Siting, grounding and safety
A good antenna badly sited — or unsafely installed — disappoints or endangers. Treat this as part of the design.
Siting
Keep antennas high and clear of metal, wiring, and foliage. Nearby conductors detune the antenna and distort its pattern. For verticals, a good radial/ground system is as important as the radiator itself.
Electrical safety
- Never site an antenna where it could contact power lines.
- Ground masts and use lightning protection / surge arrestors.
- Bond station equipment to a common ground.
RF exposure
Transmitting antennas radiate energy people should not stand in. Keep antennas away from living spaces, mind power levels and duty cycle, and follow your local RF-exposure guidelines.
Good grounding improves both safety and performance — it is never just an afterthought.