Pole Mount and Custom Solutions

iDirect leaves the choice of mount to the end user and installer. iDirect outdoor components - the dish, the mount, the transmit/receive electronics - are all much larger than conventional consumer-class satellite broadband systems. As you'll see below, we have to take the greater size, weight and wind load potential of the outdoor component package into consideration when considering the choice of  location and a mount. Generally speaking, pole mounts, while more expensive, afford a greater choice of locations and are almost always a better choice when it comes to accuracy.

Wall and Roof Mounts

Owing to the size and weight of the Prodelin reflector and mounting system, we do not recommend the use of a wall mount!  Non-penetrating roof mounts are acceptable within certain circumstances and limitations.

• weight of the mounting hardware, dish and electronics - approximately 55 pounds.

• wind load factor - far greater for a dish nearly 4 feet in diameter.

• dish mount diameter  - 3" for iDirect gear instead of the 1.66' for TV dishes and 2" for consumer satellite.

NOTE: On no account must the dish itself be painted or otherwise coated with anything!

With rare exceptions, we do not usually recommend roof mounts of any type here in the inland Northwest. The reason is simple: snow. When a dish is located on a roof, it is typically out of easy or safe reach for purposes of snow removal. We will, however, provide a non-penetrating mount at extra cost as long as the customer is willing to sign a 'hold harmless' agreement acknowledging the hazards associated with rooftop operations and not hold StarLAN Consulting responsible if, after being suitably warned, the customer falls off the roof in the dead of winter into a snow bank and is not found until the spring thaw.

Legal disclaimers aside, StarLAN Consulting will work with you to determine the best and safest place for your iDirect dish installation. 

The bottom line: whatever your situation, StarLAN Consulting Services can provide the mounting solution that will meet your practical and aesthetic needs.

Wall Mounts - Don't Do it!

A iDirect system wall mount is a substantial piece of hardware. This item comes from Andrew Electronics and is unique to  the 1.2 meter Prodelin dishes that iDirect uses. It is worth noting, however, that we DO NOT recommend a wall mount solution owing to the substantial weight of the Prodelin reflector and mount.

Pole Mounts

Pole mounts as shown below are not provided by iDirect, and come at extra cost over the standard installation fee. Owing to the size and weight of the iDirect dish and electronics, we must use a 2 7/8" - 3" OD pole or mast. Accordingly, all StarLAN Consulting-designed pole mounts, wall mounts and custom adapters are heavily over-engineered to provide the utmost in stability and lightning resistance. We use three 1/2" anti-rotation rods spaced 10" apart and at right angles to one another. Heavy duty copper ground clamps are standard, and 5/8" copper-clad grounding rods are used when warranted. PVC cable sweeps - to protect the transmit/receive cable pair from weed whackers and string trimmers - are provided as needed. In all cases, concrete fill is necessary; labor and materials cost will be factored into the overall installation cost.

Idaho Dept of Lands iDirect installation
We Get Signal!  All Your Packet Are Belong To Us!	Front view of 1.2 meter Prodelin reflector and transmit/receive electronics.
The mounting cap is 1/4" steel affixed by 8 screws.  Note the 5/8" precision azimuth drive screw as seen below the main plate.	Mount construction is 1/4" steel. Note the 5/8" precision elevation drive screw
Transmit / Receive Electronics package closeup