About Starlink Tree Mount: When installing the Starlink dish, the first thing you should look to achieve is the required elevation.
Doing so will not only provide safety for your dish but it will also ensure optimum satellite signal reception for stable internet.
Unfortunately, many Starlinks mounts, including the one that the setup ships with, do not work excellently in woody areas.
To curb this, I will discuss a DIY Starlink tree mount and its installation guide to help those who live in woody areas.
What Is Starlink Tree Mount?
A Starlink tree mount is a DIY accessory useful for installing your dish in a wooded environment.
As you already know, Starlink requires unobstructed FOV to ensure communication with the satellite in space.
As such, this type of mount gives you exactly that while ensuring your dish is safe from vandalism and animal destruction.
Unfortunately, while the vendor sells different Starlink accessories, it does not sell the tree mount as a whole unit.
The good news is that you can purchase items for mounting your dish on trees in a process we will see later.
Starlink installation
How to Choose the Right Tree for Starlink Mount
As mentioned above, the Starlink dish requires a clear sky view to aid satellite communication.
Therefore, you are asking yourself if Starlink would function in wooded areas.
While the device can work, the recommended location is an open field with at least a 100-degree clear sky view.
With that clear, let’s see how you can choose the correct tree to ensure maximum signal reception:
Strength of the tree
First, you want a strong tree that can support the weight of your Starlink dish. Such a tree would provide the necessary stability in case of wind while ensuring your dish does not fall.
Therefore, when looking for a tree, consider species such as Oak and maple, which are strong enough to endure dish weight.
While here, you may want to avoid very thin trees as they may swing very often, thus losing satellite signal.
Also, avoid rotting or disease and pest-infected trees as they may be unstable in the long run.
Tree location
One thing you may already know about Starlink is that it won’t work in obstructed areas.
The vendor says it should have at least a 100-degree field of view to receive enough satellite signals. As such, the location of the tree is very vital if your tree mount has to work.
Therefore, I recommend a tree in an open field compared to the one deep into the woods.
Such a tree also offers accessibility, which ensures a hassle installation.
hassless instructionYou should also use the Starlink app to scan for obstructions where you intend to mount your Starlink.
An antenna in a vegetative location
Starlink Tree Mount Installation
Now that you have chosen the right tree let’s see the Starlink tree mount installation process starting with the conditions:
Installation Conditions
- As we said, the location of your installation should be free from obstructions.
- It should also be accessible for ease of installation and future maintenance.
- When installing, ensure proper dish alignment and positioning according to the manual. Doing so guarantees a stable satellite signal reception for a reliable internet connection.
- Additionally, ensure the accessories you use are quality and weather-resistant to guarantee longevity and stability. These include UV and corrosion-resistant materials and covers that are anti-freeze and waterproof.
- Finally, ensure you get the necessary clearance from the local authority when cutting or trimming trees.
Trimming branches
Tools and Materials
After learning the conditions necessary, you also need to gather the following tools for a seamless installation:
- A short mast
- Grounding items
- 150 ft Starlink ethernet cable
- A ladder or tree-climbing straps
- A handheld chainsaw or trimmer
- Mas fastening straps
Installation Process
If you have gathered the above tools, now follow the following installation procedure:
- Locate the right site: You will need the Starlink app to ensure no obstructions. You must also ensure the tree is strong, healthy, and properly located.
- Prepare the tree and the site: Here, you require a ladder to climb the tree and identify the right location. Make sure not to damage it in a way that it will dry. You may also need to use your chainsaw to clear branches obstructing the site FOV.
- Install the Mount: Now install the small mast you acquired on the top of the tree using straps. Ensure it is mounted firmly and securely to prevent vibrations and support dish weight.
- Mount the dish: The next step is to carry the dish to the top of the tree and insert its mast on the installed pole. You may need an adapter to ensure proper fit. While here, align and position your dish according to installation instructions, ensuring nothing blocks its auto-repositioning.
- Insert and route the cable: Now fix the cable’s dish end properly until you hear a click. Route the cable along the tree stem to your house, where the router is.
- Connect the router and power: Once the loose end of the cable is in the house, connect it to your router and be careful not to break the pins. Now power your setup and agive it time to connect and boot.
Powering a router
Conclusion
According to my research, I would recommend the Starlink tree mount for anyone in woody areas.
For starters, it gives you dish elevation above obstructions blocking the signals, keeping it away from animal destruction.
However, when installing, be careful not to damage the tree or harm yourself.