Ham Attic Antenna Safety

The lack of an external antenna is really an excuse for not taking action.

Ham attic antenna safety. If the top of the antenna touches the walls or roof the performance may be affected slightly. Before i take the leap particularly into hf i need to learn more about antennas in the house. The attic shortwave antenna wire this is the most importantaspect to improve. Bare copper antenna wire stapled directly on wood rafters causes loss of rf signal energy.

With time bare copper oxidizes the wood where the wire is tightly stapled to absorbs some of this oxidization and forms a loose yet lossy bond with the wire. Yes in the attic. Many of these same hams would have other excuses if it were not for the antenna it would be something else. The only concern with attic mounted antennas is the space available to you for mounting.

You will need a peak in your attic that is tall enough for the antenna to fit. 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. Lots of amateurs in these situations are doing so successfully especially on hf. The world is divided into operators and observers.

Many hams including many of you reading this are limited by hoa or other outdoor antenna restrictions. Have 2 story home with ample attic above for antenna or can put antenna against house and not extending above roof. On vhf a beam antenna can work well in the attic even a rotator can be used. Again stay away from metal and wires to maintain your pattern.

The fact is most guys who talk about attic antenna limitations are not serious to operate. The kb9vbr 2 meter j pole antenna is 69 inches tall overall.