How to Set Up Ham Radio Equipment

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.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Morse Code Keys
• Antenna Coaxes
• Dipole Antennas
• Earphones
• Ground Wires
• Ham Radios
• Microphones
• Surge Protectors
• 8-foot Copper Rods
• Desks Or Credenza
• Phillips Screwdrivers
• Electric Drill/assorted Bits
• Needle-nose Pliers
• Nut Drivers
• Slotted Screwdrivers
• Needle-nose Pliers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. Use an electrical surge protector between the equipment and outlet.

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

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

12. 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.