I am using this antenna to receive clear fm radio signals. I want to mount outside. Can this be hooked up without grounding block. I am mounting on opposite side of house as electrical service, so im not at all sure as to what to use as grounding wire...
204235
I have this unit mounted on my shed and is not grounded. It is only hooked up to the receiver and it works well
1431679
Yes, I believe it is OK to use outside -I use mine outside. It comes with a plastic base that can be screwed onto any flat surface like a floor or a wall. After mounting, the antenna can be angled nearly any direction. It increased my reception from two bars to the maximum of five bars and it brought in several sites that were not previously visible.
311715
The antenna wire is solely for use on motorized antennas. (I.e when you start your car and the antenna goes up and it goes down when turned off) if you don't have a motorized antenna do nothing with that wire. It won't strengthen your signal.
1757922
If you are talking about a CB or Ham transceiver radio yes. You will need to have the antenna mounted on a mast at least 10 feet or higher off the ground outside on top of the roof and connected to your radio with the proper coax cable. Before transmitting check the SWR (Standing Wave Ratio). Some radios have the SWR meter build in if not you need to borrow or bye one. If your radio is a receive only radio you do not need this type of antenna heck internet for AM outdoor receive antenna.
662588
You can ground it easily with a u-clamp, some 16 gage aluminum wire and a grounding rod (available at Radio Shack) but I just mounted mine to a rafter in the attic. It gets just as good reception and it's out of the wind and rain so it will last much longer.
359254
They make another unit that has a grounding bar with it. I used this one and put a ground bar in near the radio.
1062763
You can use it without grounding but it's neither wise nor legal. The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires that every TV antenna installation be grounded. You town/city/county may also have a requirement. But that's not the only reason - it's common sense. Because the antenna is usually the highest point on the house, it is highly susceptible to lightning strikes. TYhe ungrounded system will take the massive charge right in your coax, frying your system and possible starting a fire.
1191160
it's best if the wire is buried where people walk. it doesn't have to be buried to work.both ends of the wire connects to the rock and forms a loop. I initially tried to make a very narrow loop about 30' long and 5' wide but I believe the electric field from each wire cancelled the signal out. Frustrating to have the dog just sit on top of the wires and nothing happening.This is very nice solid core copper wire. I also tried braided speaker wire (works), and aluminum wire (works). both far cheaper alternatives.
2108977
I have mine inside the house. If you mount it outside, especially on a metal pole, you would want to ground the pole just to be safe.
1378172
The outside antenna is mounted to the glass by an adhesive tape. it does hold very strong. Yes, an outside antenna will work a lot better. My midland wouldn't pick up a signal because we live in a rural, mountainous area. Now my signal comes in loud and clear, giving me great peace of mind and free time so I don't have to hang around the TV waiting for local weather reports.
1382779
I have picked up from that distance, without a lot of things blocking your signal. You can put this antenna outside when you use it, but if I do put it outside, I don't when it is raining, I always bring it back inside later on. Put it up high outside. There might be something you can pick up between your house and the Library that you didn't know about. Try different directions with the antenna itself. I love mine, using it right now! Good Luck!!
991720
Basically, driving a metal rod in the ground and running a grounding wire from the antenna (some have lugs for this) to the grounding rod. Electric supply stores have what you need and can give you tips. Some city code calls for copper, some don't care what you use. The electric supply store will know if your city has a specific code to deal with lightning arrestors/grounding.
2277495
I noticed that some folks suggested using PVC or at least a PVC adapting sleeve to complete the connection.THAT"S A NO-NO!All antennas, including satellite dishes, need to be grounded to drain off static electricity. The PVC insulates one part from the other, thereby breaking the ground path.You are running a ground wire, aren't you?
1064044
No, I wouldn't recommend it. I thought I had a strong, direct signal outdoors and am disappointed with my reception. I haven't reached a final decision yet, but have purchased a powered signal amplifier. I live in an apartment and bought this antenna because it could be mounted discretely outdoors. It's certainly good looking.
1234201
I believe these 4' antennas are primarily designed for mounting on vehicles. This particular Firestik is designed to be grounded. However, it appears Firestik does make them for NGP applications though, and I saw one on firestik.com in a NGP kit they sell, but it said the antenna is made for NGP specifically. That said, for a fixed location receiver wouldn't you want the tallest base station antenna available/practical for best range and reception? Maybe I'm not understanding your question or your particular application. Good luck!
1607298
The mounting bracket that the antenna screws into needs to be GROUNDED..to the vehicle if not clamped to metal on the vehicle. Your answer is YES, you need a good ground on the bracket or mount that the antenna screws into! Hope this helps..Paul
735144
Any electrical device without a ground can be used with this item. It is not designed for outdoor use, however, and any moisture would probably damage it.