The Starlink Ridgeline Mount is a non-penetrating roof mount kit designed for installing the Starlink satellite dish on various types of roofs, including pitched, flat, and curved roofs.
It allows users to securely mount the Starlink unit without the need for drilling holes in the roof.
It is used to securely and conveniently mount the dish on the ridgeline of a roof, providing an unobstructed view of the sky for optimal satellite signal reception. The mount is designed to be adjustable, allowing you to align the dish properly for the best connectivity.
The kit includes a mounting base, wall clips, carry bag, and weights for securing the mount. The installation process involves unfolding the mount, aligning the mounting arm, installing the ballast weights, routing the Starlink cable, and installing the Starlink dish.
The Ridgeline Mount is available for purchase from Starlink for $250 and is made of high-quality aluminium with rubber padding to protect the roof.
Benefits Of Using The Starlink Ridgeline Mount
There are several mount options for the Starlink satellite, and the most common ones include:
- J-Mount – the versatile mounting option
- Flashing Mount – professional looking Starlink roof mount
- Ridgeline or Non-Penetrating Roof Mount – a permanent installation without drilling
- Tower Mount – when your roof or wall isn’t suitable
- Pole Mount – good for open spaces
- Tripod Mount – permanent or temporary
- Chimney Mount – using an existing structure for more height
- Starlink mounting options for RV’s
- The Starlink Base – for temporary installations, flat roofs, and more
All of these have their benefits and applications, but the Ridgeline mount stands out for many reasons. Find below some benefits of using the Starlink ridgeline mount option:
- Non-Penetrating Installation: One of the primary benefits of the Ridgeline Mount is that it allows for a secure installation without drilling holes in the roof. This is particularly useful for homeowners or businesses who want to avoid damaging their roofs or violating lease agreements.
- Versatility: The Ridgeline Mount is designed to be compatible with a wide range of roof types, including pitched roofs, flat roofs, and even some curved roofs. Its adjustable mounting arm ensures flexibility in positioning the satellite dish for optimal signal reception.
- Easy Setup: The mount kit comes with all the necessary components, including the mounting base, wall clips, carry bag, and weights. The installation process is relatively straightforward, involving unfolding the mount, aligning the mounting arm, installing the ballast weights, routing the Starlink cable, and finally, attaching the Starlink dish.
- Portability: The Ridgeline Mount is portable and can be easily disassembled and reassembled, making it convenient for users who may need to relocate or adjust their Starlink setup in the future.
- Durability and Protection: Made of high-quality aluminum, the Ridgeline Mount is built to withstand various weather conditions. It also features rubber padding to protect the roof from potential damage during installation and use.
- Enhanced Signal Reception: By elevating the Starlink satellite dish above the roofline, the Ridgeline Mount helps minimize obstructions and improve signal reception. This can result in a more stable and reliable internet connection.
- Compliance with Regulations: In certain areas, there may be regulations or restrictions on drilling holes in roofs. The Ridgeline Mount provides a compliant solution that allows users to install the Starlink satellite dish without violating any regulations.
Overall, the Starlink Ridgeline Mount offers a convenient and reliable option for installing the Starlink satellite dish on rooftops, providing users with a hassle-free way to access high-speed internet connectivity through the Starlink network.
How To Install The Starlink Ridgeline Mount
This guide assumes that your Starlink indoor unit is already set up and running and that all you need to do is to set up the ridgeline mount to start receiving signal.
Step One – Find A Suitable Location For The Mount.
When thinking about where and how to mount your Starlink mount, 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.
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.
Step Two – Get The Starlink Ridgeline Mount Kit
Ridgeline mount is a simple and quick, no-drill mount, so don’t be shocked at the simplicity of the kit. The kit contains:
- Mounting base
- Carry bag
- Wall clips
- Ballast weights
Please note that the ballast weights usually come a bit later than the rest of the kit. You may receive the weights 5 to 10 days after receiving the rest of the kit. So, you must wait until the ballast weights arrive before you begin installation.
