Making a Roof Mount for Starlink - How To Make

Today I'm upgrading my rural internet to Starlink and building a DIY roof mount in the process. In the video I'll talk about our rural internet experiences and show how to build a roof mount for a starlink dish. I'll go into detail of how I bend the brackets to match my roof profile, weld the structure to match the current starlink base and like always.... paint it Homesteadonomics GRAY!
Thanks for watching and please let me know if you have any questions!
Joe
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----------- DIY, Random Projects, Rainwater Harvesting, Welding, woodworking, outdoors... and whatever else I find interesting :)
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Homesteadonomics
HC 70 Box 4770
Sahuarita AZ 85629
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#starlink #starlinkinternet #roofmount
Tags: starlink internet, starlink, roof mount, diy roof mount, mig welding, forney welder, rural internet, how to, metal roof, bending metal, welding, shipping container, shipping container shop, satellite internet

[@arda1kalas130]

You have very fluent accent. It is easy and enjoyful to listen for a foreigner and believe me that you can not find it easily on social media. Nice work..

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you kindly! I’ve never heard that before….so it is greatly appreciated🙏😊

[@MB-hc2xw]

You always build things high quality. Well done!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you very much!

[@sshaw4429]

He does, doesn’t he!

[@steelfist65]

I love my Starlink! I am in the Catskill mountains in New York. No more awful DSL service. It has changed my life!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thats great to hear! So far it’s been quite an upgrade to what we did have!

[@tclodfelter8789]

Two words...Steadfast Tenacity!!! Quality Builds...Excellent Videos.... THANK YOU!!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you kindly sir!!!!

[@blackberryhideout5793]

So glad for this upgrade for you!!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thanks Sis….it’s been really nice to actually NOT have to drive to town to upload. I was able to upload a 23min video (future project) in just over 35 min today. That would have taken 5-10 hours with our old internet 😳 So we just upgraded to 21st century….23 years late😂

[@blackberryhideout]

@@homesteadonomics Better late than never, but saving time will be huge!

[@tm510a]

Installed a star link on top of a storage container at our gun club 15 miles from Prescott in the sticks . Before we were stuck with Verizon mifi. I am getting about the same speeds as you. Love your channel.

[@homesteadonomics]

You had me at gun club, shipping container and Yavapai county in the sticks😍 I’m glad you like the channel and I’m guessing we are kindred spirits too!

[@homesteadhandyman4481]

Thanks a lot for the extra job you gave me! We were watching and Carolyn said I need to build one. Getting my list together. I am not going to watch your channel anymore with Carolyn! lol Thanks

[@homesteadonomics]

You’re welcome😂👍

[@Ahmed-ct9rh]

I have been following you for a long time. You are creative and innovative. Thank you 👍

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you very much Ahmed!🙏😊

[@nekoDan]

Cat on a hot tin roof! Great project as always. Thanks for sharing!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you! But it was towards the end of the day so Winnie was only on a ‘warm’ tin roof😂😉

[@gregmize01]

THE CAT, IT'S MEOW IS IN THE SAME KEY AS THE HARMONICA IN THE INTRO SONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!😹😹😹😹

[@homesteadonomics]

She’s got a cute meow!😊

[@thomlindgren6253]

Great fabrication/installation. I love the fact that what you do always looks so professional. You come across as a measure twice, cut once kind of creator. The fact that the cat joins you on the roof is really fun and I swear you had a wild pig with you but then it turned out it was just your dog. Thanks for sharing and look forward to LOTS of new videos and maybe a live event or two!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you so much! And yes, our cat Winnie, is just everywhere. I love seeing her in all sorts of places…. And I’m like “how did you get up there”😂. Always looking for her next hunt!

[@BruceS42]

"measure twice, cut once"...so *that's* what I've been doing wrong! I had that whole thing backwards!

