Satellite Dish mounting options
Flat- roof/ Non Pen Mount
While there are several types of mounts available for satellite Internet dishes, the flat-roof mount is standard because it is the preferred method 95 percent of the time. This type of mount is called a Non-Penetrating roof mount (known in the industry as a "non-pen").
The mount ships in a small box, but when assembled, it provides a large rectangular base with an integrated vertical pedestal firmly attached. The satellite dish is attached to the top of the pedestal. The base is ballasted with concrete block to meet the manufacturer's specifications for stability and safety. Unless access to the roof is physically restricted to trained personnel, the area on the roof selected for the installation must be in an area where a person cannot get directly in front of the satellite dish, as the dish emits high-powered electromagnetic transmission in a directional manner toward the satellite, when transmitting.
In addition, there must be appropriate warnings posted advising of the danger. The areas under and to the sides of the dish are safe, but it is dangerous for a person to be directly in front of the dish. As an option to the non-pen, VSAT systems can provide either a universal mount or pole mount for an additional charge.
Pole Mount
This is generally a non-standard installation option. For a peak roof, the non-penetrating mount is not an option. Therefore, a pole mount may be required. This is especially true for larger 1.2 meter or 1.8 meter dishes, where the weight of these dishes does not permit the use of a universal or penetrating mount.
For the 1.2 meter dish you will need a 9' long schedule 40 galvanized steel pole with 2 7/8" outside diameter. The pole must be set at least 3' in the ground with 6' above in at least 350lb. of concrete. The end that is set in the concrete either needs to be cut at a 45 degree angle or have a bolt through the pole to prevent spinning.
Universal Mount
A universal mount with the larger dishes is not standard but under some circumstances is needed. VSAT Systems will work with the customer to configure the best mount needed. Universal or wall mounts are not usually deployed for satellite dishes in excess of one meter in size, but can be made available on a custom basis. If a flat roof is not available and the dish is mounted on a wall or pole, the dish must be at least 5 feet above ground. A penetrating roof mount would be installed into the truss of the roof. It can be mounted to an asphalt shingled roof, composite shingled, etc. We do not mount into tile roofs, cedar shake roofs, or any fragile roofing materials.
The universal mount can alternately be attached to any solid/stable brick, wood, or concrete wall, so long as there is an unobstructed view of the satellite from the location. The universal mount comes standard with the purchase of a 1.0 meter or smaller dish.