Specifications

MICOM-3TS-RDP Owner’s Guide
8
Erecting a Broadband Antenna Using a Vehicle for Grounding
This method is used if your MICOM-3TS-RDP is located in a vehicle, or if a vehicle is available and
can be used for grounding. This will give better results than earth grounding.
1. Fit the grounding stake through the holes in the antenna spool. Pull out the black handle on the
spool. Holding the stake in one hand, use the handle to wind and unwind the antenna wire.
2. Unreel the antenna, laying it in a straight line along the ground.
3. Tie the bare end of the long throw cord securely to the white eyelet on the antenna wire,
located near the small metal cylinder.
4. Throw the weight of the throw cord over a branch of the tree, or any other suitable place.
Note
Select a smooth clear branch, so as to facilitate retrieval of the cord after antenna
installation.
5. The end of the antenna (load cable) will drop vertically from the suspension point. Allow it to
drape along the ground, and verify that the end of the antenna is in contact with the ground.
6. Position the vehicle so that the antenna can be pulled tense between the tree and the vehicle.
7. Tie the short throw cord to the white eyelet near the balun box.
8. Secure the other end of the antenna to the vehicle, selecting a point as high off the ground as
possible (for instance a roof rack).
9. Verify that the antenna is fully extended and pulled tight to full tension.
10. Attach the clip at the end of the counterpoise cord to the tow bar of the vehicle, or any other
point on the vehicle chassis where a bare metal contact can be made. The counterpoise cord
can remain lying loosely on the ground and does not have to be pulled tight.
Note
Painted, rusty or greasy surfaces will not provide good grounding.
Coaxial
Cable
Load
Cable
Tensioning
Co rd
Throw Cord
pulled tight so
that antenna is
tense
Best communication
occurs in this direction
Radiating Section
of Antenna
Allow Load
Cable to drape
along ground
White
Eyelet
MICOM-3ST-RDP
(can also be mounted
inside vehicle)
Tree or
other High
Support
Figure 4. Erecting a Broadband Antenna Using a Vehicle for Grounding
11. Connect the transceiver to the balun box, using the provided coaxial cable.