How to Select an Antenna for Ham Radio

Most hams choose a wire, beam or vertical antenna for HF operations. Wire antennas are simple and inexpensive. Beam antennas require rotators. Vertical antennas are compact.

Things You'll Need

• RF Meter And Antennas - Ham Radio Equipment
• SWR Meter - Ham Radio Accessories
• Antennas - Ham Radio Supplies
• 130 Feet Copper Wire
• Phillips Screwdrivers
• Cable Ties
• Electric Drill/assorted Bits
• Electrical Sealants
• Electrical Testers
• Slotted Screwdrivers
• Soldering Guns/irons
• Spool Solder
• Wire Nippers
• Wire-insulation Strippers

Instructions

Wire Antennas

1. Plan on putting up the longest wire you can at the highest level possible.

2. Select an area clear of power lines and other obstructions.

3. Decide whether you want to operate with a dipole, an inverted vee or a long wire.

4. Decide whether you intend to feed the antenna with open wire, ladder line or coaxial cable.

5. Secure a weatherproof entrance of the line to your radio room.

6. Measure out wire for the lowest frequency at which you plan to operate by dividing 234 by the frequency, in megahertz, to determine the length of one leg of the antenna in feet.

7. Trim the antenna using wire cutters.

8. Attach it to the center insulator or balun.

9. Adjust for proper resonance with an SWR meter or reflected power meter.

Beam Antennas

1. Remember that beam antennas are heavy and bulky and require adequate support.

2. Check the manufacturer's gain rating.

3. Read independent reviews to make certain that gain claims are accurate.

4. Consider purchasing a tower to support a large beam antenna.

5. Understand that beam antennas are rigid and weigh more than simple wire antennas. Make certain your tower wind-load rating is adequate.

6. Check local government zoning requirements before purchasing a tower or beginning construction.

Vertical Antennas

1. Choose a ground-mounted vertical antenna if you have limited space.

2. Remember that a vertical antenna needs counterpoise, since the vertical itself is the radiating element.

3. Choose an area where a set of wire radials can be easily laid out to serve as a counterpoise.

4. Consider mounting a vertical on a deck rail or a support post for a chain-link fence.

5. Consider building a single-band vertical from scrap metal as an experiment.

Tips & Warnings

• Wire antennas are the best choice for a beginning ham. They are simple, can be constructed from scrap wire and are easily maintained and replaced.

• Trees can serve as adequate support for portions of a wire antenna.

• Simple wire antennas can be disguised to meet zoning codes.

• The lower the frequency of operation, the longer the antenna. Make an antenna for the lowest possible operating frequency, then consider using an antenna matching network to operate at higher frequencies.

• Serious ham enthusiasts usually move up to beam antennas to enjoy better transmission and reception of signals.

• Commercially made trap vertical antennas allow operation on several different frequencies.

• Sealing the joints of vertical and beam antennas with a proper silicone preparation as you assemble them helps prevent corrosion and loss of connectivity.

• Never erect an antenna near a power line.

• Never climb without a climbing safety belt and other necessary equipment.

• Never attempt to work on an antenna alone.

• Beam antennas and tower units require constant maintenance.

• If you intend to run higher power levels, erect a vertical antenna where it cannot be easily touched by children.

• TVI - television reception interference - is common with vertical antennas. Install proper filters on ham equipment transmission lines and on television antenna feed lines.