To build an antenna that is capable of withstanding the elements, there are a few more considerations Here is a simple list of them as well as a few other technical tips for improvement.
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- Outdoor installation
- Coax Ground Block – No one wants a lightning strike to fry their television. This is too help prevent that from happening. This one at amazon has great reviews and looks very professionally made – TII 212 Broadband Cable TV Lightning Surge Protector
- Oil Based Wood Sealer – If you are using wood as a backbone, you will want to protect the wood.
- A better outdoor choice may be to mount the whole antenna not to wood, but to PVC, which conducts interferes with the antenna signal less and is easier to mount to a pole
- Consider using 8 or 10 gauge wire for durability
- Wind and snow are the main enemies here
- Use stainless steel(or copper) washers and screws so that they will not react with the copper
- This will prevent a reaction from occuring that will eat away and corrode your connections when exposed to things like acidic rain and other weather conditions.
- Use an outdoor balun
- There are baluns designed for outdoor use here for $2.99 and free shipping for Prime members or if you order $25 or more