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Mounting Site Selection
Central to the efficiency of a vertical antenna and a shortened vertical in particular is the ground
radial system. The best mounting site would allow the installation of at least 16 radials 1/4
wavelength long on the lowest band of operation. More is better. On 40m, this would be about 32
feet long. This might be difficult to do in some locations due to total lack of space or severe
restrictions in your community. Maybe you are in a condo on the 23
rd
floor! Do the best you can
with what you have, realizing the radial system is key to the efficiency of the antenna.
Installation
The Garden Antenna is designed to be mounted near the ground. The easiest and perhaps the
stealthiest is to simply drive a three or four foot, 1/2 to 1-3/4 steel pipe (not included) into the
ground, leaving just 6 or 8 inches above the ground.
Figure 1: GA Base Unit Assembled with Optional Radial Plate
Assembling the Base Unit
Using the two V-saddle clamps included in the base unit kit, mount the black polymer base plate
to the mounting pipe as shown in
Figure 1
. Put the flat washers on the u-bolts against the base
plate, then the lock washers and nuts. The clamps will hold very well without excessive
tightening. The pipe should not extend more than 1 inch above the top of base plate.
Note: You must use an anti-seize lubricant on the clamp threads and other stainless steel
hardware to prevent galling which can prevent proper tightening and make disassembly difficult.
Orient the brass mast mounting block so the 3/8 inch threaded hole is facing up. Use the 2 inch
bolts and hardware to mount the block to the polymer base plate. Place a flat washer on each
bolt, and insert them through the mounting block, then through the polymer base plate. Use
another flat washer, then a lock washer and nut. Tighten firmly without excessive torque.
