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How to Install an HF Ham Antenna

High frequency or HF ham antennas are used by amateur radio enthusiasts to broadcast and receive signals. The two main types of antennas, general and stealth, are installed in basically the same way. The main differences between them are in their size and visibility. As their names indicate, stealth antennas are made to be compact and not noticeable to the average onlooker. This is useful for people belonging to homeowner's associations that would object to a large antenna mounted on a mast or home.

Things You'll Need

HF antenna
Lightning arresting device
Rubber soled shoes
Rubber gloves
Tower mast (optional)
8 foot metal rod (optional)
Wooden ladder (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Calculate the parameters for safe placement of your antenna. Add the antenna length to the tower mast length to get the total height of your antenna. Double that number. That's the closest you can get to a power line. For safety, install the antenna as far away from power lines as possible.
- 2
  Call your electric company and ask for a site review before you install. They'll let you know if there are any buried lines to be aware of and verify that you're a safe distance from overhead lines.
- 3
  Ground the antenna with a lightning arresting device. This is a small device that acts like a surge protector for your antenna if it's hit by lightning. Your local building code will tell you what type of lightning-arresting device is required in your area and how to install it.
- 4
  Wear rubber-soled shoes and rubber gloves during installation to help prevent accidental electrocution.
- 5
  Drive an 8-foot metal rod into earth to ground the antenna. This is optional depending on the size and style of your antenna. Your antenna's instruction manual will specify if you need earth grounding.
- 6
  Mount the antenna on a tower mast or in the ground depending on what type of antenna you've purchased. Some are encased in flagpoles, others are designed to sit in a garden. If you're installing a tall antenna, use a wooden ladder. If the antenna begins to fall, never try to catch it, just let it fall, in case an electrical current is already in the antenna.
- 7
  Attach the antenna's guy wires to the ground or the tower as instructed in your manual, if necessary. Some antennas don't have guy wires.

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