How to Set Up Ham Radio Equipment

By eHow Hobbies, Games & Toys Editor

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Most ham operators begin with a simple station. An HF radio, microphone, Morse code key and simple wire dipole antenna will allow you to communicate with hams around the world.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Step1
Consider getting a used office desk or computer credenza to hold your radio.
Step2
Find a location where you can easily bring in an antenna coax and a ground wire from outside.
Step3
Drive an 8-foot copper ground rod into the ground.
Step4
Run heavy wire from the ground rod to the grounding post on your ham radio.
Step5
Run an antenna coax from the antenna to the radio shack.
Step6
Place the desk or credenza slightly away from the wall so that wires can be fed to the rear of the ham equipment.
Step7
Allow proper clearance so that air circulates to the equipment in use.
Step8
Use three-wire electrical access on a low-demand circuit.
Step9
Use an electrical surge protector between the equipment and outlet.
Step10
Attach an antenna lead to a switch allowing the shunting circuit to ground.
Step11
Place your equipment on the desk and make appropriate connections to proper terminals and connectors on the ham radio.
Step12
Cover the radio with a dust protector when it's not in use.

Tips & Warnings

  • No matter how spacious or confined, the place where a ham operator keeps radio equipment is known as a ham shack. A little-used closet makes an ideal ham shack.
  • Many hams enjoy operating late at night. Use earphones and avoid disturbing other family members.
  • Use water pipes as an alternate ground if you don't have access to a ground rod.
  • Keep control of your radio at all times. As a ham radio licensee, you are responsible for any radio emission from your radio.

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eHow Article:  How to Set Up Ham Radio Equipment

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