Starlink Obstruction Calculator

FAQs

How do I check Starlink obstruction? To check for obstructions in your Starlink connection, use the Starlink app or the Starlink website’s Obstruction Tool. It will help you find the best location for your dish with minimal obstructions.

Which direction does Starlink point? The Starlink dish typically points towards the northern sky (in the Northern Hemisphere) or the southern sky (in the Southern Hemisphere), as it aims to connect to a constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit.

Does the Starlink dish move? Yes, the Starlink dish can move to track the satellites as they move across the sky. It adjusts its orientation to maintain a connection with the satellites.

Does Starlink take 12 hours? Starlink does not take 12 hours to set up or establish a connection. Installation and connection times vary but typically do not take that long.

What percent obstruction is OK for Starlink? Starlink recommends a clear line of sight with minimal obstructions for optimal performance. While some obstructions may be tolerated, it’s best to aim for as little obstruction as possible.

Will Starlink get better with obstructions? No, Starlink performance typically degrades with obstructions. A clear line of sight to the satellites is ideal for the best performance.

Do trees block Starlink? Yes, trees can block the Starlink signal. It’s best to install the dish in a location with minimal tree obstructions.

Does Starlink need a clear line of sight? Yes, Starlink requires a clear line of sight to the sky to connect to its satellites effectively.

Can Starlink be mounted at an angle? The Starlink dish is designed to be mounted horizontally, as it automatically adjusts its angle to track the satellites.

Does Starlink dish self-adjust? Yes, the Starlink dish self-adjusts its angle to track the satellites as they move across the sky.

How far can Starlink dish be from the house? The Starlink dish can typically be placed within 100 feet (30 meters) of your router and power source.

Do Starlink satellites move or are they stationary? Starlink satellites are not stationary; they orbit the Earth. They move relative to the Earth’s surface, which is why the Starlink dish needs to track them.

What to do if Starlink is obstructed? If Starlink is obstructed, try repositioning the dish to minimize obstructions. Use the Starlink app or website’s Obstruction Tool for guidance.

How many devices can Starlink router handle? The Starlink router can handle multiple devices, but the exact number will depend on your subscription plan and network usage. Typically, it can support several devices simultaneously.

What are common issues with Starlink internet? Common issues with Starlink internet include obstructions, weather-related disruptions, latency, and occasional service outages due to satellite handovers.

What happens if I go over 1TB on Starlink? Starlink does not typically have data caps, so you won’t face overage charges for exceeding 1TB.

Can Starlink go through walls? Starlink’s signal does not penetrate buildings or walls well. It’s best to place the dish outside or near a window for an unobstructed view of the sky.

How many TVs can you run on Starlink? You can run multiple TVs on a Starlink internet connection, but the number of devices you can use simultaneously will depend on your subscription plan and network usage.

How does Starlink avoid jamming? Starlink employs advanced encryption and frequency-hopping techniques to reduce the risk of jamming and interference.

How much unobstructed sky does Starlink need? Starlink requires a clear line of sight to the northern or southern sky, depending on your location. A view of a substantial portion of the sky is ideal.

What is the biggest problem with Starlink? One of the significant challenges for Starlink is minimizing obstructions and maintaining a stable connection, especially in densely populated or heavily wooded areas.

Does Starlink get blocked by clouds? Yes, heavy cloud cover and storms can temporarily disrupt Starlink service, as the dish requires a direct line of sight to the satellites.

How far does Starlink need to be from trees? It’s best to place the Starlink dish as far away from trees as possible to minimize obstructions and maximize signal strength.

Does rain obstruct Starlink? Rain can cause brief signal degradation, but Starlink is designed to handle adverse weather conditions reasonably well.

What is the maximum distance for Starlink cable? The maximum distance for the Starlink cable connecting the dish to the router is typically around 100 feet (30 meters).

Do you have to drill a hole in the wall for Starlink? You may need to drill a hole in the wall to pass the Starlink cable from the dish to the indoor router, depending on your setup.

Is Starlink better on the ground or roof? Starlink is typically installed on the ground, but it can also be mounted on a roof or other elevated structures if they provide a clear line of sight to the sky.

Can I mount Starlink on the side of the house? Yes, you can mount the Starlink dish on the side of your house as long as it has an unobstructed view of the sky in the direction of the satellites.

Can you use the mount that comes with Starlink on the roof? The Starlink mount is designed for ground-level installation, but with proper adjustments, it can be used on a roof if it provides a clear line of sight.

Can I use someone else’s Starlink? Starlink service is typically tied to a specific account and location, so using someone else’s Starlink without their permission is not recommended.

How far does Starlink dish tilt? The Starlink dish tilts automatically to track the satellites, but the exact degree of tilt may vary depending on your location and satellite constellation.

Why does Starlink fluctuate so much? Starlink performance can fluctuate due to factors like satellite handovers, weather, and obstructions, which can affect signal strength and latency.

How do I hide my Starlink dish? Hiding the Starlink dish may impact its performance. If aesthetics are a concern, consider professional installation to minimize visibility.

