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How to Install a Vertical Antenna

An outdoor vertical antenna can provide the amateur radio hobbyist with clear reception and strong transmitting power across the medium- and high-frequency bands. The antenna, with its impedance matching unit and ground radials, needs a fixed mounting base that will withstand high winds and rain, and protect it from lightning strikes. Install your vertical antenna by beginning with a solid foundation.

Things You'll Need

Vertical antenna kit with impedance matching unit and ground radials
Metal pipe, 2-inch diameter, 55 inches long
Posthole digger
Gravel, 1/2- to 3/4-inch crushed stone, 120 pounds
Plastic landscape edging, 7 feet long
3-foot level
Shovel
Trash bag

Instructions

- 1
  Dig an eight-inch diameter hole, 36 inches deep, in the location you have picked for your vertical antenna.
- 2
  Pour a two-inch layer of gravel into the hole. Twist the pipe into the center of the gravel, standing it in place. Adjust the pipe so that it is vertically level.
- 3
  Fill the hole with gravel, securing the pipe in place. Make sure the pipe remains vertical.
- 4
  Dig out a two-inch-deep ring around the hole, two feet in diameter. This will create a relief ring around the antenna to protect it from the lawn mower.
- 5
  Line the ring with a trash bag to deter weed growth. Fill the ring with gravel up to the grass line.
- 6
  Line the ring with landscape edging to keep the gravel from scattering.
- 7
  Fasten the antenna mount, included in the kit, to the pipe. Fit the vertical antenna and impedance matching unit to the mount using the included hardware. Attach the feed line connector and ground radial wires.

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