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Installation Instructions for a Single Side Band Antenna

Single Side Band antennae are a popular choice for radio communication, especially on marine vessels. Essentially part of the standard AM band, SSB signals allow radio communication on a frequency high enough to diminish signal-quality issues such as fade. SSB signals can also transmit email and receive maritime weather reports. SSB antennae come in a few different types, so it's important to know how to install they specific type you have.

Things You'll Need

Screwdriver
Cable zip ties
Scissors

Instructions

- 1
  Determine your type of SSB antenna. The three major types are standard SSB antennae ,which are generally short and used mostly at receiving stations, rope antennae that fit along ropes in the vessel's rigging and backstay antennae, which attach to the backstay wire on the vessel's main mast.
- 2
  Attach the antenna to the radio receiver. Some SSB antennae can be plugged directly into the back of an SSB receiver, while others are screwed into place on the SSB receiver using a screwdriver.
- 3
  Extend the antenna and screw on any extensions that came with the product, if you have a standard antenna.
- 4
  Run the antenna up a length of rope in the ship's rigging if you have a rope antenna. Secure the rope antenna with cable zip ties approximately every foot until the entire antenna is secure. Cut off any excess tie lengths with scissors once the ties have been secured.
- 5
  Press the antenna against the backstay if you have a backstay antenna. Begin at the base of the backstay and press the center slot against the backstay until the antenna house wraps around it. Work your way to the full length of the antenna until it is fully attached to the backstay.

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