StarterDish Directional Antenna 24dBi, Waveguide | High-Gain Parabolic Dish for CPE

The RF elements StarterDish 24 UM is a directional parabolic dish antenna developed for CPE applications in the 5150–5950 MHz frequency range. With 24 dBi gain and a narrow radiation pattern, it focuses wireless transmission in a defined direction, making precise antenna alignment an important part of installation. Its parabolic reflector concentrates the signal into a beam with a width of 8° in both horizontal and vertical planes at the −3 dB level. This focused coverage is particularly relevant when establishing a connection between compatible wireless devices that must be directed toward one another. The StarterDish 24 UM combines its directional reflector with a waveguide port, providing a dedicated interface for compatible wireless equipment.

The antenna is compatible with Ubiquiti PrismStation 5AC, IsoStation 5AC, and IsoStation M5, as well as Mimosa C5x. It also supports RF elements StarterAdapter SMA, extending the range of compatible equipment through the manufacturer's adapter system. These options allow the same antenna model to be used with different supported wireless platforms without changing the fundamental reflector design. The waveguide interface provides the connection point for the compatible wireless device, rather than relying on a conventional coaxial cable connection at the antenna. StarterDish 24 UM antennas are supplied in economical packs of five, allowing multiple identical directional antennas to be selected for installations requiring more than one unit.

The StarterDish 24 UM combines an aluminium reflector with a mounting arrangement designed for outdoor installation and directional adjustment. The antenna is assembled before installation and mounts on poles with diameters from 20 to 55 mm. For mounting, RF elements recommends selecting a pole diameter as close to 55 mm as possible. Once attached, the antenna can be adjusted vertically through ±15°, allowing its direction to be refined toward the intended wireless connection. This adjustment works together with the antenna's narrow beamwidth, making careful positioning an important part of achieving the intended directional coverage. The mounting system allows the elevation angle to be changed without modifying the reflector itself.

The antenna uses UV-resistant ABS plastic, aluminium, steel, zinc-plated steel, and stainless steel mounting hardware. Its IP65 rating and operating temperature range from −35 °C to +55 °C establish the conditions for outdoor operation. The structure is rated to withstand wind speeds of up to 160 km/h, an important consideration when selecting an exposed mounting location. However, particularly harsh environments, including coastal areas, locations exposed to chimney gases, chemical factories, and volcanic regions, may cause premature oxidation of the StarterDish antenna body. For installations in such environments, RF elements recommends using its UltraDish antenna range instead. The StarterDish 24 UM is supplied as a five-pack, with five antennas sharing the same construction and mounting characteristics.