Posted: 1/3/2014 9:02:36 AM EDT
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I am a newb to the ham world and own a YAESU FT-60R 2m/440 HT. I replaced the stock antenna with a Diamond antenna on it right now for better reception. I would like to improve my reception by installing an attic antenna. I don't have my license yet, so I am wanting the ability to be able to listen to more stations on those 2 bands. Once I get my license I will use it to transmit. My house is about 60 ft long. There is plenty of room in the attic to work. Standard metal HVAC duct work, electrical wiring on the deck, security camera cables, cable TV, and cat6 cables on the deck too.Couple of questions:
1. What's the best / least expensive / already made / safest antenna I can install: 2. Is there a fire hazard: 3. Is there a threat to it being hit by lightning: 4. Do I need to ground it inside or outside: 5: Feed will be run down interior wall to office via RG-58u to a BNC connector: Since I'll be mostly listening until I get my license I don't anticipate any wattage running thru it until I do get licensed. Thanks in advance. I know I will want to upgrade it later as I get involved in the hobby, but on a beginners budget and can upgrade at a later time. |
| if you are working repeaters you need a stick ant. a cheap mfj will work fine,,if working simplex you need a wire or small 2mm flat 3 element ant.. and there be no fire danger..smiley eta everything can be hit by lighting, in the attic it will be fine..don,t need a ground..rg8 will work |
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Quoted:
I am a newb to the ham world and own a YAESU FT-60R 2m/440 HT. I replaced the stock antenna with a Diamond antenna on it right now for better reception. I would like to improve my reception by installing an attic antenna. I don't have my license yet, so I am wanting the ability to be able to listen to more stations on those 2 bands. Once I get my license I will use it to transmit. My house is about 60 ft long. There is plenty of room in the attic to work. Standard metal HVAC duct work, electrical wiring on the deck, security camera cables, cable TV, and cat6 cables on the deck too.Couple of questions: 1. What's the best / least expensive / already made / safest antenna I can install: There are some inexpensive dual band magnet mount antennas, just pop it onto a nice large piece of HVAC duct and you'll be on the air. Is it ideal? Far from it, but it's inexpensive, easy and will get you a little boost vs just using a rubber duck. Example: http://www.amazon.com/Tram-1185-Amateur-Dual-Band-Antenna/dp/B0045EQUBK 2. Is there a fire hazard: 3. Is there a threat to it being hit by lightning: If your in-attic antenna takes a direct lightning strike, the radio or antenna is the least of your worries. 4. Do I need to ground it inside or outside: No. |
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Congrats on the FT-60 I wish that would have been my first HT instead of a Wouxun. It's wider Rx than most HTs gets you the ability to listen to aviation frequencies too. Keep studying for the test but look at the General questions too you may end up passing both tests in one shot.
Here is another option for an antenna for your attic. Arrow J pole for $39. The antenna would work for dual band but has a SO239 connector but you could buy a pre-made 8x (still quite flexible) cable with PL259s and use a 239 to BNC adapter right at the HT. That way you'd be set to go to a mobile type radio with more watts down the road they use SO239 connections. The antenna could always go outside above the roof line down the road too. |
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I think this is where I bought my slim jim jpole antenna for 2m/70cm. Works great. |
| Offering another option: Are you a DIYer (most hams are)? If so, why not build an antenna? Do a search on "J-pole antennas" and see if anything suits your fancy. The "copper cactus" is very easy for anyone who knows how to solder copper tubing. In fact, if you don't know how, why not learn? |