StarterDish Directional Antenna 27dBi Waveguide – High-Gain Parabolic CPE Dish

The RF elements StarterDish 27 UM is a directional parabolic antenna developed for CPE applications, combining high antenna gain with a focused radiation pattern for wireless connectivity in the 5 GHz frequency range. Operating from 5150 to 5950 MHz, it delivers 27 dBi gain and uses a parabolic reflector to concentrate its radiation in a defined direction. Its narrow beam pattern makes antenna alignment an important part of installation, particularly when positioning equipment toward the intended wireless link. With a 6° beamwidth at −3 dB in both azimuth and elevation for horizontal and vertical polarizations, the antenna provides a clearly focused directional pattern. A minimum front-to-back ratio of 33 dB further describes the separation between radiation in the forward direction and that behind the reflector.

The StarterDish 27 UM connects to compatible wireless equipment through a waveguide port rather than a conventional coaxial antenna connector. Its supported platforms include the RF elements StarterAdapter SMA, Mimosa C5x, and Ubiquiti PrismStation 5AC, IsoStation 5AC, and IsoStation M5. This compatibility gives users several explicitly supported options when selecting the radio equipment to install with the antenna. The waveguide connection and directional reflector form the core of the antenna arrangement, while the choice of compatible wireless platform determines the equipment used with it. The result is a focused antenna solution for CPE installations where directional coverage and radio compatibility are central considerations.

The StarterDish 27 UM combines an aluminium reflector with a construction designed for outdoor installation. Its lightweight design and straightforward assembly make it practical to prepare the antenna for mounting, while the IP65 environmental rating provides a defined level of enclosure protection. The mounting arrangement accommodates poles with diameters from 20 to 55 mm, with the manufacturer recommending a diameter as close to 55 mm as possible. Once mounted, the antenna allows mechanical elevation adjustment of ±15°, enabling the installer to refine its vertical alignment toward the intended link. This adjustment is particularly relevant to its narrow directional beam, where accurate positioning is part of achieving the desired antenna orientation.

The antenna operates within a temperature range of −35 °C to +55 °C and has a specified wind survival rating of 160 km/h. These characteristics are relevant when planning an outdoor installation and assessing the conditions at the mounting location. The construction incorporates UV-resistant ABS plastic, aluminium, steel, zinc-plated steel, and stainless steel hardware. However, environments exposed to coastal conditions, chimney gases, chemical factories, or volcanic activity may cause premature oxidation of the antenna body. For such demanding locations, RF elements recommends its UltraDish antenna range instead. This distinction is worth considering when selecting equipment for installations where environmental exposure may affect the antenna over time.