlink mounting options for most users wanting a more permanent installation. The Flashing Mount can be used on any roof type and will provide an aesthetically pleasing look to your home or office.
You'll need tools like a power drill, screwdriver, tape measure, and level to install the Flashing Mount. Make sure you have all the necessary materials before starting your project.
In certain situations, people may need to put their Starlink dish far away from their homes to avoid obstacles. In other cases, a dedicated tower would be required to gain the vertical height necessary to clear surrounding trees. Tower Mounts provide a solution for these challenging situations.
The Tower Mount is ideal for accessing and clearing obstructions. When you can't attach to your roof or building. Though a tower might be more aesthetically pleasing, it is essential to keep in mind that adding a tower is expensive and requires a significant hardware modification.
If your home lacks trees and other objects blocking visibility, you might be able to mount the Starlink dish on a pole or post in your yard. Open areas near houses with less tree coverage are ideal for Pole Mounts.
The Pole Mount is available in the Starlink shop. Alternatively, if you have a 1.5′′ or 2′′ diameter pole, you may use a pipe adapter or U-bolts to attach Starlink to it. When using your pole/mast with an outside diameter of up to 2.5 inches, the Pipe Adapter from Starlink allows you to connect it directly to your roof, house, or other open location away from your home.
Starlink boxes can be tricky to install in wooded areas, and the pole mounts require more effort than other mounting options. You have to bury the pole, then run the Starlink cable through conduit or another way that will keep it safe inside your home.
Heavy-Duty Tripod Base is perfect for you if you need more height for your Starlink dish but don't want to use a J-Mount. You can either stake it directly into the earth or secure it permanently to a flat roof--depending on if you need a temporary or permanent installation.
The Tripod Mount shown above is compatible with the Starlink dish mast and requires minor modification to accept the Starlink dish mast (using pole clamps or drilling holes for bolts). You may also make your own masts of any length up to 2 inches outside diameter.
Tripod Mount is one of the ideal Starlink mounting options for temporary or permanent installations on flat surfaces. But it might not be a good option for limited space. Unless you anchor it, it’s always there tipping over in windy weather.
For various reasons, some people will not wish to attach a roof mount to the roof structure. That's where a Non-Penetrating Roof Mount comes in handy. These mounts are held down with weights (sandbags, concrete blocks, etc.) and are not fastened to the roof. A Non-Penetrating Roof Mount is ideal for flat roofs. It only requires sliding the Starlink mast and securing it with U-bolts, bolts, or another fastener. This mount may be secured using standard concrete blocks.
If you don't want to attach your roof mount to the structure of your roof, then a non-penetrating roof mount is ideal for you as it can be easily moved around. Remember, though, that this type of flexibility might not be suitable if you live in an area with high winds, as the weight of the blocks or other items used to hold down the mount may not be enough.
If you need more height than your roof peak offers or if you have a metal roof, consider using a Chimney Mount. This mount uses your existing chimney to secure a pole for the Starlink dish.
For example, the Wineguard CM-2012 Antenna Chimney Mount requires only that you supply a mast up to 1.5″ OD. However, it is always best practice to measure the diameter of your chimney beforehand to ensure that the straps are long enough.
Chimney Mount is among suitable Starlink Mounting options when you don't have shingles or if your roof construction or material doesn't allow typical installations. However, because certain chimney types are incompatible with chimney mount kits, it might not be appropriate for all chimneys. The process is a bit more complex than others.
The Starlink base with your kit can be used as a permanent or temporary mount, depending on what you need. If you have an excellent location to keep it, like a flat roof without any obstructions, then the base can be mounted there permanently. But if you want to move your installation around or don't have a suitable location for mounting, don't worry! The included sterling base is also usable for this purpose since it has pre-drilled holes in its legs so you can secure it to another structure.
Conclusion
So, what’s the best one out of these Starlink mounting options for you? It depends on your needs and what you want to accomplish with your satellite TV system. If you’re unsure which option is suitable for your space, these options can help you decide.
The Starlink Kit has a base convenient for ground-level installation or a fast setup to test your connection. Many consumers install a permanent mount above ground level since Starlink needs an unobstructed view of the sky to connect to the satellite network.
A Flashing Mount is the best option for a professional and worry-free roof installation of your Starlink dish. This mount goes under the top layer of shingles and attaches to your roof structure, ensuring a stronger hold that won't leak.
For most Americans, the Starlink dish will be pointing north. However, it may point in various directions depending on where you are. The self-aligning Starlink dish does not need you to aim it.
It's a good idea to position your Starlink within 40 degrees vertical. If you mount your Starlink on the side of your chimney, it will not function.