[@thomlindgren6253]

@@BruceS42 Well Bruce, that is also my major issue. Thant, and no matter how many times I cut something it is never long enough! 😁

[@mikek7193]

@@BruceS42 you are not the only one. Measure twice, cut three times, give up...is not a winning strategy.At least not for me.

[@ASiembieda]

Glad you didn’t go diving for the remote and hurt yourself! Fab up looks good! Great idea!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you! And yes, the remote is way more replaceable than me sliding off the roof to save a $30 piece of plastic 😂

[@henrypuyi5485]

Joe always enjoy your vids. Stay safe and Bear Down!!!!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you very much Henry! Always love to hear from you as well! My wildcat alum!

[@biologistjim4905]

Once again, craftsmanship at its very best.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Jim!

[@wdwtx2.0]

Noticed the inspector checking out the project. I guess she approved. Hope you enjoy it.

[@homesteadonomics]

Oh she’s always inspecting things round here😂

[@markb.1259]

Looks good Joe!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Mark!

[@SmokyMountainBlessed]

that was really a nice mount and good reasons for it being higher

[@mst7806]

Thanks! I'm in Australia, where it gets hot and I'm going to build this! Thanks man!

[@tomtruesdale6901]

Great job on that mount. Looks great

[@tomgorden3762]

I think it’s perfect and no need to concern of leaks.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you!

[@WarioAddis]

Thank you so much for this. I followed and made the same mount for my roof. I have subscribed to your channel too.

[@Jennifer-007]

Holy Overdesigned & Overbuilt Batman!!!!!! LOL Looks great.

[@homesteadonomics]

I built way too many thing when I was younger that had to be redone…..now I overbuild so it’s only a one time thing😂

[@Jennifer-007]

@@homesteadonomics yea we know we saw your trailer and shipping container shed build 😉. I think you’re just looking for excuses to use your welder and/or plasma cutter. 🤣

[@mandyleeson1]

Such thoughtful planning and great execution as usual. Thanks 🙏🏻

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you very much Mandy🙏

[@Jasonoid]

Great design, thanks for sharing your setup :) I've used the 'RV' version of Starlink and it works well. I'm glad you finally got faster internet, gotta try the livestream sometime now!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thanks! And glad to hear your RV version is doing well. Also, the livestreams are definitely one of the things I’d like to get back to….do a few years ago and liked the interaction. But since my rural internet had gotten so bad I gave up on them. Stay tuned! 😊👍

[@steverichardson2627]

Very nice mount for the StarLink. That will withstand a Haboob for sure. I think I would try to run the wires through the inside of the frame just to keep them out of the effects of the UVs.

[@homesteadonomics]

That's not a bad idea for the protection of the cable part of the wire. But the plug end of it is sealed and it can only be fed through about an 1 3/8” hole.

[@jdgibs3446]

You usual normal great job and video presentation. Appreciate you sharing your experience, thoughts and honesty. Blessings brother. 💪☝️🙏🙌🎯

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you😊🙏. And May God Bless you and your family too!

[@lorenbush8876]

That's a nice job as usual, I doubt if would have thought about a drip loop either, I hope it works great for you all.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Loren!

[@billybike57]

Looks good! Your work is always amazing!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Billy!

[@Wanna.Wander]

Great idea, lovely scenery too! Hold on to that box cutter😂Are you in the desert? You’re pretty handy because it looks sturdy and well built 💜 nice work y’all !

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you! And yes I am in the southern Arizona desert. A bit higher than where saguaros 🌵 grow. But I’ve got them about 3 miles down the road from my house. They only grow up to about 3500’ elevation or so.

[@Wanna.Wander]

@@homesteadonomics o LOVE it there💜💜

[@rickcassell9613]

Very nice installation, I was thinking about Starlink myself , got to check cost out 👍

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you! I won’t say it’s the best option out there…..but if you’re rural like me, it may just be your best option.

[@dangoras9152]

Looks good brother...

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Dan!

