Without a Starlink tripod mount, the Starlink dish cannot self-position to establish and maintain communication with the satellites in space.
In addition, the mount also provides elevation, helping the dish stand above obstructions.
Knowing this, the Starlink company includes a stand in their kit, which also comes with a router, dish, and cables.
Let’s talk about the Starlink tripod mount, its alternatives, and how to install it properly.
Are There Alternatives for Starlink Tripod Mount?
Before discussing the Starlink tripod mount alternatives, let’s first see the tripod mount.
A tripod mount is a three-legged mount that you can use to install your dish.
As we established, it comes included in the Starlink kit, and you can use it to mount the dish on the roof or your RV.
Note that the mount is just a starting installation accessory but may not give you enough elevation if you live in woody areas.
However, it is easy to install and carry and offers stability while allowing the dish’s automatic tilting.
With that clear, let’s now discuss alternatives to the Starlink tripod mount.
Skywalker heavy-duty tripod mount
As the name suggests, this is a tripod mount from Skywalker, which offers a more permanent installation than the Starlink tripod mount.
It features heavy-duty stainless steel and zinc construction, making it weather-resistant to ensure long-term usage.
These materials make it sturdy enough to offer the necessary stability even in windy conditions.
As you know, dish stability is the key to better signal reception hance uninterrupted internet.
The stand weighs just about 10 lbs making it easy to carry, especially during installation or when changing location.
Its height is about three feet, but you can get it with a mast of about 28 inches, which ensures enough elevation.
Moreover, you can also use Starlink mast with it, depending on the height you need.
What I love about the mount is that its legs are adjustable and can open to about 32 inches for enhanced stability.
Additionally, it includes six bolts and nuts, which you can use to achieve a permanent installation on the roof.
Unfortunately, you must buy a Starlink pipe adapter if you add a pole to ensure the dish fits.
Again, the mount may not be suitable for installation on steep roofs or uneven grounds.
Tripod stand setup
Custom Starlink Base and Pole Mount
Another amazing hack to get an alternative to the Starlink tripod mount is to make your custom mount.
You can do this by pairing the Starlink pole and the Starlink base that comes with the kit.
You just need to log into the Starlink online store and order the Starlink pole and maybe a Starlink pipe adapter.
After that, a seven-foot pole ships to you, which you can use to improve the height of your Starlink base.
On the negative side, this mount aint stable enough for extremely windy areas.
It also requires installation bolts, which you must buy since Starlink does not provide them.
A tripod stand and a pole
How to Instal Starlink Tripod Mount
Since the tripod comes already assembled, its installation is quite easy. All you need is to locate the best place and then do the installation.
With that said, let me show you how to install it in a few steps. Note that this is just a temporary/ordinary ground installation.
Find a good location.
As you may have read from the Starlink installation manual, the dish requires a clear sky view.
The company recommends at least 100-degree clear dish FOV. Therefore, utilize the Starlink app to locate a place away from obstructions such as poles, branches, and buildings.
Leve the Ground
The Starlink tripod mount has small legs, which means it can fall when the ground is uneven. As such, use shovels and spades to level the ground.
Remove all the stones, twigs, and soil to ensure the ground is suitable for dish stability.
Fix the Tripod on the Ground
In this step, you will require nail pegs to fix the tripod mount on the ground you evened.
Since Starlink doesn’t sell these pegs, you can get them from third-party vendors, but ensure they are long enough.
As we said, the installation is temporary and can only work if the ground is not overly soggy.
Install your Dish
Now that the mount is secure in the ground, the only remaining part is to install the dish on it.
But before that, you must insert the adapter into the tripod mount pole.
Now, insert the pole gently into its position on the mount. Once done, insert the dish mast into the adapter until it settles.
Finally, you can connect the ethernet cable to the dish and the router, then power your setup.
Starlink dish on the ground
How to Install Starlink Tripod Mount on the Roof
Apart from the ground, you can also install the tripod mount on the roof to enhance elevation and security.
However, you should ensure the roof is flat or not so steep. Since that is now clear, let’s see the roof’s installation steps:
- As usual, use the app to find an area with a clear sky view on your roof
- Now place the tripod mount in that position and mark its 4 holes
- Then drill the holes on your roof and apply a sealant once done to prevent water
- Next, you will need to place the tripod leg holes on the drilled holes
- The next step is to secure the tripod with bolts through the sealant. Make sure the bolts have washers
- Once done, apply the sealant around the legs of the stand to make them water-tight
- Now insert the adapter on the pole, and insert the pole on the base, then install the dish
- Finally, connect the ethernet cable, route it through the wall or attic to the router, and power your setup.
Starlink installation
Conclusion
For those who seek a temporary mount, I recommend using the Starlink tripod mount for its amazing benefits.
One comes with the Starlink kit, meaning you don’t need an extra budget to acquire it.
Moreover, it offers stability and can be paired with other mounts to get the desired elevation.