Welcome to your new Spacetek V-Cell Rugged Housing.
The V-Cell is a protective enclosure system designed for Starlink Mini and Starlink Standard Gen 3 / V4 setups used in harsher mobile or outdoor environments.
It is commonly used for mining, fleet, marine, industrial, caravan, 4WD and remote-site installations where the Starlink terminal needs extra protection from dust, rain, spray, vibration and exposed operating conditions.
This guide covers what to check before installation, available mounting options, kit inclusions, setup resources and helpful FAQs.
Before You Get Started
⚠️ Before installing your V-Cell, make sure you have suitable mounting hardware for your vehicle, roof rack, canopy or installation surface.
Before installation, we recommend:
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Confirming you have selected the correct V-Cell model for your Starlink terminal
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Checking your mounting location before fitting the housing
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Making sure the mounting surface, roof rack, tray, rail or support structure is suitable
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Planning cable routing before closing the housing
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Checking gasket surfaces, seals and cable-entry points
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Reviewing the installation guide and setup video below
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Confirming the final mounted position gives Starlink a clear view of the sky
The V-Cell must be assembled correctly for the housing and sealing system to perform as intended.
Correct gasket alignment, cable-entry setup and even fastener tightening are important.
If the V-Cell is being fitted to a work vehicle, mine vehicle, vessel, fleet vehicle or permanent outdoor setup, we recommend using a qualified installer, auto electrician or suitably experienced technician.
Important Installation Notes
The V-Cell is designed to help protect the Starlink terminal in demanding environments, but the full installation still depends on the mounting system used.
Please note:
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Starlink terminal is not included
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Mounting accessories may be sold separately
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The housing must be matched to the correct Starlink model
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The mounting surface must be suitable for the vehicle, vessel or site structure
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Cable glands and entry points must be fitted correctly
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Fasteners should be tightened evenly
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Cable strain relief should be planned before final fitting
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In-motion or extreme-environment use depends on the full installation, not the housing alone
Do not drill, cut or modify the Starlink terminal itself.
What's Included
Kit inclusions may vary depending on the V-Cell model selected.
The V-Cell kit generally includes:
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V-Cell protective housing
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Model-specific internal housing components
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Sealing hardware
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Fastener hardware
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Cable-entry components, as applicable to the selected model
Please note: Starlink Mini or Starlink Standard Gen 3 / V4 is not included.
Mounting accessories are selected separately depending on your V-Cell model and installation surface. See the mounting options below to find the most suitable solution for your setup.
How Do I Mount My V-Cell?
The Spacetek V-Cell Rugged Housing can be mounted to suitable roof racks, vehicle roofs, canopies, machinery and other supporting structures using compatible mounting hardware.
The best option depends on your Starlink model, mounting surface, available clearance and whether you prefer a permanent or removable setup.
1. Magnetic Mounting – Best for Removable Installations
Magnetic mounting allows the V-Cell to be secured to suitable steel surfaces using compatible mounting hardware, without drilling permanent mounting holes.
This option is useful for vehicle roofs, steel canopies and machinery where permanent modifications are not preferred.
Best for: Removable installations on suitable steel surfaces.
View 3.5-Inch Rubber-Coated Rare Earth Magnets
Important: These magnets require suitable mounting hardware and a compatible steel surface. They are not suitable for aluminium or fibreglass surfaces.
Magnetic holding strength depends on surface conditions, vibration and wind loads. For moving vehicles, the complete mounting arrangement must be assessed and confirmed secure for the intended application.
2. S-Rails – Best for Low-Profile Installations
S-Rails provide a low-profile mounting solution, allowing the V-Cell to be secured to a suitable flat surface or supporting structure.
They are useful when you want the housing positioned close to the mounting surface without unnecessary additional height.
Best for: Caravan roofs, canopies, trays and suitable flat-surface installations.
Compatible with: Starlink Mini and Standard Gen 3 / V4 V-Cell housings. Select the matching variant.
View S-Rails Mounting Brackets
3. C-Rails – Best When Additional Clearance Is Needed
C-Rails feature a raised channel-style design, providing additional space between the V-Cell housing and its supporting structure.
This option is useful when the installation requires extra clearance or a raised mounting arrangement.
Best for: Vehicle roofs, canopies, roof racks and installations requiring additional clearance.
Compatible with: Starlink Mini and Standard Gen 3 / V4 V-Cell housings. Select the matching variant.
View C-Rails Mounting Brackets
4. Drop Down Bracket – Best for Roof Rack Installations
The Drop Down Bracket allows the V-Cell to sit lower between suitable roof rack crossbars rather than entirely above them.
This can help reduce additional vehicle height and create a more integrated roof rack installation.
