When you decide that you want to become a U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Operational Radio Facility, there are certain requirements that you have to meet. One is that you are AUXCOM qualified. Another is that you will devote the necessary time and equipment to make your station a valuable asset to the communications system. When you decide what radio equipment you want to purchase and dedicate as your facility you have to choose an antenna that will be effective. According to a publication from ARRL (American Radio Relay League) you will quickly learn two things about antennas. " Any antenna is better than no antenna! Time, effort and money invested in your antenna system generally will provide more improvement to your station than an equal investment to any other part of the station." Your station is only as good as your antenna. The antenna radiates the radio frequency.waves generated in the radio. These waves spread out or propagate in all directions fro m the antenna. You might relate their travel to the ever-expanding waves you get when you drop a pebble in water. For this reason, certain precautions must be taken for the safety of yourself and family as well as your neighbors.

The ARRL Bio-Effects Committee recommends that transmitting antennas should be mounted well away from living areas. If transmitter power 100 watts or more is to be used, antennas should be mounted on a mast or tower at least 35 feet above any populated area if possible. A FCC/EPA study indicated that with an antenna that high, there is little RF (Radio Frequency) energy where people are. Because feed lines can radiate in some cases, when installing open-wire line (or even coaxial cable if the SWR (Standing Wave Ratio) on the line is high), it’s best to route it away from areas where people will be spending a lot of time. When using a ground-mounted or mobile antenna, be careful not to transmit when anyone is near the antenna.

A good rule of thumb is to avoid transmitting when anyone is within three feet of a car mounted antenna. Exercise particular care when using indoor antennas, including those mounted in attics, because in some situations they can generate substantial RF fields. As much as possible try to locate indoor antennas as far from people as possible. When using a hand-held transceiver, use the lowest power possible and keep the antenna as far from your head as possible. Within the scientific community, there is disagreement about the safety of "handy talkies." Most hand-helds have been exempt from the ANSI ( American National Standards Institute) standard because their output power is too low to produce significant whole-body heating. However, there is growing evidence that even one or two watt hand-held radios may produce significant EMFs (Electro-Magnetic Forces) within the user’s head, with possible health effects that are not yet fully understood.

Another must for your station is a good ground connection. A good ground not only reduces the possibility of electrical shock but also improves the performance of your station. By connecting all of your equipment, including your antenna to a ground, you will help avoid stray radio-frequency (RF) current in your station. Stray RF can cause equipment to malfunction. A good ground can also help reduce the possibility of interference. The wire connecting your station to an earth ground should be as short as possible. You can purchase an 8 foot long ½" or 5/8" copper clad ground rod from any electrical supply store. Drive the rod into the ground outside your house, as close to your station as possible. Run heavy copper wire (#8 or larger) from your equipment and attach it to the rod using a clamp. It’s important to connect the chassis of each piece of equipment in your station to an effective ground connection. Such a ground connection serves as an important safety measure to protect you from electrical shock. The National Electrical Code requires all ground rods to be connected to form a single grounding system. It is not recommended that you connect to a cold-water pipe. The cold-water pipe near your transmitter may follow such a long and winding path to the earth that it may not act as a ground at all. It may, in fact, act as an antenna, radiating RF energy – exactly what you don’t’ want to do. Beware, too, of nonmetallic cold-water pipes. PVC and other plastic pipes do not provide a ground at all.

When installing the antenna, it might require you to climb up on a tower, tree or onto the roof. Never work alone! Work slowly, thinking out each move before you make it. You should always wear a safety belt and keep it securely anchored. The belt will make it easier to work and will also prevent an accidental fall. A hard hat and safety glasses are also important pieces of equipment. Never attempt to assemble the antenna while in the air. Assemble it on the ground and haul it up with a rope. Make sure you have sufficient help to lift the antenna in place and if it starts to fall, let it fall! It’s easier to replace the antenna then to suffer from a pulled muscle or other injury. Helpers on the ground should never stand directly under the work being done. All ground helpers should wear head and eye protection. Make sure the materials used to support the antenna are strong – strong enough to withstand heavy winds without breaking. Most of all keep it away from power lines. If the antenna falls over and land s on power lines it could cause damage to your house, garage or property.

Remember that electrical lines can cause serious injury or death. Keep all people, tools, and equipment at least 15 feet from all overhead power lines. Overhead lines are not insulated. They should not be touched. Some line have a weather covering and appear to be insulated, but they are not. Stay away from electrical devices such as meters, transformers and substations. And lastly….Safety pays! Accidents are avoidable, if you use good common sense.

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