Can I have 2 Starlink dishes on one account? Typically, Starlink provides one dish per account. If you need multiple connections, you may need separate accounts.

Can I leave the Starlink router outside? It’s not recommended to leave the Starlink router outside, as it’s not designed for outdoor use and exposure to the elements.

Is Starlink unlimited data? Starlink offers unlimited data with most of its plans, but there may be some network management during peak usage times.

How many Starlink satellites have failed? As of my last update in September 2021, a few Starlink satellites had failed, but the constellation was still growing. The number of failures may have changed since then.

Does Starlink always face north? The Starlink dish faces either north or south, depending on your location, to track the satellites in orbit.

What causes obstructions in Starlink? Obstructions in Starlink can include buildings, trees, hills, and other physical objects that block the line of sight to the satellites.

Can snow obstruct Starlink? Snow accumulation on the dish can obstruct the signal. It’s essential to keep the dish clear of snow for optimal performance.

How do I force Starlink to stow? You can manually stow the Starlink dish using the Starlink app or website in case of severe weather or maintenance.

Can you run 2 routers with Starlink? You can use multiple routers with Starlink, but it may require some network configuration to set up multiple access points or networks.

What is the maximum bandwidth for Starlink router? The maximum bandwidth of the Starlink router depends on your subscription plan and the performance of the satellite connection. It can vary but should provide sufficient bandwidth for typical internet activities.

How far away can Starlink router be? The Starlink router should be located within about 100 feet (30 meters) of the dish for a reliable connection.

Can I unplug Starlink at night? You can unplug the Starlink router at night if you wish, but it’s not necessary. Starlink is designed for 24/7 operation.

Why is Starlink being discontinued? As of my last update in September 2021, there were no official reports of Starlink being discontinued. Please check the latest news for any updates.

Why is my Starlink so bad? Starlink performance can be affected by various factors, including obstructions, weather, and network congestion. Contact Starlink support for troubleshooting assistance.

Does Starlink throttle internet speeds? Starlink does not throttle internet speeds based on data usage, but network congestion or adverse conditions can affect performance.

How much is 1 TB of data? 1 TB (terabyte) of data is equal to 1,024 gigabytes (GB) or approximately 1,048,576 megabytes (MB).

What time is Starlink off-peak? Starlink does not have specific off-peak times, as it typically offers consistent performance throughout the day.

What happens if I unplug my Starlink router? Unplugging the Starlink router will disconnect your devices from the internet until it’s plugged back in and reconnected to the satellite.

What direction does the Starlink dish face? The Starlink dish faces either north or south, depending on your location, to track the satellites in orbit.

Where is the best place to put a Starlink router in your house? Place the Starlink router in a central location within your house for the best Wi-Fi coverage.

Can I watch Netflix on Starlink? Yes, you can watch Netflix and other streaming services on a Starlink internet connection.

Can Starlink stream 4K? Starlink can support 4K streaming, but the actual quality of streaming may depend on your subscription plan and network conditions.

Can I use Hulu Live with Starlink? Yes, you can use Hulu Live or other live streaming services with a Starlink internet connection.

Will Starlink work with a few obstructions? Starlink may work with some obstructions, but it’s recommended to minimize obstructions for optimal performance.

Does Starlink avoid obstructions? Starlink does not actively avoid obstructions but relies on the user to choose a location with a clear line of sight to the sky.

Does Starlink need 100% clear view? While a 100% clear view is ideal, Starlink may still function with some obstructions, but performance may be reduced.

Is Starlink getting worse? Starlink’s performance can vary by location and network demand, so some users may experience fluctuations in service quality.

Is Starlink worse on cloudy days? Cloudy days can temporarily affect Starlink performance due to signal attenuation, but it usually recovers once clouds pass.

How much wind can Starlink handle? The Starlink dish is designed to withstand moderate wind conditions, but extreme wind can affect its performance.

How far apart can Starlink mesh nodes be? The range between Starlink mesh nodes can vary but is typically around 30-60 feet (9-18 meters) for optimal performance.

Will Starlink work in areas with trees? Starlink can work in areas with trees, but it’s essential to minimize tree obstructions for the best performance.

Do clouds block Starlink? Clouds can temporarily attenuate the Starlink signal but usually do not completely block it.

Why is Starlink not working after a storm? Starlink service may be temporarily disrupted after a storm due to signal interference or obstructions. It should typically recover once conditions improve.

How many TVs can you run on Starlink? You can run multiple TVs on a Starlink internet connection, but the number of devices you can use simultaneously depends on your subscription plan and network usage.

How do you get Starlink cable through the wall? To get the Starlink cable through the wall, you may need to drill a hole and use appropriate wall pass-through or conduit options for a neat and weather-resistant installation.

What is the biggest problem with Starlink? One of the significant challenges for Starlink is minimizing obstructions and maintaining a stable connection, especially in densely populated or heavily wooded areas.

How far from the service address will Starlink work? Starlink is designed to work at the specific service address where it is installed. Moving the dish to a different location may require reconfiguration and could affect performance.