About Volcano Mount Stalink, Typically, the Starlink kit from the company’s online shop comes with a stand that you can use to mount your dish.
However, the bad news is that this stock mount is only good enough for simple and temporary dish installation.
When you require custom installation that elevates and secures your antennae on the roof, you need a mount such as a volcano.
This detailed article will discuss all the information you need about the volcano mount Starlink, plus a comprehensive installation guide.
What Is Starlink Volcano Mount?
A volcano mount is a Starlink accessory that you can use to elevate your Starlink to make it secure and prevent FOV obstructions.
It has a wide base that sits directly on your roof surface without replacing the shingles. The mounting accessory uses lug nuts to install on your roof or other structure, giving your Starlink antennae the required stability.
From the base, the device has a protruding pole that you use to insert your Starlink dish mast to hoist it.
However, it doesn’t allow the required Starlink 30-degree angle adjustments, meaning you cannot use it on steep surfaces.
Factors to Consider When Buying A Volcano Mount
Now that you know what a volcano mount is, you will need to consider the following factors before buying it:
Your installation surface
As I hinted earlier, the Starlink dish requires a 30-degree dish to pole tilt and more than this brings an error.
For this reason, you will need to know how steep your installation surface is since the volcano doesn’t allow tilting.
Compatibility
Apart from compatibility with the installation surface, you must also ensure the volcano mount you buy fits your dish model.
Otherwise, you may have to buy a Starlink pipe adapter, which adds to your budget.
Ease of Installation
Typically, volcano mounts are easy to install without professional help and with the right tools.
However, it’s not uncommon to find some models that are tedious and costly to install.
For this reason, ensure the one you choose self-installs seamlessly on your surface with a technician.
Stability
If you live in stormy and windy conditions, the stability of your dish should be paramount, lest you get occasional disconnections.
Therefore, I recommend a volcano mount with a broad base and strong lug nuts to anchor your setup securely and stably.
Affordability
Finally, you want a mount that coincides with the depth of your pockets. For this, you might want to go for one that does not require you to purchase extra accessories and other mounts.
Finding the right dish angle
How to Install Starlink Volcano Mount
Once you order your volcano mount from the Starlink online shop on their website, it arrives with the following items:
- Volcano mount
- Dish carrying bag
- Sealing tape strips
- Sealing tape squares
- 6 lug bolts
- 40 wall clips for routing the ethernet cable
Depending on your installation surface, you may also require the following tools
- ½ inch socket wrench
- 5/32 inch drill bit
- Stud finder
- Drill
A socket wrench
Installation steps
After your mount has shipped successfully and you have gathered the necessary tools, use the following seamless installation steps:
Find a suitable installation location
As you may know, Starlink dish requires a clear sky view to establish and sustain satellite connection for enhanced signal reception.
Therefore, you must find a place away from obstructions such as trees and posts.
You can use the Starlink app to scan your intended installation location for obstructions. Additionally, ensure the installation location allows your dish to self-orient properly, lest you get the Starlink motor stuck error.
Lastly, your installation location should avoid electrical wires and other satellite dishes to prevent electromagnetic signal interference.
Plan your cable routing.
You cannot install the dish without knowing the convenient route the cable will follow to the router in your house.
Therefore, you must know how to router the cable to the house through the wall or the attic.
If it’s the attic, first, you will drill this hole in the roof, pass the cable there, and let the base of your mount sit on it.
For wall routing, you need to mark the path the cable will follow and drill the wall hole to pass the cable.
Once done, seal these holes using a sealant to prevent water and insects from entering your house.
Cable through a wall
Find a stand
In this step, you will need to use the stud finder to find a strong and stable roof anchor where you will do the installation.
Mounting your volcano on a stud ensures security and stability even when windy. While using a stud, you might also want to identify wiring systems and nails to avoid them.
Make pilot holes
Now that you know the exact stud location to install your volcano mount, you must make pilot holes.
To do this, place your mount base on the stud and use a pencil or a sharp object to mark the drilling holes.
After that, install the 5/32 inches drill bit on your drill and make the six holes.
Drilling holes on the roof
Seal the holes
This procedure involves sealing these holes to prevent water from sipping into your home through the roof.
You must make an oversized ball for each hole from the sealing square tape. Now put each ball into its hole and press to completely seal it, ensuring some excess tape overlaps the hole.
Then, identify where the mount base will sit and put two sealing tap strips over these holes.
Install the volcano mount.
Once done with the sealing, place the mount over the drilled holes, ensuring its bolt holes coincide with the drilled ones.
Then, place the longer lug bolts on the two middle holes first. Hold the mount firm and use the socket wrench to drive these up the wall to above 90% complete.
Now, place the rest of the lug bolts into the four holes and drive them inside until they are snug. Finally, tighten all the lug bolts to ensure they are secure yet not extremely tight.
Mount the Dish
Here, you must use the caring bag to bring the dish and the cable onto the roof if you haven’t done so already.
Place the dish mast into the pole of the mount carefully until it is perfectly sited. Now, set the dish with a 40-degree verticle to facilitate repositioning.
In this step, I recommend using a U-bolt where the dish mast and mount pole join to ensure a tight fit.
Route the cable
Lastly, insert your cable carefully into the dish until you hear a click. Router the other end through the path you established above and into the house.
If it’s roof routing, you can use the provided wall clips to secure the cable on the wall.
Power the setup and test
Once the loose end of the cable is in the house, insert it into your Starlink router and connect the setup to the power.
Now power your Starlink and wait for some minutes for it to establish a satellite connection. You can use the Starlink app and manage your network accordingly.
Configuring Starlink
Starlink Volcano Mount Cost
From the Starlink online shop, the mount goes for approximately $24. However, you can get other third-party volcano mounts for cheaper or costlier, depending on the construction.
Additionally, you may need an adapter, which can make third-party mounts even more expensive.
Safety Protocols During Installation
To prevent injuries and electrocutions, you might want to follow the installation safe procedures below:
- First, disconnect your Starlink from power before starting the installation
- Avoiding working with torn or damaged power cords
- Ensure you do not make any modification to the Starlink setup least you destroy it and void your warranty
- Do not drill into electrical and water pathways
- All wall drilling should be angled downwards to prevent water from getting into your house
- Ensure you wear protective gear such as mask and headgear where necessary
Conclusion
A volcano mount is an affordable, easy-to-install accessory that works on various types of roofs. However, ensure proper anchorage and avoid installing on steep roofs or vertical structures.