Ham Radio Attic Antenna Installation

If the space allows consider mounting your antennas in the attic.

Ham radio attic antenna installation.

Even if it is mostly used by ham radio operators to solve problems while transmitting the mfj 931 should also work for a receive only purpose. It is normally very much easier to install a radio antenna in the attic or roof space than outside. Often amateur radio operators are looking for alternative locations to install their antennas. There is no need to climb up ladders and possibly onto the roof with all the hazards for untrained people not used to climbing up ladders and handling them whilst up there.

All radio antennas need a radio feeder to transfer the energy to and from the antenna. I went to my friends house to check out his setup and get him up and running on some hf digital modes. For anyone who does not like heights this is a great advantage. On hf wire beams can be run on the roof supports or the rafters these usually are good for one direction only but can be switched electrically for different coverage.

Need lots of room keep them away from metal objects like heaters and ducts wire antennas can be run near the peak of the roof inside the attic bent in odd shapes to match the space available. If you live in a space restricted location or are under a hoa restriction you may be able to mount an antenna outside. This calls for a little creativity. Again stay away from metal and wires to maintain your pattern.

Remote rf switch control box in the shack chooses which antenna is operational in the attic. Once all the yagis were bolted in place on the mast i used my antenna analyzer to adjust their driven elements to provide the best match in the weak signal portions of each band. A lot of hams are struggling in an hoa with antennas o. Attic antennas many types of antenna can be mounted in the attic if you don t have radiant barrier tech shield.

Keep the antenna as high off the floor as possible. On vhf a beam antenna can work well in the attic even a rotator can be used. Coaxial cable or coax os the. Many hams have been successful operating indoor antennas with just a few watts output.