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Things You'll Need
Instructions
Survey the property on which the antenna will be installed. Note the location of any trees, poles, utility wires and any other obstruction that would interfere with installation. Double-check the property lines and make sure that you don't install the wire on property that belongs to a neighbor.
Select installation points and a running path for the wire. It is common to attach wire antennas between the roof of a house and a tree. Trees are often used because they are usually a fair distance away from utility and phone lines, which cause interference with the reception of the antenna. Choose installation points that are at least 20 feet above the ground.
Attach an antenna insulator to each end of the 14-gauge wire. Insert the wire into the insulators and wrap it up and around itself, forming a knot. Solder the wire to the insulators using a soldering gun. Wrap the soldered area with electrical tape.
Insert 18-gauge wire into each insulator, wrapping it around itself to form a knot, and solder the wire to the insulator using a soldering gun. Wrap the soldered area with electrical tape.
Lean a ladder against the side of the house, close to the location you have chosen to mount the wire. Attach an insulated 18-gauge wire to the insulator nearest the house in the same fashion as the other wires. Drop the wire down and let it hang to the ground for now.
Climb down the ladder and run the insulated 18-gauge wire through a window or a gap in the siding. Connect the wire to the radio's antenna port.
Set up the ladder against or near the tree on which you want to attach the wire antenna. Climb up, making sure to take with you a screwdriver, the pulley and the end of the wire not attached to the house. Attach the pulley to a strong branch on the tree, following the manufacturer's mounting instructions.
Run the end of the wire through the pulley and let it hang to the ground for now.
Climb down the ladder and grab the wire. Pull the wire down the pulley until it is taught between the house and the tree. Do not let the wire hang loose.
Wrap the wire around the base of the tree and tie the wire around itself, forming a tight knot. Solder the knot with a soldering gun. Wrap the wire with electrical tape to help secure the connection.
Insert an antenna grounding rod into the ground, underneath the portion of the house where the wire will be attached.
Attach an insulated 18-gauge wire to the grounding rod, following the manufacturer's installation instructions. Run the 18-gauge wire through a window or a gap in the siding. Connect the wire to the radio's ground wire port.