When you receive your Starlink hardware, you’ll get a temporary base – but you won’t get a permanent roof or wall mount.
For a more permanent Starlink installation, you’ll need to consider Starlink mounting options.
Starlink mounts are available from the company’s online store, but you might need some help choosing the right one.
You might also be wondering whether you can save some money by repurposing an existing mount or by doing a bit of innovative DIY on your own. And yes, that is a possibility you can explore.
As a side note, it may seem like Starlink is taking a bit of a chance when it offers “everything you need to connect” without a mount.
However, the type of mount you need depends on your circumstances, and one can’t expect Starlink to guess what hardware will be right for you.
When The Standard Base Will Do
If you’re using your Starlink during adventures in the great outdoors, the basic kit will do. It’s also fine if you are happy to set up a ground-level Starlink base when you need internet and pack it away again when you don’t.
That is, supposing you can find the right spot to set it up.
However, most of us want to be able to connect without first having to set up the Starlink hardware for reception. And it’s possible that a ground-level setup will be blocked by obstructions so that you can’t connect.
Going up above ground level might solve the problem. So, in today’s article, we’ll look at the various Starlink mounting options as well as other mounts that can work with your Starlink.
Decide Where Your Starlink Will Work Best For You
Before you just pick a convenient spot and get a Starlink mount to match, be sure that you’re going to get reception.
You’ll need the Starlink app to do this little chore, and you can download it as soon as your order is placed.
In fact, you should do so if you want the correct Starlink mount to arrive close to the time the rest of your kit is delivered.
The Starlink app shows you where your Starlink will encounter obstructions that will affect your connectivity, and where it can get a clear view of satellites.
The important thing to remember is that you need to use it from the same perspective as the one your Starlink antenna will have.
Yup, you’re going up! So grab that ladder. Try various positions and see whether you can find a position in which your Starlink antenna will have no obstructions, or at least, as few obstructions as possible.
Now that you know where you’d like to fit your Starlink antenna, you can choose the right mounting option for that spot. Here are your options.
Official Starlink Mounts
1. Starlink Pivot Mount: For Slanted Roofs
Your Starlink’s mast must stand straight up, and different roots slant and different angles, so you’ll need a pivot mount.
The adjustable connector that comes with it, allows you to position the mount so that the dish stands straight up as it’s meant to.
As long as you don’t have to get through metal flashing (more on this later) you’ll attach your mount to the roof using the lag screws that come in the kit.
You’ll also get sealing tape so that your roof doesn’t leak afterward. Basically, the kit gives you everything you need with the exception of a drill and drill bits – there’s even a carry bag to help you carry your dish as you clamber up onto the roof.
2. Starlink Flashing Mount for Mounting on Metal Flashing or Metal Roof Shingles
The Starlink Flashing Mount is really just an adaptor that’s used with a pivot mount – but you’ll get both components in the kit (hence, the higher price).
You’re going to have to cut away some roofing material with a utility knife to get the installation done. However, the kit comes with a template so that you get your cuts just right, so it isn’t all that difficult to do.
Screw on the mount and caulk it against leaks. Now, all that remains is for you to screw the pivot mount to the flashing mount, install your dish and you’re done and dusted.
3. Starlink Ridge Mounts: A Non-Penetrating Option
The highest point of your roof (usually, the ridgeline) is very often going to the spot where you encounter the least obstructions to your signal.
Apart from that advantage, a Starlink Ridgeline mount grips the ridgeline so that you don’t need to start drilling holes in your roof.
You will still have to route the cable into your home, but at least the hole can go through a wall instead of going through your roof. Starlink says that this type of mount can also go onto a flat roof.
The base of the mount folds open so that you can place it over the ridgeline and adjust it to fit flush with the roof on both sides. On flat roofs, you’d fold it right open so that it stands on the roof.
The fitting for your dish should point straight upward, and you can adjust it till it does before tightening it down.
Next up, you’ll have a set of ballast weights. They’re designed to fit easily into the spaces on each side of the mount, and you can simply slide them into place – but do use all of them. They’re what holds your mount in place.
We came across a few Reddit threads in which users were asking about wind ratings – and from our perspective, it seems conceivable that the mount could blow off in high winds, especially on flat roofs.
However, users seem to be satisfied that nothing short of a tornado will uproot their roof mount, so it seems there isn’t anything to worry about.
4. Short and Long Wall Mounts for Mounting on Walls
This is the easiest Starlink mount you can install, so be sure to check out this option when you’re scanning for the right spot for your antenna/dish.
If a wall mount suits you, but your dish has to get above a roof overhang, you’ll choose the long wall mount.
There’s nothing fancy about the installation. Use the two screws provided, and that’s it. However, do remember that the long wall mount has an arm measuring 16.8 inches.
It’s enough for getting around most roof overhangs though you might want to check if you have a non-standard roof construction.
5. Starlink Ground Pole Mount
A ground pole mount is a mast that you plant into the ground – but there are a few drawbacks to it, so only choose this option if you have no other. Here’s why.
In the first place, the mount is just 5ft tall which is going to make it pretty easy for folks who might want to steal your dish. And that height might not be enough to get past obstructions like other buildings.
Of course, you can check that with the app if you really like this option – but there are two more things to think about.
That cable has to go somewhere – presumably to your home, and it isn’t rated for burial – unless it’s in a conduit.
As if that wasn’t enough, you’ll have to put in some hard labor to install the pole since it will have to go into a concrete footing. Roof or wall mounts are just way easier.
