Ham Antennas In The Attic

Remote rf switch control box in the shack chooses which antenna is operational in the attic.

Ham antennas in the attic. Falling through the roof is a much more likely scenario. A lot of hams are struggling in an hoa with antennas o. If the space allows consider mounting your antennas in the attic. Attic antennas can work better than you might think some of mine work as well as their outside counterparts no i m not comparing to a 150ft tower big yagis.

It s a long way from the rabbit ear designs you might think of when picturing indoor antennas and much cooler looking than the metal contraptions often found outdoors. 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. Thanks david for the insulators first to comment below i ll send you an insulator in the mail. Using the cq antennas center insulators from ke5fen.

Often amateur radio operators are looking for alternative locations to install their antennas. Viewer request to try out an antenna for ham radio in the attic. This antenna has all the reception power of an outdoor antenna but features a curved metal frame of reflectors that are designed for fitting easily into smaller attic spaces. The mfj 931 could potentially be used a tuned counterpoise for your attic shortwave antenna.

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. I went to my friends house to check out his setup and get him up and running on some hf digital modes. The same dipoles and loops that you use in your attic can also be used in any other room in your home. 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.

The rf losses are fairly low in wood and most roofing at hf vhf most of problem comes from interaction with electrical wiring and ductwork. Keep the antenna as high off the floor as possible. The same techniques apply. If you live in a space restricted location or are under a hoa restriction you may be able to mount an antenna outside.

The ge 33692 attic mount hd antenna is a notable example of an antenna specially designed for placement in the attic.