[@lorenmeyer5290]

Looks great!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you!

[@FredMcIntyre]

Awesome stuff Joe! 😃👍🏻📡👊🏻

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you kindly Fred!🙏😊

[@toronado455]

Fantastic!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you!

[@BrianMacMusicVideos]

Great video.. I was glad you posted the speedtest.. Was looking for you to talk about your average signal strength. Starlink talks about 100Mbps as standard.. yes, 97 is around plus or minus 10%. Have you taken speedtests at different times of the day to see a low and then a high??.. Also, have you read your range of your Wifi from the unit?. Great seeing you putting this one out there. Keep it up... Love the channel

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Brian! As for speed….that was about what the first couple speed tests were. But it ranges quite a lot. I’ve gotten speed tests a little bit above that and some that were about half. I’m guessing it has to do with the timing and availability of satellites or something like that. Any explanation past that is beyond my expertise level for any real knowledge of why it varies so much.

[@BrianMacMusicVideos]

@@homesteadonomics Thanks for responding Joe. I would wonder if reaiming the antenne would increase the Mbps. To give you a (sort of) scale.. 100Mbps is the minimum for video gaming on line. I've watched videos as low as 50Mbps with some slightly lower quality and some pauses during data gathering... Also for that scale.. I get 350Mbps Down Load and 250Mbps on Up Load with Fiber connection here in Nashville.. I would think there will be faster times.. Perhaps in late night hours when the Satillite Train that is the Starlink system is overhead. It would be an interesting experiment to get real world, real time, speedtesting when the "Train" is in optimum position. I'm sure you are overjoyed with the speed you are getting vs going to the local library and uploading with WIFI.. taking 3 hrs...?.. wow.. You have a lot of patients my friend... lol But there maybe more to get from your new system. I work with land line internet connections as a side job.. As a Nashville musician one can't live off a tip jar.(lol). So, I am drawing from my Navy Electronic training and work with IT contractors in upgrading and serviceing commercial internet connections.. So, this doesn't make me an expert but I have some deeper knowledge of the connections and speeds we are able to obtain.. I'd be very curious as to how fast your set up will actually go.. I'll be getting my system for my East Tennessee cabin very soon.. Glad you brought up the subject..

[@cleokey]

Well done! Editing content quite good. You've come a long way since you got that little welder a chop saw.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you!

[@cleokey]

@@homesteadonomics U R Welcome, but thanks for the content 👍👍

[@josimon6229]

Great little project. I bet you've got some secret underground bunker out there full of movie screen angle iron and thousands of gallons of gray paint, just in case things get really bad. :D

[@homesteadonomics]

Hahaha….I wish I did! If the zombie apocalypse ever became a reality you’d know it’s me when you saw a truck with a hundred pieces of steel angle spray painted gray and mounted as an ‘armor cage’ drove by😂🤪

[@AbidAli-bv2gl]

Excellent video. intellectual knowledge

[@homesteadonomics]

Much appreciated! Thank you!

[@Entaran]

Looks nice. Pretty sure a painted steel finish will cause your roof to corrode as the zinc galvansing will react poorly.

[@homesteadonomics]

I’ve got a thick layer of roofing putty between all the faster points. You can see it at the end. But it is a valid concern for sure. But with all the putty I’m not too concerned. Thanks for watching 😊🙏

[@sgt_retiredcharlie4102]

I'm SO impressed that you are completely satisfied with 97Mbps down and 24Mbps up!!! LOL... I've got fiber running to my house and I'm pissed when my speed test gets below 900Mbps down and 600Mbps down! I don't think living off-the-grid is for me!

[@homesteadonomics]

Yes, I know it’s not the best. But it’s what I’ve got access too. And for me, living in in the country is worth having a few inconveniences. Thanks for checking it out😊🙏

[@MaryBrownForFreedom]

Cut the top off a pop or water bottle, cut a slit all the way thru the neck. Use a hose clamp and tighten it around the cable about 2" off the roof with some silicone sealer inside the neck area. Makes a little water shedding device to deflect rain form reaching where it goes thru the roof. You want some overlap but to much you can just cut the slit wider to remove material...

