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How to Use PVC for Antenna Support

Ham radio enthusiasts and others who enjoy using large antennas to capture distant sounds and broadcasts from local and regional news outlets can make a portable antenna support from simple materials. A few 2-inch by 4-inch pieces of wood, electrical staples and PVC piping is all that's needed to create a portable support you can use to set up your antenna almost anywhere. Roll a car or truck's front tire over the unoccupied end of your antenna support structure to secure it during use and you'll be ready to pick up signals during occasions ranging from camping trips to tailgates.

Things You'll Need

2 inch by 4-inch wood beam, 8 feet long
Handsaw or circular saw
PVC pipe
8 outdoor wood screws
Drill
2 bolts

Instructions

- 1
  Cut an 8-foot long 2x4 wood beam into three segments measuring 3 feet, 4 feet and 1 foot with a handsaw or circular saw.
- 2
  Set the 3-foot length piece on top of the 4-foot length about 3 inches from its right end, creating an "L" shape. Turn the unit on its side and while holding it tightly, drill in two outdoor wood screws through the bottom of the 4-foot length into the narrow base of the 3-foot length, securing the two pieces together.
- 3
  Place the 1 foot length beam between the vertical 3-foot beam and the horizontal 4 foot beam diagonally. Drill two outdoor wood screws into the ends of the 1 foot beam, securing it to the other two beams and adding extra support to the antenna frame.
- 4
  Cut a piece of PVC pipe to measure 2 1/2-feet long. Measure the width of your antenna and select PVC pipe that is 2 cm to 5 cm larger in diameter than your antenna. Attach the PVC pipe to the center of the outside face of the upright 3-foot beam with two bolt clips. Drill the bolt clips into the wood to hold the PVC pipe in place.
- 5
  Cut a piece of PVC pipe to measure 4 inches long. Drill two wood screws through either end of the pipe and into the horizontal 4 foot long wood beam below the vertical PVC pipe to create a grounding area for your antenna.
- 6
  Drive to your desired location and set the radio antenna support you created on the ground. Drive the front wheel of your car or truck over the open end of the 4 foot beam to hold it in place. Slide your antenna into the PVC pipe and use it.

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