5
CHOOSING WHERE TO INSTALL THE ANTENNA
TOOLS NEEDED
• Hand-held magnetic compass
• Angle finder or protractor
• Carpenter’s level or straight edge
Perform the following steps to select the best site to install the
antenna:
1. Go to the location where you plan to install the antenna.
2. Face the south and hold the compass level so the needle can
rotate freely. When the needle stops rotating, it will be
pointing north. Carefully, so as not to disturb the needle,
rotate the body of the compass so that the 0° or N mark
printed on the compass aligns with the painted end of the
needle. The compass is now aligned with magnetic north.
Note: Metal near the compass may affect your reading. If you are
standing near a metal structure, such as a shed or air conditioning
unit, move several feet away and repeat the measurement. Holding the
compass too close to a large metal belt buckle can have the same
effect.
3. Draw an imaginary line from the center of the compass to
the azimuth value you recorded on page 4. This is the direc-
tion to point the antenna. Use a rock or some other object to
mark the location where you are standing. Then pick a land-
mark in the distance that aligns with the magnetic azimuth
bearing, or mark the azimuth direction in some other way.
.
CAUTION
• People can trip, fall into or otherwise bump into the
antenna.
• Lacerations, bruises, or other impact injuries could
occur.
• Choose an antenna site away from where people are
likely to work, ride, or play.
Figure 1
0
330
300
270
240
210
180
150
120
90
60
30
N
W
S
E
NW
SW
SE
NE
Example 2
160° Azimuth
Example 1
225° Azimuth
