Before YOU Begin

21-869.fm Page 2 Wednesday, October 13, 1999 11:50 AM

When deciding on an antenna’s location, consider these points:

•The antenna should be as high as possible on the building.

•The antenna and its cable should be as far as possible from sources of electrical noise such as appliances or other radios.

•The antenna should be vertical for the best performance.

Always use 50-ohm coaxial cable, such as RG-58 or RG-8, to connect the anten- na to your radio. For lengths over 50 feet, use RG-8 low-loss dielectric coaxial cable. Your local RadioShack store car- ries a wide variety of coaxial antenna ca- ble and connectors.

Warning: When you install an outdoor antenna, use extreme caution. If the antenna starts to fall, let it go! It could contact overhead power lines. If the antenna touches the power line, con- tact with the antenna, mast, cable, or guy wires can cause electrocution and death. Call the power company to re- move the antenna. Do not attempt to remove it yourself!

Cautions:

•Do not run the cable over sharp edges or moving parts that might damage it.

•Do not run the cable next to power cables or other antenna cables.

Coaxial Cable Installation Precautions

•Do not install coaxial cable where it will have a pulling tension of greater than 50 pounds. Leave no tension on the cable after installing it.

•Use only round-headed staples. Any clamps or securing devices used with coaxial cable should grip the cable evenly about the circum- ference without crushing the cable. Flat staples can damage coaxial cable.

•Do not expose coaxial cable to a temperature greater than 176°F (80°C). Keep the cable away from heating vents and water heaters.

•Do not install coaxial cable where it will be crushed, stuffed, wedged, or pinched.

•The cable’s jacket withstands most outdoor environments. However, you must seal connections and splices to prevent moisture from entering them.