SpaceX doesn’t send professionals to complete Starlink antenna installation.
This leaves you only two options; hire a professional in your capacity or do it yourself.
Given the cost of Starlink hardware plus ongoing costs, you may want to consider doing the installation by yourself to avoid additional expenses.
We are here to help. Our guide on setting up Starlink antennas is enough to help anyone handle the project.
You don’t have to be a DIY enthusiast.
Table of Contents
- What Comes in Starlink Kit
- Where to Mount the Starlink Antenna
- Starlink Antenna Mounts
- Assemble and Install the Antenna
- The Final Thought
What Comes in Starlink Kit
Before we walk you through a detailed Starlink antenna installation, you should know what the kit contains so that you prepare adequately.
The kit comes in a black cardboard box with the following content:
Starlink satellite dish (with the antenna) – SpaceX only distributes the square/rectangular dish nowadays. The round dish was for Beta testing.
Mounting Base – This may or may not be ideal, depending on where or how you want to mount the dish.
Power Over Ethernet (PoE) Cables – 75 ft for standard Residential dishes and 82ft for High-Performance dishes.
Starlink router
The round dish kit content was slightly different. It had a pair of white and black cables (100 ft) along with a power adapter.
They also included a power cable for the router and mounting base.
It is important to note that the kit also comes with an instruction manual that offers a comprehensive illustration of the setup procedure.
When you unbox the equipment, ensure all these items are available. If any is missing, you can contact the company and let them know.
The Starlink rectangular antenna on the ground
Where to Mount the Starlink Antenna
Once you receive the kit and confirm it is complete, the next thing to consider is where to mount the antenna.
It should be where it can have a direct view of the sky for effective connection with the satellites.
Obstructions interfere with the Starlink antenna signal, so you must avoid it at all costs.
Starlink offers an app that can help you check for obstruction and find appropriate Starlink antenna directions.
Before you begin the antenna installation, make sure you do the following:
Download the app
You can download the Starlink app, which is available on the app store for both iOS and Android devices and launch it.
It will not only help you with the initial setup but also in managing your Starlink internet.
You will use the app to set settings and troubleshoot some Starlink issues you may encounter.
Scan for Obstructions
The Starlink app offers a visibility tool that will enable you to check for obstructions. You will see the tool on the Starlink app home page.
Simply click on the “ Check For Obstructions” button on the homepage.
This will activate your phone camera to help you check the field of view. Follow the direction the arrow points until you see a lighted view.
Starlink round dish on the rooftop
Figure Out Starlink antenna Direction.
Starlink antennas have preferred directions for better signals. Ensure it faces a direction where it has a large field of view, around 100 degrees of the sky.
The dish should point slightly north if you live in the Northern Hemisphere.
Starlink Antenna Mounts
The Starlink antenna comes with enough components to set it up.
However, the mounting base included in the kit may not be ideal, depending on the structure you will mount to.
There are quite several mount options that work with Starlink. Some of the options you may consider include:
J-Mount: This is the most versatile option, appropriate for exterior wall, Eave/fascia, and roof mounting.
The typical height of these mounts is 2-4 ft, so if you need more height, you may consider another option.
Flashing Mount: If you want something with a clean and professional look or are concerned about roof leaks, this can work.
However, installing is more complex and costs higher than other options.
Non-penetrating Roof Mount: Commonly known as ridgeline mounts, this option is ideal if you don’t want to fasten the amount to a roof structure.
Tower mount: When you want to get away from obstruction, and you can’t mount on your roof structure, this is ideal.
Pole Mount: This can work when you want to get your Starlink to an open place and don’t want to mount it on your roof.
Chimney Mount: Appropriate if you want to get more height on your roof.
Assemble and Install the Antenna
The tools you need for the installation and the process may differ slightly depending on the mounting method and Starlink dish size.
However, some of the commonly used tools include a plier, a hammer, an iron clip, and a screwdriver.
Connect the Cable
Start by plugging the 75 ft power or data cable into the dish. The hole through which you connect the cable is at the lower part of the mast.
The cable features two ends that are different in shape; the straight and elbow connector.
It is the straight side that goes to the dish. Ensure the cable is seated and aligned well on the mast.
Insert the Mast into the Base
You can use the included mounting base, but you must look for alternatives if you need a longer one.
I recommend using the included mount for testing before you assemble the permanent base.
Ensure it fits well into the base and install it in the location you scanned for obstruction.
We have a comprehensive guide on our website on various types of Starlink mounts.
You can also browse how you mount the dish on various surfaces, including the Starlink RV installation.
Complete the Connections
Route the other end of the Starlink cable to your router. That elbow shape should plug into the router from the bottom.
For testing your router, you can simply run the cable through the window, door, or opening.
For permanent installation, you will drill around 0.6-inch holes through your wall.
Plug your router power cables and connect to Starlink. Simply connect to a new network name that is “STINKY.”
You will be requested to configure a new network, where you can set the name and password.
The Final Thought
You can execute Starlink antenna installation regardless of your DIY capabilities.
Our comprehensive guide has made things simple, and together with the Starlink manual, you should not have any problem setting the system up and running.
Though the company doesn’t send professionals to help you with the installation, feel free to contact the support team for help in case you face challenges during the installation.
