The unusual shape of the antenna may bring to mind a radar or an anti-drone device. The explanation is much more down-to-earth, however: it is an installation used by a radio communications enthusiast.
Bolesławianka Housing Cooperative informed the editorial office that the building has an amateur transmitting and receiving installation for conducting amateur radio communications.
What is mounted on the mast?
The upper, spread-out antenna is a hexbeam, designed to operate on selected shortwave bands from approximately 14 MHz upward. Antennas of this type are also manufactured in Poland. Their distinctive appearance results from their construction: wires stretched between the arms form a spatial arrangement resembling an umbrella frame.
Such an antenna allows radio amateurs to establish contacts over long distances—and, under suitable propagation conditions, even between continents.
Below it is a directional Yagi antenna for the 2-metre band, around 145 MHz, operating with horizontal polarization. In this case, it concerns the very-high-frequency range. The antenna's transverse elements are positioned horizontally.
The set can rotate, allowing the user to point the antennas toward the selected correspondent. This is a solution used in amateur radio that helps improve transmitting and receiving conditions.
The Cooperative granted permission
According to the response from Bolesławianka's management, the resident applied for permission to install the equipment and received it. They presented a technical design prepared by a person holding construction qualifications. The documentation specified the installation, safety and user-responsibility conditions.
According to the Cooperative, the investor also reported the construction work to the competent authority, which issued a certificate stating that there were no grounds for raising an objection.
Before granting permission, Bolesławianka reviewed the documentation concerning how the structure would be mounted and the solutions intended to ensure the safety of the building and its residents.
Final inspection still pending
The Cooperative also noted that as of 20 October, the installation had not been reported by the investor for inspection. Consequently, the final verification of whether the completed installation complies with the technical documentation and the conditions of the permission granted has not yet been carried out.
This means that permission to install the equipment was granted, but the Cooperative's inspection of the completed installation remains to be carried out.
How can an antenna be installed on a building?
In response to our questions, Bolesławianka explained that installing antennas on a roof, façade or balcony requires its permission.
The rules concerning ordinary television and satellite antennas are set out in § 21 of the House Rules. In the case of amateur radio installations, the Cooperative additionally refers to § 22(2) of the Rules and the relevant provisions of the Construction Law and the Electronic Communications Law.
The scope of the required documentation and formalities depends on the type of installation. A resident planning a similar installation should therefore agree on the requirements with the administration in advance.
There have been no complaints so far
The management reported that the Cooperative had received no complaints or comments concerning the antenna at 10 Starzyński Street.
At the end of its response, it also encouraged residents to direct questions concerning the properties it manages first to the appropriate administration, which can provide explanations.