You may want to improve the line-of-sight due to obstructions around, and so you may want to find out if you can extend the pole that comes with your Starlink installation.
In this article, I will be answering all the questions you may have about extending the mount or pole of your Starlink, including whether it is possible in the first place, the recommended sizes to use, and the best mounts for the purpose.
Can Starlink be Mounted on a Pole?
Yes, Starlink can be mounted on the pole. The pole that you use depends on the structure that you will be mounting your Starlink to. And the structure that you will be mounting your Starlink to depends on the signal strength that you receive on your Starlink.
Before thinking about where and how to mount your Starlink pole and whether you need an extension or not, you need to first find out whether you have obstructions in the line of sight of your Starlink.
There are two ways to do this:
1. Obstruction Finder On The Mobile App
The Starlink mobile app allows you to use your phone to detect obstructions to the Starlink satellite line of sight. To do this, follow the steps below:
Stand in the general area where you want to mount your Starlink, open the mobile app, navigate to the obstruction finder, and see if there are any obstructions to Starlink in the area.
2. Mounted Starlink Method
If your Starlink is a new purchase, it is sure to have come with a tripod. You can use the tripod to get more precise feedback on the obstructions in your area.
To do this, for the steps below:
- Set up your Starlink this in the position where you intend to place it permanently
- Leave it there for 24 hours to allow the app to collect adequate information about the obstructions to the Starlink satellite line of sight
- If there are no obstructions, then the location where you have currently set up the mount is adequate for Starlink.
- If there are just a few obstructions, then you only need to raise the location of the mount a bit higher. If going higher is not an option, then you can see about relocating to a place where there are no obstructions around.
- However, if there is a lot of obstruction, then you are likely to need a pole extension. And that’s where this article comes in.
To determine what may cause obstruction to your Starlink satellite view, this is what you should know:
- Star link requires 100-degree cone unobstructed line of sight to the sky. The keyword there is Cone. This means that there should be no obstruction from the satellite dish upwards in both directions.
What Size Pole Does Starlink Use?
The Starlink pole is about 255 mm long. It has two parts which are the 200 mm lower part, and the 55 millimetres upper part.
In most cases, this length is enough where there are no significant obstructions around.
However, there are occasions as described in the section above, where you may need a longer pole to get a better line of sight for your Starlink.
Best Starlink Pole Mounts
Before listing the best Starlink pole mounts, I think it’s important to first point out a few things about extending your Starlink pole.
- For best experience, do not put a pole up unevenly, and make sure that the pole is no more than 10 feet tall. Some satellite technicians recommend 4 feet tall max. But, if you know what you’re doing, and if a longer pole is an absolute necessity, then 10ft is okay. As a matter of fact, I will be using a 10ft long pole for the DIY section of this article.
- You need to use a pole extension that achieves the highest elevation possible without compromising safety.
- You also need to ensure that the installation is rigid and not susceptible to wind and other elements. The aim is to minimise the movement in the pole and dish because movements affect reception.
- If you have to use a really long pole, then you may need to use a mount with larger diameter to stabilise the installation.
- The best pole to use will also depend on the type of dish you are using. You may already know that Starlink has a standard performance dish and a business high performance dish. The dimensions on the business high performance dish are a lot more than that on the standard dish. Therefore, the same pole may not be appropriate for both dishes.
Another thing to note is that pole extensions for Starlink are generic, and you can even make yours. I will show you what you need to know about getting yours, in the DIY section.
The list I have provided below covers different types of pole mounts and not necessarily pole extensions.
Also, note that the products listed below are not in any order of preference. You can check each of them out on Amazon and find the one that best suits your situation.
1. 32.8 Universal TV Antenna Mount
This is a steel J mount that is suited for exterior wall and fascia. J mounts are the universal mounts for Starlink.
The 32.8 universal mount is weatherproof and is built to withstand strong winds and rain.
The mount is extremely flexible and can be adjusted to several different angles.
Pyramid LED Whips Starlink Ladder Mount Kit
If you have an RV ladder, then this pole mount is perfect for you. It easily attaches to any 1 inch RV ladder and can be installed within minutes.
This pole is perfect for keeping your Starlink dish and pole off the ground, away from obstructions and human interference.
It is designed to withstand even the most severe weather conditions with powder coat technology.
3. Skywalker 38 J Pipe Pole Mount
The Skywalker is perfect for mounting on the side of your house. It has a mount foot on either end which gives you a lot of flexibility. The longer length makes it adequate for spaces where there are obstructions to the line of sight of Starlink.
There are other types of mounts other than a pole mount for Starlink. They include flashing mounts, non-penetrating roof mount, tower mount, and tripod mount. The mount that you use depends on the structure of your building, your preferred mounting location, and the obstructions around your location.
DIY Starlink Pole Mount
NOTE 1 – If you are making a custom fit mounting pole, you need to make sure that you match the 1.44 inside diameter of the tripod that is shipped with your Starlink.
NOTE 2 – And for electrical conduit, make sure to use either of the following:
- Whitland 1-1/4 inch rigid metal conduit, 10 foot long, made in the US, and is available on Amazon and Home Depot
- Allied 1 – 1/4 intermediate metal conduit, 10 foot long, made in China, and is available on Ace Hardware and Amazon.
When you have your pole, whether custom made or purchased from a store, then follow the steps below to DIY install your extended Starlink mounting pole:
Requirements:
- For this exercise you will need
- Power drill screwdriver
- Ladder
- Angle meter
- Tape
- Tripod arms or anything to use for securing the pole against a structure, and the tripod that is shipped with your Starlink.
Let’s get started!
- First, check the location of your Starlink tripod if it is already mounted. Make sure that it is on a sturdy surface and can support the weight of the 10 foot pole and the satellite dish on top. If you have to install on a wooden surface, make sure that the wood is recinforced.
- If you don’t already have a base mount or tripod mounted, then do so with the considerations above.
- Make sure that the base mount receptacle is perfectly level. If it is not level, it will negatively impact the entire installation especially when you attach the 10 foot long mount pole. This is where you use the angle meter. Once you have confirmed that the base mount is level, move to the next step below
- Take the cable that will go to the satellite and attach a tape at the end of it. This will protect the end of the cable from any dirt and other foreign materials that may negatively impact the installation
- Run the cable right through the length of the base mount and bring it to the other side of the mount
- Now, attach the 10 foot long mount pole to the base mount
- Next, use the tripod arms to secure the long pole against your wall or other structure you may be using for the project
- Then, slide the cable all the way up until it comes out to the other end of the 10 foot long pole
- At the top of the pole, take the cable and slide it into the Starlink dish, and then carefully attach the dish to the end of the 10 foot long pole
- Now secure the dish against the pole
Does Starlink Pole Need to be Vertical?
No, the Starlink pole does not need to be vertical. What’s important is that the dish gets a 100-degree cone view line of sight to the sky. So, however you place the pole, as long as line of sight to the sky is clear, you’re okay.