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outdoor antenna install

R

Rob

What's the suggested method of installing a strong VHF/UHF antenna for local RX and DX? We have these things called hurricanes and I don't want to be sweltering taking it down in the 100+ heat.

I'm sick of this indoor crap I can scream. VHF reception sucks! Yet, I'm watching 3.1 (really 17) just fine.

-Rob
 
It's actually quite easy. A couple of pieces of mast and the general rule is the higher the better, but I just installed a FM antenna at 16' with a rotor and it works great. As far as hurricanes/high winds, I know mine will not take more than 20-30 minutes to take down and put back up. Antenna, mast from Home Depot, a few feet of RG-6 coax and you will be set. Again, height being what you are comfortable with.

Greg Myers
Holiday, FL
 
robfwb said:
What's the suggested method of installing a strong VHF/UHF antenna for local RX and DX?
Click to expand...

If you have such a thing as the "leeward" side of your home (or some other protected location) I'd suggest trying that first. Anchor the pole solidly to roof or ground, as appropriate, then use at least four durable guy wires (preferably as many as the location will tolerate). If you locate it near the house and your eves permit you might also anchor the pole to the eves as well. A three or four-element pole is obviously a lot stronger than a single aluminum tube but the tube will work if guyed properly.

If you don't need VHF just go for a UHF antenna. Fewer and shorter elements to catch the wind.

robfwb said:
We have these things called hurricanes and I don't want to be sweltering taking it down in the 100+ heat.
Click to expand...

Don't worry. Hurricanes usually can remove antennas without human intervention. And there is a small market for scrap aluminum.
 
the arrestors can be $300 dollars. i'm looking to spend maybe $100 or so. (including cable) i don't know what receiver i want. something that works great.

-Rob
 
robfwb said:
What's the suggested method of installing a strong VHF/UHF antenna for local RX and DX? We have these things called hurricanes and I don't want to be sweltering taking it down in the 100+ heat.

I'm sick of this indoor crap I can scream. VHF reception sucks! Yet, I'm watching 3.1 (really 17) just fine.

-Rob
Click to expand...

I had a pretty easy setup when I was in Palm Bay. I had 20 feet of mast, one end stuck in the grass an inch or so, the other bolted to the side of the house with a side mount bracket. When hurricanes threatened, a ladder and 5 minutes had it down, just one more thing to take care of, along with taking in loose lawn furniture. Small price to pay for good DX the rest of the time.

The important thing is to take it seriously - I remember one moderate hurricane that was supposed to go up the West Coast, instead it shifted during the night. I almost skipped taking down the antenna, but I am glad I did.
 
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