How to Mount an Antenna

Determine the antenna's use, power and frequency. These factors require unique shapes and heights to produce a suitable waveform for transmission applications (TX). Reception only (DX) is a bit more forgiving and can compensate for experimentation or disruption due to inaccurate antenna designs. Transmitting a radio wave to the greatest possible "line-of sight" distance depends greatly on the height of the antenna above the ground. Direct reception of this transmission also benefits from altitude. Less power is required for radios placed on mountaintops as opposed to those in a valley. This is due to the curvature of Earth, and how radio waves will get sheared at about 20 miles (horizon) as they are moving in straight tangent lines out into space.

Mount omnidirectional antennas at the highest point on the structure or vehicle, unobstructed by trees or buildings. They are typically "sticks," or long, straight pieces of fiberglass or steel that lend themselves to a circular waveform. Ground the negative lead of the antenna to a "true" ground plane, such as the body of the vehicle or plumbing of a house.

For directional antennas, mount the transmitter toward the receiver with a relative propagation angle of 30 degrees, usually on a pole or side wall. Directionals will have a flat surface or long array of surfaces, which reflects the waveform a greater distance than an omnidirectional can. The only drawback is the prop angle, which on some equipment can be as high as 90 degrees. The directional antenna's mount should be grounded.