Ham Antenna In The Attic

Viewer request to try out an antenna for ham radio in the attic.

Ham antenna in the attic. A second advantage to mounting the antenna in the attic is that you will be protected from lightning strikes in the event of severe weather. Falling through the roof is a much more likely scenario. It is theoretically possible to create a fire in the attic from your ham radio antenna but the conditions required for that to work require purpose and luck making this not a realistic concern for the typical attic farmer. Ge is one of america s most trusted electronics brands and their antenna is specifically designed to be installed in an attic so it can provide fantastic reception while staying out of sight.

As with most antennas the more height the better for indoor operating however most hams recommend using low output power. Keep the antenna as high off the floor as possible. 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. Many hams including many of you reading this are limited by hoa or other outdoor antenna restrictions.

Again stay away from metal and wires to maintain your pattern. Yes in the attic. Using the cq antennas center insulators from ke5fen. But even if you can t put up an outdoor antenna you can still operate with antennas installed in an accessible attic space.

This is great for the amateur radio operator that is providing net control activities during a skywarn severe weather activation. On vhf a beam antenna can work well in the attic even a rotator can be used. Attic antennas many types of antenna can be mounted in the attic if you don t have radiant barrier tech shield. The same techniques apply.

A lot of hams are struggling in an hoa with antennas o. Lots of amateurs in these situations are doing so successfully especially on hf. The house will act as a natural shield and as long as your attic mounted antenna system is independent to the rest of your antennas lightning won t be an issue. The antenna s compact high performance design makes it easy to install and angle for the best reception to your home.

The mfj 931 could potentially be used a tuned counterpoise for your attic shortwave antenna. I went to my friends house to check out his setup and get him up and running on some hf digital modes. Thanks david for the insulators first to comment below i ll send you an insulator in the mail.