[@homesteadonomics]

Now that’s a great idea Mary! Thank you!

[@beardown-op7gw]

Looks great. Brave man getting on that metal roof after the past few weeks of heat we've had!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you! Yeah, I always pick the wrong activities at the wrong times of year. Digging a ditch: summer Working inside on leather: winter 🤦‍♂️😂

[@hopechannelcat5462]

makes sense!

[@wagon9082]

Good Video

[@homesteadonomics]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@gregorythomas333]

What??? No aluminum edging??? The humanity!!! This is a great look mount...finished in grey :) How are your speeds...I have seen some people that are getting throttled sometimes.

[@homesteadonomics]

Haha….but there is a sea of galvalume roofing around it😂 As for the speeds. You can see one of my first tests at 8:20 But it varies quite a bit. I’ve had it as high as 120ish down and 27up….but also as low as 35/7. I’m guessing it depends on the satellites, time of day, number of dishes pinging off it….who knows. Beyond my expertise level past that 😂

[@ima6leaker]

That might be the first time I’ve ever heard you cuss 😂😂

[@homesteadonomics]

Oh crap….did I not bleep out the sound on that part 😬🤦‍♂️😂

[@ESmith]

I wouldnt have thought about a drip loop or even placing it higher off the ridge to avoid high winds. I would have put the cable in a conduit to protect it from the sun and heat. So I may have a protected cable with my dish flying off the roof.

[@homesteadonomics]

With these kinds of projects I think there is always something we miss. It’s not everyday that we install things on roofs! I know most things I work on, when I finish it, a few weeks later I’ll look at it again and say “dang I should have done it this way instead “😂

[@craigcorbin4098]

Love the content. Getting ready to convert my 8x20 to a woodshop, central tool is going to be a DeWalt Jobsite Table saw. How wide would you suggest is the widest for the workbenches in the container? I want to go wide enough to integrate the saw into a bench that doubles as the outfeed...... Thanks from Chandler

[@henrikm4657]

Awesome build. Starlink makes a kit for running the cable through walls. It’s less than $30 and has everything you need for a watertight install. For next time 😂

[@homesteadonomics]

Well, I hope this is my last install of this…. But IF there is a next time I’ll check t out😂🙏

[@davidn4622]

So get a Ball of plumber putty and form it around your cable that will help if your worried about not having a drip loop. Also spray paint all the exposed sealant the sun will take out that sealant in a few years if not painted

[@homesteadonomics]

I’ve got plenty of putty….thank you!

[@jonny7491]

A small zip lock tie around the cable helped with a drip loop.😀🇬🇧🇳🇿

[@homesteadonomics]

Oh that is a great tip….thank you!

[@sinnr]

Great video! We're planning to use this design for our Starlink dish if that's okay 😁. Do you happen to have the specifications/sizes of the build? Thanks a bunch!

[@TimAZ]

Will you be installing a lighting pole or a house surge protector?

[@MaryBrownForFreedom]

One of these in the ethernet cable would be a good idea, PolyPhaser IXG-05... not cheap $170-200 but they are military grade EMP protectors.

[@homesteadonomics]

At the moment we only have surge protectors at the outlet level. But Mary Brown has listed something that I’d like to check out…. So perhaps at some point I will

[@LeeDrew]

Dang Joe. Get those Tenny Runners on before you go up there again. 😮

[@homesteadonomics]

It’s actually not too bad when it’s early morning or late after noon. But when it’s hot it get slippery🤪

[@LeeDrew]

Melting soles on your boots and all eh? Great project as is usual for you. 👍🏻

[@280zone]

Is the Starlink antenna upright, a press fit into the base? Depending where the antenna thinks it needs to be may turn that into a sail in our monsoon winds. Maybe there is a set screw I missed.

