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How to Install a Base Antenna

Installing a base antenna is necessary if you are a citizens band (CB) or ham radio enthusiast and want to receive solid radio signals from home. Base antennas link to your radio, whether it is hand-held or home-based, and receive radio signal transmissions. The received signals are then picked up by your radio. Install a base antenna to receive stronger radio signals at home.

Things You'll Need

Post hole digger
Gravel
Trash bag
Leveling tool
Shovel
Plastic garden retaining wall
Scissors

Instructions

- 1
  Choose a location for your antenna. Pick a location at least 8 feet away from other antennas (TV, radio, etc.) to avoid cross-signals. Trees and tall buildings may cause interference, so select a location on an open area of land.
- 2
  Dig a post hole using your post hole digger. Dig a deep enough hole to fit the antenna mounting pipe.
- 3
  Fill the hole with 2 inches of gravel to create a firm base for your antenna.
- 4
  Insert the mounting pipe into the hole and rest it on the gravel. Hold the post upright, centered in the hole, and make sure it is leveled vertically using a leveling tool.
- 5
  Fill the hole with gravel until the gravel is even with the ground while holding the post in place.
- 6
  Dig a circle around the mounting pipe using a shovel, about 2 feet to 3 feet in diameter and 2 inches to 3 inches deep.
- 7
  Cut a hole into the middle of a garbage bag and slide the hole onto the mounting pipe. Pull the garbage bag down to ground level and flatten it to cover the mowed circle.
- 8
  Insert a plastic garden retaining wall around the edge of the circle.
- 9
  Fill the hole with gravel, covering the garbage bag.
- 10
  Mount the antenna to the mounting pipe with the supplied hardware. Follow the manufacturer's mounting instructions.

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