How to Set Up Ham Radio Equipment

Consider getting a used office desk or computer credenza to hold your radio.

Find a location where you can easily bring in an antenna coax and a ground wire from outside.

Drive an 8-foot copper ground rod into the ground.

Run heavy wire from the ground rod to the grounding post on your ham radio.

Run an antenna coax from the antenna to the radio shack.

Place the desk or credenza slightly away from the wall so that wires can be fed to the rear of the ham equipment.

Allow proper clearance so that air circulates to the equipment in use.

Use three-wire electrical access on a low-demand circuit.

Use an electrical surge protector between the equipment and outlet.

Attach an antenna lead to a switch allowing the shunting circuit to ground.

Place your equipment on the desk and make appropriate connections to proper terminals and connectors on the ham radio.

Cover the radio with a dust protector when it's not in use.