Step Three – Unplug The Router
- When the kit is complete and you are ready to install your Starlink ridgeline mount, the first thing to do is to unplug the router to disconnect the Starlink from power.
- This is a must. Unplug the Starlink router from power supply to prevent the risk of electric shock and other safety hazards.
Step Four – Transport the Ridgeline Mount To The Roof
- Warning: When carrying the ridgeline mount to the roof, please do not add the ballast weights.
- The Ridgeline mount is shipped already folded up and portable. Leave it in that state and carry it to the roof location that you determined in Step One above.
- Also, remember that the carry bag, which is part of the ridgeline mount kit, is for the dish and not for the mount.
Step Five – Unfold The Mount
As I mentioned earlier, the mount comes folded.
- Unfold it by rotating the center arm knob counterclockwise so that the mount loosens.
- Then, unfold the trays and install it on the roof
- Make sure that each side tray aligns properly on each side of the roof’s ridgeline if you are installing at the peak of the roof. You can also install it anywhere on a flat roof.
Step Six – Align The Mounting Arm
- You will find the center mounting arm which serves as the base for inserting the Starlink mast. Make sure that it is angled not more than 5 degrees to the vertical. This is to provide a stable mount base.
- Next, rotate the center arm knob clockwise to tighten up the setup
Step Seven – Install The Ballast Weights
- The ballast weights are designed to provide stability to your Starlink satellite and protect it against elements like wind.
- Make sure to take the ballast weights to the mount one at a time.
- Also, remember not to place the weights in the carry bag as the bag is only meant for the dish
- Insert each weight starting from the top of the mount downwards, making sure that the mounting tab aligns perfectly with the notch in the ballast.
- Do this for all 4 ballast weights, totally 52 lbs.
Step Eight – Route The Starlink Cable
- Next, remove the cable from the dish and the router
- Use the dish connector side to route the cable from inside to the outside
- Use the wall clips to secure the cable against the walls of your home or office
Step Nine – Install The Dish
- You are now ready to install the Starlink dish. The carry bag was provided to transport it to the roof, so please use that to do it safely.
- Next, slide the mast into the ridgeline mount center arm that you aligned 5 degrees to the vertical in Step 6 above.
- Again, make sure that the mast is also aligned not more than 5 degrees to the vertical after installing it
- Then fasten it very securely to the mount arm
Step Ten – Test Your Connection
- Now that you have completed the ridgeline mount setup, go back inside and plug the router back into power supply
- Wait for the system to boot completely
- Open your connected Starlink app and confirm that your dish is connected and online
- Then test the connection!
Starlink Ridgeline Mount Review
Here is an annotated list of what I think about the Starlink Ridgeline mount:
Convenience and Portability– It is the easiest mount to install, and easy to relocate to any position you want. It is non-penetrating, too
Cost – The $250 cost covers everything including the mount, the kit, and shipping. If you go for third-party non-penetrating mounts, you will also need to buy a J-mount and pay for the ballast weights separately.
Some users complain about the cost but if you consider what you get from ridge mounts from third parties, then this is the best option, hands down.
Quality – It is made from top-quality reinforced aluminium. The components of the kit are also made from high-quality and durable materials
Versatility – The Ridgeline Mount is designed to be compatible with a wide range of roof types, including pitched roofs, flat roofs, and even some curved roofs.
Safety – It is not clear what the wind rating of the ridgeline mount is, but the Starlink dish itself has a wind rating of 100 miles per hour. So, if you have installed your ridge mount correctly and made sure everything is secure, and if your roof is sturdy enough, then you should enjoy a good wind tolerance.
Height – The ridgeline mount does not go high. So, you need to find the perfect location for it away from obstructions.
Honestly, I think the decision on whether to go for this mount type depends largely on your situation. I listed the benefits of the ridgeline mount earlier as a guide to help you decide if it’s worth a try for you. For me, it totally is worth it.