Ham Radio Attic Antenna Safety

Safety and rf exposure are important topics to consider.

Ham radio attic antenna safety.

Yes there are high voltages at the ends of the antenna but there is very little current and it would have trouble creating a spark on all but the smallest gap. Other than the safety rfi issues discussed here the other important point to remember is that an attic antenna particularly for hf is not in the clear like an outside antenna. Discussion in general technical questions and answers started by w9mbt feb 29 2012. Many hams including many of you reading this are limited by hoa or other outdoor antenna restrictions.

Yes in the attic. W9mbt ham member qrz page. If your attic was full of explosive gases you ll have an issue but how likely is that going to be. Distance gain and duty cycle are the three factors to consider when installing and safely operating an antenna system be it outdoors or in your 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. Attic antennas can be significantly affected by attic wiring and hvac ducting. Before i take the leap particularly into hf i need to learn more about antennas in the house. Have 2 story home with ample attic above for antenna or can put antenna against house and not extending above roof.

Thanks w9mbt feb 29 2012 3. This is great for the amateur radio operator that is providing net control activities during a skywarn severe weather activation. Again stay away from metal and wires to maintain your pattern. It has been known since the early days of radio that rf energy can cause injuries by heating body tissue.

That s a good one. These heat related health hazards are called thermal effects. First is safety with less than 100 watts what do i need to know about health and fire hazard. 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.

On vhf a beam antenna can work well in the attic even a rotator can be used. In extreme cases rf induced heating can cause blindness sterility and other serious health problems. 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. Also the height of attic antennas is usually lower than optimum.

Lots of amateurs in these situations are doing so successfully especially on hf. The attic shortwave antenna wire this is the most importantaspect to improve. Most amateur radio clubs in chicago area that hold training classes for new amateur radio operators. I ve read some of the hf 10m homebrew constructions and they seem do able for me but.

Bare copper antenna wire stapled directly on wood rafters causes loss of rf signal energy. But even if you can t put up an outdoor antenna you can still operate with antennas installed in an accessible attic space.