How to Set Up an Antenna for Ham Radio

Many ham radio operators enjoy experimenting with different antennas. The novice operator, with help from an "Elmer," can gain satisfaction from erecting a basic wire antenna.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• SWR Meter - Ham Radio Accessories
• Antenna Components - Ham Radio Supplies
• Electrical Testers
• Hammers
• Needle-nose Pliers
• Soldering Guns/irons
• Wire Cutters
• Wire-insulation Strippers
• Needle-nose Pliers
• Wire Cutters
• Wire cutters
• Hammers
• antennas, connectors - ham radio equipment

1. Plan to install the antenna mast as close to your radio room as possible.

2. Check zoning requirements and neighborhood convenants.

3. Consider what can support the antenna center point; a chimney or house gable might suffice.

4. Consider where legs of antenna will be tied off; trees or fence poles may serve satisfactorily.

5. Choose center support; a sectional television mast or push-up pole will serve nicely.

6. Assemble center support on ground.

7. Attach pulley to top of center support and feed through a light rope.

8. Attach guy wires if support will extend far enough above bracketing to be unstable.

9. Erect center support bracketing to roof line.

10. Trim antenna legs to proper length using frequency formula for band.

11. Attach antenna legs and radio-feed line to balun or antenna connector.

12. Attach balun or connector to rope and pull antenna to top of antenna support.

13. Tie off rope.

14. Tie off ends of antenna.

15. Check standing wave reflection (SWR).

16. Run feedline into radio room.

Tips & Warnings

• To determine the probable necessary antenna leg length, divide the number 468 by the basic operating frequency in megahertz. The resulting figure is 1/2 the wave length in feet. One half of the wire is installed on each side of the center connector.
• The pulley system makes it simple to adjust the leg length of the antenna without needing to raise and lower the center support mast.
• It's possible to connect more than one dipole to a single feed line.
• Never erect antenna near electrical feed lines.
• Always keep ends of antenna at least 8 feet above ground.