[SJRA-Members] Home Antenna Install

[Bob Beyer]

Karl,

We used to use a type of mount called a "non-penetrating roof mount" (NPRM)
to mount satellite antennas on top of roofs frequently.
Generally, our buildings had flat roofs but sometimes we'd encounter a
situation where the building would have a gabled roof like a typical
single-family home.
For this there is a special version of the NPRM called a ridge mount.
Instead of sitting flat on the roof, it straddles the ridge.

The mount does not bolt, or screw to the roof in anyway.  Instead, it uses
cementer paver blocks as ballast to hold the mount in place.
The wind load for your vertical antenna will be fairly small so the amount
of ballast required would not be enormous (maybe a couple hundred lbs at
most) and this will be spread out over a significant area.
We used these types of mounts for dish antennas up to 1.8m in diameter and
also in portions of the country like Florida and the gulf coast where they
get hurricanes on a routine basis to hold 1.2m antennas.
I had applications where we had wind speed ratings of 150 mph or more and we
needed to use over 1000 lbs. of ballast in some cases so I know these things
work.

The mounts I preferred are made by a company called Baird.
They are made from heavy duty, hot dipped galvanized steel.  They come in a
variety of styles and sizes with various mast diameters and lengths.

This is a link to their ridge mounts for "wireless" applications.  Wireless
in this case means things other than satellite antennas.

https://www.bairdmounts.com/products/wireless/by-mount-type/Ridge-Peak-Roof-
Mounts?mtid=4

For your application, the smallest mast diameter would suffice (1.9" O.D.)
and probably also the shortest mast length (2 ft.).
You may need to find a creative way to attach the antenna to the steel mast.
Maybe something with U-bolts.

You can call and talk to them if you want to pursue this and tell them what
your application is and they should be able to make a recommendation.

These mounts typically run in the $300-$400 dollar range and then there are
shipping costs (they are not light).  You could wind up spending more on
this mount than you did on the antenna.

One other thing... When we used these, we put rubber matting under them to
create a buffer between the roof material and the mount.  I would recommend
you use something like this that is rated for outdoor use if you decide you
want to use this type of antenna mount.

73 & GL,
Bob - KE2D


-----Original Message-----
From: sjra-members-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:sjra-members-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Karl KD2SSE
Sent: Thursday, November 11, 2021 3:34 PM
To: SJRA-Members at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [SJRA-Members] Home Antenna Install

Hi,

I have a Diamond X50A (2m/70cm) antenna I would like to get mounted outside
in some way.  Is there anyone in the club that would be able to assist me or
can recommend a contractor that is a ham or familiar with ham radio antenna
installs? 

I have a 2 story house and a small yard located in Voorhees.   I'm thinking
something mounted to the roof or eave is probably the best option.  The coax
would need to be run into the attic, I can take it from there.

Feel free to email me directly at
KARL (at) KD2SSE (dot) NET

Thanks
Karl
KD2SSE
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