Yes, in most circ*mstances the Starlink satellite is best installed somewhere on your roof, which may assist in avoiding obstructions as well as keep the cabling protected and out of harm’s way.
An obstruction test (using the Starlink application) is important to conduct and will assist in deciding the correct location and height of your installation – your Jim’s Antennas technician can assist you with this. The dish will typically need to point towards the South, so if you have high trees, other structures or buildings in the way, this may require a taller pole or moving to a different location.
A flat roof can make for a more complicated installation as there is often no room for cabling requiring it to be run on external walls and contained in conduit for protection. While in comparison, it is usually easier to install on standard pitched roofs as there is often plenty of room in the roof space to run the cable. Therefore the cost of installation for homes with flat roofs is often slightly higher than those with standard pitched roofs (unless it has internal raked/cathedral ceilings).
The Starlink cable is a custom-designed set length of 30 metres. It has very specific connectors on each end and can be easily damaged if not installed correctly. It cannot be cut or re-terminated, so care is required when installing to avoid extra cost if damaged or poor signal strength due to incorrect installation.
The construction material of your roof will determine the type of mount required and therefore the price. Additionally, the Starlink dish has a unique, proprietary-designed mounting pole stem which requires purpose-built hardware specifically designed for the Starlink satellite.
If the dish is unable to be mounted on your roof for any reason, we will do our best to come up with a bespoke design to ensure you receive the best possible reception for your new Starlink system. This would be specifically quoted only after an on-site visit or in consultation with your Jim’s Antennas technician.
Finally, if it is difficult and dangerous for an installer to get up onto your roof, you can also expect to pay slightly more, eg; single story versus double story, or very steep pitched roofs.
The following types of mounts are some examples of those used for Starlink Installations:
- Tin Roof Mount
- Gutter Mount
- Tile/Flashing Mount
- Universal wall mounting
- Bespoke design or Guy-Masted Pole (3m+)
PLEASE NOTE that the 4 legged mount that comes in the Starlink kit is a ‘Ground Mount’ only and is designed for you to test the Satellite service on the ground prior to having the dish properly installed. Do not use the ground mount for a final installation on your house.
There are some mounts available from the Starlink website but some are not suitable for Australian conditions or roofing designs. Please consult with your Jim’s Antennas technician if you aren’t sure about what mount is best for your situation.
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FAQs
Yes, in most circ*mstances the Starlink satellite is best installed somewhere on your roof, which may assist in avoiding obstructions as well as keep the cabling protected and out of harm's way.
How high should Starlink be mounted? ›
If the pitch of the roof (from the horizontal) is 40 degrees or less then theoretically the Starlink does not need to be any higher than the gutter level. Remember that it's easier to check the pitch of your roof in the loft rather than climbing up to roof height !
Can Starlink work through a window? ›
For most users, this means running the cable into your home. For my initial setup, I simply led the cable through an open window: It's a simple (and temporary) solution, but it works fine. Other options include drilling a hole through an exterior wall.
How should Starlink be mounted? ›
We advise mounting your Starlink within 5 degrees of vertical. Mounting your Starlink in a horizontal position (e.g., on the side of your chimney), will not allow it to operate. WARNING! The Starlink router/power supply is rated for both indoor and outdoor use.
How much unobstructed sky does Starlink need? ›
Minimize Obstructions: Each Starlink should have a clear view of the sky 20° elevation above the horizon, 360° around the azimuth. You may need to raise the antennas on a pole/pedestal to get a clear view of the sky & good service.
Why does Starlink have to point north? ›
Unobstructed View of the Sky: Starlink's antenna requires a clear and unobstructed view of the sky to establish and maintain a connection with the satellites [2]. By pointing the antenna north, it ensures that there are no obstructions in the direction where the majority of the satellites will be located.
Do trees block Starlink? ›
Starlink encourages potential customers to install Starlink at the highest point possible to reduce the risk of blocked signals between satellite and dish if they're in an area with obstacles. As satellites pass through the sky, trees and other obstacles may temporarily interfere with internet access.
Where should Starlink antennas be placed? ›
What Direction Should Starlink Dish Face? Mostly up. While the exact direction that a Starlink satellite dish should face will depend on where you are located, it will most likely need to be pointing somewhere between 15 and 35 degrees from being pointed straight up and angled to the north.
How far will my Starlink router reach? ›
Starlink Wifi Router
| Wi-Fi Technology | IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac standards |
|---|
| Security | WPA2 |
| Environmental Rating | IP54, configured for indoor use |
| Range | Up to 185m² (2000sqft) |
| Operating Temperature | -30°C to 50°C (-22°F to 122°F) |
4 more rowsBut Musk points out the new dish has been designed to survive winds at over 174 miles per hour. For perspective, a category 5 hurricane can cause wind speeds to reach over 157mph. (Starlink's other high-performance dish can only withstand winds at over 50mph.)
The system is engineered to ensure robust performance even in adverse weather conditions. Users might notice slight decreases in speed or brief interruptions during heavy storms, as the signal strength diminishes as it passes through moisture-laden clouds, but these occurrences are not common.
Can Starlink go through walls? ›
Designed for drilling through most walls. Not recommended for masonry, concrete, or hard coat stucco. Best for customers with prior internet cable routing experience and installation; must be comfortable drilling through walls.
Does the Starlink router need to be inside? ›
The Starlink antenna must be outside and designed to withstand exposure to the weather. The Starlink router and any other equipment should be inside for protection.
How do you secure Starlink to a flat roof? ›
The second type of Starlink roof mount is the flat roof mount. This type of mount is designed to be mounted directly onto a flat roof, and is the most common type of mount used for Starlink installations. The flat roof mount is easy to install and provides a secure mounting point for the satellite dish.
How do you attach a satellite dish to the roof? ›
Mounting the dish typically requires first fitting clamps onto the metal roof. Aluminum angles are then placed on top of the clamps to provide extra support. The base of the satellite dish is then bolted on through the aluminum angles and clamps. You should never bolt the base of a satellite dish directly to the roof.
