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How to Connect a Vertical Antenna to a Mast

Vertical antennas are typically mounted on an antenna mast, and generally operate in the Very High Frequency (VHF) and Ultra High Frequency (UHF) portions of the radio spectrum. Two types of mount brackets exist for vertical antennas: ring mount and "U" bolt mount. The "U" bolt mount is the most common of two mounts, but even if your vertical antenna is supplied with a ring mount, the connection to a mast is the same.

Things You'll Need

Extension ladder, same length as the height of mast
Open-end wrench, sized to the mounting nuts on your vertical antenna

Instructions

- 1
  Set up and extend your ladder. Climb to the top portion of your antenna mast, and have a partner assist you in raising the antenna up to your installation location.
- 2
  Loosen the mounting nuts on the "U" bolt or ring mount(s) with the correct open-end wrench. Loosen the nuts until you are able to slide the rings or the "U" bolts down over the top of the mast.
- 3
  Lower the antenna mounts onto the mast until an inch or two of mast is sticking up above the top-most mounting ring or "U" bolt mount and tighten all of the screws firmly until they cannot be turned any further.

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