[@homesteadonomics]

It’s got a detent button that ‘clicks’ into place….similar to those on EZUP awnings. I’d prefer a set screw but it seems to hold reasonably tight.

[@jeanalmeida....]

Good job 👏👏 I'm fron Brasil 🇧🇷👍

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you and great to hear from Brazil 🇧🇷 😊👍

[@jaystewart9947]

Good job on the cupola 😂

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you!😂

[@masterai-chan1051]

have you ever tried using some solar panel systems in that area of yours bro ? i'd like to watch it if you did had a video of it ♥️🥰

[@ruabadkitty]

I never noticed that other house close to you. I thought you were further out in the boonies. I like the new grey better. It's not so dark. Dark is gloomy. Thank you for the tips. You should send this video to Elon's crew. I am sharing this around on my social media. I am sure someone can use your idea.

[@svsaguaro]

Keep in mind that the speed test does NOT imply a strong, unobstructed connection. You need to leave it on for 24 hours to allow it to analyze for obstructions. Better to leave it temporary for a week and see how many >2s obstructions are in your log. It should essentially be ZERO (unless there's a cloudy day) over a 24 hour period if you're looking for a perfect install. In terms of hot environments: You're most likely NOT going to have a problem, but the high performance dishy can handle desert just fine. It costs more but it might be only option for extreme environments. Finally, to solve your not being able to find a good wire gland: Boats are your friend! Blue Sea cable clams are what all boaters (my starlink is installed on my sailboat) use and can handle a little rain no problem! ;). 1002 might best best, or 1007 (side entry clam) for what you're doing. If you use the Starlink-side of the cable, you can buy a pretty small cable gland to get it through. The router-side plug of the cable is a bit bigger, so it's better to use the starlink-side plug when fishing through the gland. Good luck! Enjoy all your videos!

[@homesteadonomics]

Well that is some excellent info….why didn’t you read my mind before and let me know about 2 weeks ago😂 But seriously that is top notch and I’m going to look those up now! As for the hi performance dish….I considered it but the wire shot it down pretty quickly. Unfortunately money is tighter now than ever and we are trying to be in cost conscious mode😭

[@toronado455]

cat on a hot tin roof! 🐈‍⬛

[@jaystewart9947]

You beat me to it lol

[@homesteadonomics]

That was towards the end of the day….so it was only a WARM tin roof😂

[@louisperugini785]

Any grounding for that antenna mount? Is the metal roof electrically grounded?

[@DiHandley]

Just wondering, is the paint you used water collection safe?

[@homesteadonomics]

All paints will have something about their makeup that is toxic to some degree or another. But that is mostly when it’s wet, pre cured. And also would be more of a concern if water was stored in a container that was lined with that paint. But generally when they are fully cured they are more or less inert regarding off gassing…..especially when considering the water is slashing off it for an instant. So it’s not that much of a concern. I’m more concerned by the geoengineering programs that seed clouds than the paint on this little thing😉

[@DiHandley]

@@homesteadonomics thanks for the explanation. Keep up the great work! 👍

[@leedza]

Wonder what the lightning protection looks like. That roof looks like one bug conductor.

[@iamKBCummings]

Is that a neih\ghbors' ouse beyond your water tanks?

[@leonardmort3216]

the only cautionary thing i could add would be lightning protection. anything that is atached to that will be damaged by a lightning strike.

[@homesteadonomics]

I’ve been looking at some shielding options to insulate the frame better from the roofing metal. But I’ve got nothing definitely figured out as if yet

[@leonardmort3216]

@@homesteadonomics my thought is about the routers and computers that are attached. I would get a quality surge protector that has RJ45 protection as well as electrical protection and plug your starlink into that. that should protect your interior routers and computers from a lightning strike. I'm not sure if they have a product that would protect the starlink antenna and router from a strike.

