Internet from Satellites

[Subtitles]

I didn't find a specific category for internet and how to connect to it, so I have selected this category.
I think there should be such a category because frankly everything we do today needs a connection to the internet. The various methods are:

ADSL
Cellular
Fiber
Satellites

What I would like to discuss today is receiving internet using satellites, specifically Starlink.

I was a bit surprised when I discovered that Starlink is available in my location and that all I need to do is order it from the website.
Another possibility is buying the hardware from reputable computer stores, which has the added advantage that I can pay in 12 equal installments for the hardware instead of paying everything in one payment. Then contact Starlink to setup the account.

Actually Starlink is NOT competitive at all with what we have available here using fiber internet, as I have unlimited 600 Mbps download and 100 Mbps Upload without contract costing me about $30/ month and Starlink starts with $55 / month for 100 Mbps and perhaps 20-30 Mbps Upload, but I have always wanted to explore the internet via satellites since maybe 30 years ago, so this is a kind of expensive hobby if I do decide to buy the hardware and subscribe to Starlink on a monthly basis.
The hardware including taxes and shipment is $530 so it is not cheap at all.
If 100 Mbps is good enough for my needs then I can disconnect from fiber and rely only on Starlink.

My major concern is that the dish part can be easily dismantled or vandalized by anyone, as we have a roof top that is accessible from my building and a neighboring building, although the dish will not be of any use once I activate it in my name but there are people who stop at nothing if they have the chance.
I can only install it on the roof top wall of my apartment, because Starlink uses Ethernet cable and NOT the usual coaxial cable used when installing satellite dishes so it has to be short going down to my apartment.
A standard satellite dish is hard to dismantle or vandalize especially if it is on roof top

Before I decide on ordering the hardware, I would like to know if there is a way I can get the dish part secured better, perhaps drill holes in the mounting accessory and using security screws like Torxs, hopefully this will not cause damage to the dish part.

Amazon Leo is another possibility, but this will take time perhaps few years before it becomes available in my location and the cost is still unknown.

Has anyone got Starlink today at home and would you recommend it?
Is there a good way to secure the dish part?
I have seen on Amazon a cover for the dish, will it affect the reception?
https://www.amazon.com/Starlink-Gen-Protective-Case-Waterproof/dp/B0GQNBJTGJ/ref=sr_1_...1zcF9hdGY&th=1

Thanks for your replies.

[pandy]

Has anyone got Starlink today at home and would you recommend it?
Is there a good way to secure the dish part?
I have seen on Amazon a cover for the dish, will it affect the reception?

At this moment i'm not using Starlink but perhaps i will have no other option so at some point i may be home user.

To secure antenna you may try to find radome ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radome?useskin=vector ) made for Starlink (or other radome that can be used to fit starlink antenna).

My assumption is that cover offered on Amazon is more like protection from hail not from theft - i assume it should not affect reception significantly (it looks like silicone rubber sheet so should be quite transparent to microwaves).

[Subtitles]

Thanks Pandy for your reply.
The cover is for protection mainly from rain and the Sun (no hail here, I wish we have) and also hopefully will make the dish less noticeable because the dish is white and can attract attention.
I think black will be better than gray. Will see.

[cholla]

You can also get some flat black spray paint & paint the dish black or another color.
Flat paint is what is recommended .
I had a Dish the company a long while ago.
No one ever tried to steal or vandalize it.
I still use the mount for my OTA antenna.

[pandy]

Thanks Pandy for your reply.
The cover is for protection mainly from rain and the Sun (no hail here, I wish we have) and also hopefully will make the dish less noticeable because the dish is white and can attract attention.
I think black will be better than gray. Will see.

Cover from Sun? White reduce heating of antenna - dark grey or worse black will absorb heat radiated by Sun and Starlink antenna is not passive device - this is active, phased array antenna - there is lot of electronics inside - check this:
https://hackaday.com/2020/11/25/literally-tearing-apart-a-spacex-starlink-antenna/
https://hackaday.com/2021/01/11/starlink-satellite-dish-x-rayed-to-unlock-rf-magic-inside/

I'm quite sure that black surface will not help to reduce heat radiation.

[cholla]

After reading the links Pandy posted I would NOT paint the Starlink dish.
I thought this was just another satellite dish like Dish or Direct .
Either a pressed steel or aluminum sheet of metal with LNBs in the middle.

It is not. It is a layered array of electronic components.

[Subtitles]

Apparently Starlink has now a new kit called Version 5. The dish (or the antenna) part of the hardware is a lot more smaller and lighter.
Unfortunately it is not available yet even in the USA (perhaps Montana area if you are lucky), so I will have to wait until there is a clear announcement when it will be available in my location, which can take about 6-12 months maybe.
So the idea of the cover is not relevant now because if the dish part is smaller then it will be less noticeable from a distance.
I did notice that in the USA, they offer the hardware without payment, while worldwide it costs about $530.

[YmFzZTY0]

Do you also do a written risk assessment every time you cross the road ? Just get it done man.

[cholla]

Do you also do a written risk assessment every time you cross the road ? Just get it done man.

Who pissed on your Post Toasties this morning ?