Ham Radio For Dummies, 4th Edition

Chapter 13

Organizing a Home Station

IN THIS CHAPTER

Choosing an effective station layout

Staying safe electrically

Managing concerns about exposure to RF

Grounding and bonding your equipment

Awell-organized home station provides many benefits for occasional and serious ham enthusiasts alike. You will spend many hours in the station, so why not make the effort to make your experience as enjoyable as possible? This chapter explains how to take care of the two most important inhabitants of the station: the gear and you. The order of priority is up to you. I cover mobile stations in your vehicle and how to set up temporary stations for portable operating in Chapter 15.

Designing Your Station

One thing you can count on is that your first station layout will need to be changed. It’s guaranteed! Don’t bolt everything down right away. Plan to change the layout several times as your operating style and preferences change along with your interests and skill level. By thinking ahead, you can avoid some common pitfalls and save money, too.

Keeping a station notebook

Before you unpack a ...