The kb9vbr 2 meter j pole antenna is 69 inches tall overall.
Antenna attic ground plane.
An obvious solution if you need concealment and have access to a space like an attic.
The copper wire at the base of the antenna mast attaches to the copper vent tube that runs to the roof through the attic in a 55 year old house.
An antenna is no more or less likely to be struck that any other conductive object.
I found that a firm grounding of antenna mast gave a better reception as well.
If you can in anyway get an antenna outdoors at height it will probably be a better solution than an indoor one.
You will need a peak in your attic that is tall enough for the antenna to fit.
It is found that for a monopole antenna like a quarter wavelength vertical the ground acts as a plane to reflect the radio waves so that an image of the top half of the antenna is seen in the earth.
You can find the formula for 1 4 wavelength antennas on the internet or pick up a copy of the arrl antenna handbook.
The ground plane antenna had 4 radials at the antenna base bracket assembly each radial was 1 4 wavelength long.
It s a long way from the rabbit ear designs you might think of when picturing indoor antennas and much cooler looking than the metal contraptions often found outdoors.
If your attic is at a good height around 9 18 feet give or take this antenna will function much the same as any other vertical antenna at the same height.
Aluminum plates or chicken wire can be used to create the required ground reflection.
The ge 20431 futura outdoor indoor attic tv antenna is one of the best looking options on the market.
There is a misconception that antennas attract lightening.
Putting an antenna in the attic is not as good as putting it outside.
There s nothing in any antenna handbooks that state that you can t do this and his coverage was generally okay.
Signal strength from distant vhf repeaters does not seem to be affected even when the roof is wet.
The difference will depend on the roofing and the band and what you want to listen to.
What is an antenna ground plane.
Here s part of my setup.
I have several vhf ground plane and discone antennas in my attic.
As the name indicates the antenna ground plane acts as a simulated ground.
The only restriction may be building materials which may contain your signal.
If you attic isn t tall enough you could angle the antenna mounting to make it fit.
Dipole and long wire antennas can also be used with mobile outdoor style auto tuners feeding them in an attic space.
Check to ensure that the vent tube is firmly grounded before connecting the wire.