[@louisperugini785]

Technically the coax from that dish should be grounded where it enters the building.

[@DrRichardKimbel]

Im surprised you havent placed solar panels on roof?

[@homesteadonomics]

I would be I can’t afford them. They like to make it sound like rebates are available to all but in my area the program is not funded adequately. But eventually I’d like to have some and be fully off grid.

[@briancook3081]

Where exactly are you in southern AZ, posting from Tucson, AZ

[@dennisscribner6377]

let us know how you like using starlink. its not available here in n. calif where i am located

[@homesteadonomics]

So far so good! But it does vary quite a bit throughout the day. If you’re in town or near more service providers it may not be the best. But for us, it’s definitely a step up!

[@rickrack78]

# 1 👍🏻😜

[@homesteadonomics]

😊🙏

[@tomas5376]

Why not put it on the ground where it is more accessible?

[@homesteadonomics]

Obstructions of the house. It needs a fully clear view of the sky as it moves during the day to track satellites. Now some do mount it on the ground with great success. By based on the northern aspect I need, it would have to be on the north side of my house and not close to my shop and garage. Plus I’d have to run the cable underground and then through a wall at some point. And doing it here just made more sense.

[@WeirdSeagul]

Challenge: don't insanely over engineer a project. Difficulty Impossible. I love it tho

[@homesteadonomics]

I over engineer to make up for any lack of more well thought out design considerations 😂

[@CncObsession]

The base wasnt necessary. The mount of the starlink has a hole in each corner. I simply used self tapping screws on the peaks. The satellite will rotate and center itself.

[@homesteadonomics]

Trust me….I tried that😂. The pitch of the roof is steeper than the pitch of the legs. And I didn’t want to mount it at a slant. Plus I wanted the space for the reasons mentioned at the end😊👍

[@janetdupree6353]

KUDOS

[@homesteadonomics]

Thanks!

[@chandlerfrog09173]

Just add a 550 cord on it for your drip loop.

[@iznogudsurfer5911]

why not install near the living area? The "evil" rays of the satellite hit evenly on the surface of the earth, not only in the area of the antenna. And the antenna sends the "evil" rays directly in the direction of radiation to the satellite and not everywhere. In addition, the tin roof shields all "bad and good" rays coming from above as far as technically possible.

[@homesteadonomics]

Not sure I said anything like that in the video 🤔😂 But you’re welcome to assume what you like. Now if you let me out my ‘tin foil hat’ back on and retreat to my bunker so I can answer some more comments 🤪

[@mohsharif4504]

Hi engineer I watch your movies I would like to make a device for producing water from air for you and give it to you as a gift

[@paulpickford4074]

I'm going to have to pinch your idea, sorry about that :)

[@jrbailey3208]

Great, another video that does NOTHING positive for those of us who cannot weld. Thanks for nothing.

[@KaleidoscopeJunkie]

So - - Learn how to weld. 🤓🤯👍

[@jrbailey3208]

@@KaleidoscopeJunkie Yeah, I was born with only one fully functional eye.....thus, I've tried to AVOID the chance of Flash Burns on my retina.

[@KaleidoscopeJunkie]

@@jrbailey3208 So why are you being rude to Joe?

[@homesteadonomics]

No worries. I would point to quite a few projects that I’ve done that utilize rivets, nuts/bolts to fasten things together. Like my aluminum cornhole board project where I welded them….but also showed the alternative with angle brackets and rivets. But then again, I just may not be the channel for you. And that’s okay. I still wish you the best either way. Joe

[@jaystewart9947]

@@homesteadonomicsgreat response

[@NeoB-Lac]

Did you get a new weekender?

[@homesteadonomics]

I think this is my second or third. But I’ve been wearing this one for maybe 3 years now. The bands are interchangeable and sometimes I’ve got a leather strap and sometimes I have a nylon strap. Probably the same one as your seen before.