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How to Install a J-Pole Antenna

J-pole antennas are used by amateur ham radio users. They can be made by hand or purchased already assembled. A J-pole antenna consists of lengths of copper pipe that are soldered together. The antenna has two parts, a 1/4-wavelength matching section that is the portion below the notch of the antenna and a 1/2-wavelength section that is located above the notch of the antenna. A RG-8X coaxial cable is routed through the antenna's interior and has a connector attached to its end. J-poles can be mounted on flag pole masts, wooden posts or J-pole antenna mount brackets.

Things You'll Need

Flag pole mast or wooden post
Extending fiberglass tree trimmer pole
3 2-inch stainless steel hose clamps
RG-8X coaxial cable
Flat head screwdriver
Plastic zip ties
Mast U-bolt
Wrench

Instructions

- 1
  Decide on where you are going to mount your antenna. It should be installed above or at least six feet away from any building as buildings will interfere with your ham radio signal on a flag pole mast or wooden post.
- 2
  Attach the J-pole antenna to the extending fiberglass tree trimmer pole with three hose clamps in a position so that the mounting mast does not extend above the T connector of the antenna. Tighten the hose clamp screws to secure them in place.
- 3
  Connect the RG-8X coaxial cable to the J-pole's SO-239 connector. Secure the coaxial cable to the pole with plastic zip ties.
- 4
  Attach the J-pole to the flag pole mast or wooden post with the U-bolt.

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