Best for: 4WDs, caravans, fleet vehicles and touring setups with suitable roof racks.
Separate brackets are available for Starlink Mini and Standard Gen 3 / V4 V-Cell housings.
View Starlink Mini Drop Down Bracket
View Standard Gen 3 / V4 Drop Down Bracket
5. Roof Rack Wing Supports – Best for Single-Crossbar Installations
Wing Supports provide additional reinforcement when mounting a Starlink Mini V-Cell to a single roof rack crossbar.
They help distribute the load and reduce unwanted movement or flex caused by vehicle movement, wind and vibration.
Best for: Single-crossbar installations where additional mounting stability is needed.
Compatible with: Starlink Mini V-Cell only.
View Starlink Mini Roof Rack Wing Supports
6. Custom Mounting – Best for Specialised Equipment
For mining machinery, industrial equipment, marine applications and specialised fleet vehicles, the V-Cell can also be fitted using a suitable custom mounting arrangement.
This provides flexibility where standard mounting accessories may not suit the equipment or installation location.
Best for: Mining, construction, industrial and specialised vehicle installations.
We recommend consulting a qualified installer to assess the mounting structure, hardware and operating conditions.
Contact Spacetek support if you need help choosing suitable mounting accessories.
Important: Always confirm mounting compatibility, structural support, vehicle clearance and cable routing before installation. For moving vehicles, the complete mounting system must be suitable for the expected wind loads and vibration.
Setup Video
Watch our setup video before installing the V-Cell.
Please note: The exact installation may vary depending on your Starlink model, vehicle, roof rack, tray, rail system or site structure.
Download the Quick Start Guide
📓 V-Cell Rugged Housing Installation Guide
The installation guide includes the full fitting steps, cable-entry details, sealing checks and mounting notes for the Starlink Mini V-Cell.
We recommend reading the relevant guide before installing the V-Cell on a vehicle, vessel, caravan, canopy, mining vehicle, fleet vehicle or remote-site structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which V-Cell model do I need?
Choose the Starlink Mini V-Cell if you are using a Starlink Mini terminal.
Choose the Starlink Standard Gen 3 / V4 V-Cell if you are using the larger flat rectangular Starlink Standard terminal, also known as Standard Kit, Standard 4 or V4.
If you are not sure which Starlink model you have, check before ordering or contact Spacetek support.
Does the Starlink terminal come with the V-Cell?
No. The V-Cell is the protective housing system only.
The Starlink terminal must be purchased separately from Starlink or an authorised retailer.
Can I use magnetic mounting on an aluminium canopy?
No. Magnetic mounting requires a suitable steel surface and will not work directly on aluminium or fibreglass.
For aluminium canopies or other non-magnetic surfaces, consider compatible S-Rails, C-Rails or a suitable custom mounting arrangement.
Always check that the mounting surface and fixing method are suitable before installation.
Can I use the V-Cell on a mine vehicle or fleet vehicle?
Yes, the V-Cell is designed for harsh mobile and commercial environments, including mining, fleet and industrial applications.
The final installation must still be assessed properly. The mounting structure, cable routing, sealing, vibration exposure and service access all need to be considered.
Can the V-Cell be used on a caravan, 4WD or canopy?
Yes. The V-Cell can be installed on suitable caravans, 4WDs and canopies using compatible mounting hardware.
Depending on your setup, you may use S-Rails, C-Rails, a Drop Down Bracket or a suitable magnetic mounting arrangement.
See the How Do I Mount My V-Cell? section above to compare your options.
What should I check before closing the housing?
Before closing the V-Cell, check that the Starlink terminal is seated correctly, cables are routed cleanly, gasket surfaces are clear, cable-entry points are fitted properly and nothing is being pinched.
Do not force the housing closed if a cable or component is not sitting correctly.
Can I drill into the Starlink terminal to fit it?
No. Do not drill, cut or modify the Starlink terminal.
The terminal should sit inside the V-Cell housing without modification.
Is the V-Cell suitable for in-motion use?
The V-Cell is designed for mobile and harsh-environment installations, but in-motion use depends on the full setup.
The mounting system, fasteners, support structure, cable routing and installer judgement all matter. Always check the installation before driving and follow local road rules and site requirements.
What should I check before contacting support?
Before contacting Spacetek support, please check:
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Which Starlink model you are using
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Which V-Cell model you have
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Which mounting accessories are being used
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Photos of the mounting location
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Photos of the cable-entry area
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Whether the gasket and seals are seated correctly
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Whether the housing is mounted to a suitable structure
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Whether the Starlink app shows any obstruction or performance issues
Photos of your setup will help us understand the issue faster.