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How to Ground a Mobile Antenna for Base Use

Mobile radio antennas of both the magnetic and screw-in mounts depend upon the metal surface on which they are installed for grounding. This applies to all mobile antennas, whether business-band, citizens-band or ham radio antennas. The solid metal surface directly under such antennas assists the antenna when radiating a signal, which behaves similarly to having a grounded antenna. This type of signal-based grounding is called a "ground plane."

Things You'll Need

1 Piece of solid steel, 2 ft by 2 ft minimum, but 4 ft x 4 ft preferred, 1/4-inch thick
1 Package of paste-type car wax with application pad included

Instructions

- 1
  Place the piece of solid steel onto a surface sufficiently high in the air, preferably at least six feet from the ground, and higher if possible. The steel sheet (radiating plane) may simply be set on a roof, or any platform on which it may rest reasonably flat.
- 2
  Set the mobile-mount antenna directly into the center of the steel plate so there is equal distance between all sides and the antenna base. This is necessary so that the ground plane operates with the antenna as efficiently as possible, allowing for the best transmission and reception of signals.
- 3
  Apply two or three layers of automotive car wax to all exposed areas of the steel sheet to help slow the rusting process. Don't put any wax under the antenna mount, as it needs direct metal-to-metal contact with the steel sheet. Only apply the wax to surrounding areas.

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