Prepare for Installation
Starlink App: Before getting started, download the Starlink app. It will help you:
- Find an optimal install location
- Test for obstructions
- Set up and manage your account
- Access support and shop tools
Download for iOS / Android
Choosing the Right Kit for Maritime Use
The Starlink Performance, Starlink Performance (Gen 2), and Starlink Standard Kit can be used on boats or vessels. However, the Starlink Performance and Starlink Performance (Gen 2) is recommended for maritime environments due to its wider field of view and better performance in areas with potential obstructions (e.g. marinas). More on kit differences here.
Starlink Performance Kit + Starlink Performance (Gen 2): Designed for mobility and optimized for use on boats
Starlink Standard Kit: More sensitive to obstructions due to a narrower field of view, which can cause short outages as satellites move.
Important: Use of any Starlink model other than the Starlink Performance, Starlink Performance (Gen 2), Starlink Standard, or Starlink Mini while in-motion is not supported. Damage to the Starlink while in-motion may result in a void of your Starlink warranty.
Key Installation Considerations
1. Clear View of the Sky
Each Starlink requires an unobstructed 360° view of the sky at 20° elevation above the horizon. Mounting the antenna higher (e.g. on masts or poles) may be necessary to avoid obstructions—especially in marinas.
2. Mount Orientation
- Mounts are pre-angled at 8° tilt to help with water runoff.
- Starlink Performance (Gen 2) come with a wedge mount.
- Standard Kit has a mobility mount (available separately via the Starlink shop).
- Position mounts to favor the direction with the least obstructions.
- Use removable thread locker (e.g. Loctite 222) on all fasteners to prevent loosening.
3. Dish & Power Supply Orientation
- Position connectors facing downward or sideways to avoid water ingress.
- Ensure no water collects near seals or cables.
4. Cabling
- Max distance from dish to power supply: 25m (75’)
- Max total distance from dish to network gear: 100m (300’)
- Minimum cable bend radius: 5cm (2”) — avoid sharp bends or kinks.
- Cables are not reversible — each connector is specific to its device.
5. Power Requirements
- Input: 100-240V, 6.3A, 50-60Hz
- Recommend use of a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) to maintain connectivity during brief outages or brownouts.
- For DC power sources: Use a Pure Sine Wave Inverter, minimum 500W.
6. Network & IP Addresses
- After connection, the dish will assign a CGNAT IP address by default.
- Public IPs can be enabled via the Starlink dashboard.
- More on IP configuration here.
7. Multiple Starlink Systems
- For installs with multiple dishes, keep at least 3 meters between mount centers.
- A third-party router can combine multiple Starlinks into one network and support load balancing, failover, and traffic shaping.
8. Support
- Initial connection may take up to 20 minutes.
- For help, visit the troubleshooting and setup sections in our Starlink Help Center.
Installation Instructions
Step 1: Find an Unobstructed Location
- Starlink requires 100% unobstructed sky visibility to perform well.
- Any obstruction, even small, may cause dropped packets, intermittent outages, or reduced speed.
- Use the Starlink app to confirm the installation area is free of interference, especially from nearby masts or antennas.
Common mounting locations include elevated posts, railings, masts, or rooftops to reduce obstructions and salt spray exposure.
Step 2: Mount the Starlink
- Starlink Performance and Starlink Performance (Gen 2) with wedge mount for tilted install (encourages water runoff).
- Flat installations are acceptable for high-speed vessels to reduce drag.
Mounting options:
- Starlink Pole Mount Adapter (Starlink Performance (Gen 2)): For pole or mast installation
- Beam clamps or U-bolts: Can be used with wedge mounts on railings (drilling required)
- Third-party mounting solutions may also be compatible
Step 3: Connect the Dish
- Connect the dish to the power supply using the included 25m Starlink cable.
- Due to power requirements, the cable from the power supply to the dish cannot be extended beyond 25m.
Step 4: Connect the Power
- Use the provided AC power cable to connect the power supply (and router if applicable).
- Connect to a stable AC source, ideally protected by a UPS to safeguard against voltage fluctuations or outages.
Step 5: Connect to the Network
Option A: Using Starlink WiFi Router (sold separately)
- Connect the Starlink router to the power supply.
- Open the Starlink app and tap “Start Setup”.
- Follow the steps to name your network and set a password.
- Or, connect via device WiFi settings to the network named STARLINK.
- Confirm connection by browsing online or running a speed test in the app.
We recommend using the Starlink router for initial setup confirmation.
Option B: Using a Third-Party Router or Direct Ethernet
Use the Starlink Ethernet Adapter to connect the power supply directly to:
- A computer (via RJ-45 port), or
- A third-party router’s WAN port
- For longer distances, standard ethernet cable (Cat5e/6) can be used up to 100m
- Ensure outdoor ethernet connections are weatherproofed
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