Ham Attic Antenna Safety

Have 2 story home with ample attic above for antenna or can put antenna against house and not extending above roof.

Ham attic antenna safety.

Yes in the attic. The world is divided into operators and observers. The fact is most guys who talk about attic antenna limitations are not serious to operate. Again stay away from metal and wires to maintain your pattern.

Bare copper antenna wire stapled directly on wood rafters causes loss of rf signal energy. First is safety with less than 100 watts what do i need to know about health and fire hazard. If the top of the antenna touches the walls or roof the performance may be affected slightly. But even if you can t put up an outdoor antenna you can still operate with antennas installed in an accessible attic space.

I ve read some of the hf 10m homebrew constructions and they seem do able for me but. Many of these same hams would have other excuses if it were not for the antenna it would be something else. On vhf a beam antenna can work well in the attic even a rotator can be used. The kb9vbr 2 meter j pole antenna is 69 inches tall overall.

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. The attic shortwave antenna wire this is the most importantaspect to improve. Lots of amateurs in these situations are doing so successfully especially on hf. Before i take the leap particularly into hf i need to learn more about antennas in the house.

The only concern with attic mounted antennas is the space available to you for mounting. The lack of an external antenna is really an excuse for not taking action.