While there are many cable routing techniques you can use, the official one is the Starlink masonry routing kit.
Interestingly, the kit comes with all the necessary hardware, but its installation can be daunting if you don’t know how.
Luckily, I have researched the kit and will walk you through the installation process and the materials you need.
Kit contents
Note that you can only access and order the kit if you are a Starlink customer with a registered account. Once the kit arrives, you can expect the following content:
Tools needed
Depending on your installation, you may also require the following tools:
- Hammer
- Hammer Drill
- Philips head drill bit
- Stud finder
- Pencil
- Protective gear ( goggles, mask, and gloves)
A drill
How to Install Stalink Masonry Routing Kit
Now that you have gathered the necessary tools, I will show you how to install the routing kit in simple steps.
Note that this process is applicable only if you have a masonry or concrete wall.
For those with a different wall, such as a wooden one, you can check how to router the cable in such a wall. With that said, let’s now dig deep into the installation steps:
Preparation
In the preparation step, you must first identify the most convenient path that your cable will follow.
On identifying this route, now mark it properly using a pencil. It should be at least six inches away from electrical wires to avoid electromagnetic interference distorting your signals.
For this, you may need to use a stud finder to identify these wires and also plumbing systems and studs.
Drilling on these systems can be costly when replacing, cause electrocution, or blunt your drilling bits.
Using a stud finder
Disconnecting the cable
Remember you are working with the Starlink ethernet cable, so you need to disconnect it from the dish and the router.
Doing so can prevent inconveniences and accidents. Additionally, it ensures you do not strain during installation or destroy your cable connectors when you pull too much.
Then, you must carry the cable to the installation spot, and note that we will start from inside to outside.
Drill starter holes
Since you identified and marked where to drill, it’s time to start with the pilot hole. For this, you must configure your drill to low-power mode, also known as hammer mode.
Install the ¼-inch drill bit and drill the pilot holes on the wall outside and inside. Ensure they are angled upwards to prevent water from entering your home.
When your bit penetrates the concrete wall, set its mode to rotary, reduce the speed, and continue drilling any other inside material.
Drilling through a wall
Expand the hole
In this step, we will expand our hole so the cable connector can pass through. Insert the ¾-inch drill bit here and set your drill mode back to hammer for drilling through the concrete/masonry wall.
Note that you may have to change to the spade bit if the inside wall is dry. However, if it’s still concrete, continue using the ¾-inch drill in hammer mode until you penetrate the interior wall.
You may now use any available bit to clear materials inside the hole to ensure an easy passage for the cable.
Insert the cable into the hole.
Once you are sure the hole is clear, you will pass the cable through the hole from the inside to the outside.
To make this easier, use the provided cable routing tool for seamless cable funneling through the hole.
Additionally, identify the dish and router end connectors to ensure you don’t pass the wrong end through the wall.
Inserting the cable through the wall
Installing anchors and routing the cable
In this section, you must use the ¼-inch drill bit and a drill in hammer mode to drill anchor holes on the wall.
Drill these holes such that one is 2 inches below the cable hole and the other is 2 inches adjacent.
Now drill another hole, around 6 inches above the second hole, and make sure all the holes are at least an inch deep.
Now, use the hammer to install the plastic anchors into the hole. Note that you will pull the cable to the below hole, the adjacent one, and the one above.
Doing this forms a u-loop below the cable hole to keep water from rolling through the cable to your house.
Inspecting, connecting the cable, and testing
Before you can do anything else, you must inspect your setup and ensure it is working.
Check the cable for tears, twists, sharp bends, and any visible damage that may prevent signal pass-through.
If there are damages, you may consider repairing the cable before installing it on the wall.
However, if there is no damage, connect the cable to the antennae and router end properly and safely.
Then, power your connection, wait for a reboot, and use the Starlink app to check your connection.
Sealing the holes
Finally, if the testing is okay, use the available grommets to seal the cable hole inside and outside.
You will also need to use the sealant to insert the grommets properly to keep bugs and water from your house.
Then, secure the cable using the wall clips provided. While doing so, install the wall clips over the cable and screw them tightly into the anchors.
You may use the other wall clips to secure the cable on the wall and the dish.
Conclusion
Now, you can sit and enjoy your Starlink internet because you have succeeded in installing the masonry routing kit.
You can also pass the cable through the attic or ventilation hole instead of drilling your wall.
Again, in case of installation difficulties, you can always hire a technician for professional installation.