6. Starlink Pipe Adaptor
Already have a mount or pipe on your roof or outer wall? You could be in for an easy time. But you are going to need the right mast mount to attach your Starlink gear. The Starlink Pipe Adaptor does this for you.
It consists of a metal cuff that goes over the existing pole or pipe. Tighten up the screws for a good fit and you’re all set.
This is a very cost-effective option, so if you have a mount that can be repurposed and you’re happy with the connectivity you’ll get from its location, run with it.
7. Starlink Volcano Mount
In your search for various Starlink mounting options, you may have come across the term “Starlink Volcano Mount.” However, it’s nothing but a Pivot Mount, which we’ve already discussed.
We found this term in some official Starlink materials, but not on its product list, so we’re going to guess it was a trade name that later got discarded for the sake of clarity.
OK, so it does look a bit like a volcano if you think about it – we get it! But pivoting is what it does.
8. Starlink Wedge Mounts
Starlink kits usually only include the stand which, as we’ve pointed out, can be great for folks camping or hiking in remote areas.
But there’s one exception to the rule that says mounts aren’t included, and that’s the Starlink option for boats which comes with a wedge mount.
Wedge mounts are good for use when boats or vehicles are in motion, but they’re only included in the “Boat” package, so if you want one with any other package including “Roam” you’ll have to get it separately.
Third-Party Starlink Mounting Options
Not happy with the mount options offered by Starlink itself? You can bet that other companies have spotted the gaps and worked to address them – and you’d win.
Of course, since these are third-party companies, you will have to look into basics like guarantees, returns policies, and reviews. All the same, there are some pretty good-looking options out there.
The main thing to look out for is compatibility. The Starlink Pipe Adaptor solves that problem, and many of the manufacturers come right out and say that you’ll need this Starlink product to work with their mount.
That last fact certainly opens the field for DIYers who would like to try their hands at building their own mounts. If this is you, you’ll find plenty of inspiration to guide your planning.
1. Starlink Mounts for RVs
A Starlink magnetic roof mount could be ideal for your RV. You can also go for a magnetic wall mount. Not sure of the wisdom of using magnets?
The RV community will find plenty of other options. They range from a very straightforward Starlink mount clamp for use with a standard pole mount to suction cup mounts.
2. Tripod Mounts
Tripod mounts are reasonably versatile but have drawbacks too. They can be used as free-standing options for people on the move, or they can be used as roof mounts on flat roofs.
A couple of things to remember here: they’re for flat surfaces only and they will need to be secured by staking to the ground or attaching to a roof.
3. Starlink Chimney Mounts
An existing chimney can give you that extra bit of height. The main thing to remember is that you must position your Starlink dish so that it can move freely. You won’t need a special mount that’s designed for chimneys. A standard long wall mount would do the trick in most cases.
Alternatively, feel free to make your own mount, but remember that you’ll need the Starlink pipe adaptor to top it off.
However, be cautious about metal chimneys – they conduct heat rather too well and some insulation would probably be in order.
4. J-Mounts
The Starlink long wall mount is essentially a type of J mount, but if you shop around, or already happen to have one, you can adapt any kind of J mount to your Starlink dish.
5. Tower Mounts
We’re going to advise caution if you really need a very high tower (we’ve seen towers of up to 50ft) to get Starlink Access.
Erecting one is not for the nervous, and you can expect high costs for anything that’s remotely weather-safe.
Only choose this option if you can’t get internet without Starlink and are on a site that’s so obstructed that you won’t get Starlink without all the extra height.
If you can get adequate connectivity using other options, there’s no need to go to all this trouble and expense.
Should You DIY and Make Your Own Starlink Mount?
For one reason or another, lots of people have made their own DIY Starlink mounts. Quite often, it’s because they were under the impression that a mount would be included in their initial Starlink order.
Starlink is partially to blame for this. Its website says that all you need to do is plug it in and point it at the sky.
Theoretically, that’s true. But in practice, most people are going to need extras.
If you were to search online for DIY Starlink mounting options, you’ll turn up everything from temporary wooden mounts to Starlink tower ideas for those who need that extra height atop their roofs before they get a relatively unobstructed signal.
There are multiple YouTube videos by DIYers who decided to make their own mounts and there’s some interesting viewing to be found.
Some of the DIY videos cover the installation of Starlink’s official mounting options, and that can be helpful because Starlink doesn’t do installations themselves.
Is it worth making a DIY Starlink mount? In our opinion, if you have needs that aren’t covered by official Starlink mounts, it may be worth it.
Remember, you can always use the pipe adaptor to ensure compatibility, so just about any type of mount you can think of can quickly become a Starlink-compatible mount.
However, if you’re facing a fairly standard roof or wall mount situation, do factor your time and materials costs into the comparison.
You’re likely to find that getting a standard Starlink mount is a more cost-effective option.
Mounts and More: Don’t Forget That You May Need Extra Cable
There’s one more thing to consider when mounting your Starlink and getting it up and running: cable. A standard Starlink kit gives you a 50ft Starlink cable and a 6ft AC cable.
You may need more than that. And to do a reasonably professional job, you’re going to need a cable routing kit.
Installing Starlink cables is a lot harder than installing your antenna – and it’s the kind of thing that many people would prefer to leave to people with experience.
So, if you’re on the point of ordering Starlink, do be aware that extra costs are all but inevitable, and that you should check out your need for any accessories as soon after ordering as you can.
If you don’t, you’re going to end up with something that can give you a Starlink connection but has to be packed up and put out every time you want to access the internet.
If you already got your Starlink only to realise that you’re going to need a mount, don’t forget to check out what length of cable you’re going to need.