About Starlink Short Mount: Despite the standard base dish placement being sufficient for most users, some may prefer installing their dish on the roof.
Reasons for choosing the latter may be the budget, roof angle/type, and obstructions in the residential area.
In such cases, users buy mounts created for that purpose. There are several Starlink mounting options, including chimney mounts, tripod mounts, tower mounts, and wall mounts, among others.
In today’s blog, we will be dwelling on Starlink short mount.
What is a short wall mount Starlink?
A short wall mount is a fixture that involves placing a Starlink dish on the roofline. It is one of the mounting methods and is suitable for customers who have fewer obstructions within their surroundings. Also, it serves those who don’t want to drill into their roofs.
(Cable TV satellite dish mounted on the wall of a house)
Security tips before installation
Before installing our short wall mount, let us review a few security tips.
General Precautions
- First, Starlink won’t be responsible for damages or injuries incurred during installation. Therefore, if this isn’t your expertise, kindly call a professional to do the work.
- Secondly, weather conditions, like ice and heavy rain, can interfere with your internet connection. You will either experience a power outage or slow internet speeds.
- The Starlink dish often melts snow falling directly on it during winter. However, when the snow accumulates over time, it blocks Starlink’s field of view. Thus, ensure you install Starlink without the potential for snow build-up or other obstacles.
(Snow covering the field of view for the dish)
- Sometimes, your Starlink phone app will read ‘Motors Stuck.’ Usually, the message means you have mounted your Starlink at an angle that prevents it from optimally connecting to the satellites. As such, vertically mount your dish at 5 degrees. If you place it horizontally, it won’t work efficiently.
Installation Precautions
- Starlink’s mount cannot withstand tornado/hurricane wind loads or high winds. Hence, if you live in an area prone to such weather conditions, consider tethering to avoid setbacks.
- Also, the Starlink power supply and router have a rating for both outdoor and indoor purposes. But to be on the safe side, go through the Regulatory Notice. It has information on Starlink’s accessories and environmental specifications.
Safety Precautions
To avoid fire, electric shock, or injuries, do the following.
- Stay away from the wall mount during an electrical storm because there’s a risk of getting an electric shock from lightning bolts.
- While operating the dish and mount, the AC adapter should not come in contact with a soft surface (rug/carpet) or your skin.
- If you notice smoke, strong odor, popping sounds, hissing, or crackling sounds from the system, do not operate it. Instead, turn it off, unplug it from the main switch, and notify Starlink.
- Always have protective gear with you, such as face, hand, and eye protection.
- Moreover, when drilling into the wall, avoid the water lines, electrical wiring, and studs.
- Also, ensure you properly drill the wall and apply sealant because failure to cause damage or bug/water intrusion.
- Do not use a power cord and AC adapter from companies other than SpaceX.
- Finally, if you are in a lightning-prone environment, apply a lighting protection system like the surge protection and ground rod. The good thing is you can always unplug the products if you haven’t used them in a while or if there’s a lightning storm.
(Thunderstorm protection system for a large satellite dish)
Required tools
There are many tools you’ll need for this DIY process. For starters, you should get a marking pencil, socket, drill bit, level, socket wrench, electrical/stud finder, and a drill.
(A set of tools in a toolbox)
Also, you can check your wall mount kit for a carrying bag, wall clips, a silicone sealant, and two lag screws.
How to install short wall mount Starlink
First, disconnect Starlink from the wall in preparation for the mounting.
Step 1: Planning the installation
Begin by locating a stud on an outside wall using an electrical finder. Then, ensure the area has enough room for Starlink rotation without touching the roof.
(Man using a stud finder to find framing studs located behind the walling surface)
Pro-tip: Before permanently installing your Starlink, get the Lawn Mount from your internet kit and set up the ISP. Next, observe the tilt and direction of the Starlink. If it orients itself to a position with a clear view of the sky, mark and use the coordinate.
Step 2
Next, position your wall mount over the stud. Using your pencil, mark two center places on the wall. With each marking, ensure your Starink is 5° within the level.
Step 3
Thirdly, use your drill bit to drill two pilot holes at the marked centers. Afterward, lodge some silicone sealant in the holes.
Step 4
Carefully place the mount over the drilled holes and insert two screws. Here, you’ll need to use the drill alongside the socket to drive in your screws at approximately 90%. Then, tighten the screws using the socket wrench but do not overtighten.
Step 5
Unplug the PoE cable from your Starlink and route it from inside your house.
Step 6
Take your Starlink dish and connect it to the wall mount, then reconnect the Starlink cables.
Step 7
Lastly, secure the cable to the wall along the route formed. Remember to follow the vertical or horizontal lines to avoid sharp bends that may puncture your cables.
Conclusion
In summary, a short wall mount is a good option when you have fewer obstructions like trees and despise having holes in your roof.
Furthermore, the mounting method is simple, save for a few challenges that require safety precautions, like setting up a lightning protection system.
However, if you have too many obstructions or do not mind a little damage to the roof, you can try different mounting styles. Some include the chimney and tower mounts.
Luckily, our website explains more about the other types. Please check us out for more updates.