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Anonymous.
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May 10, 2017 at 2:46 pm #17700
Anonymous
Ive been walking a tight wire towards a slippery slope for a while. I live on the 5th floor of Clocktower and am running my little Baufong on a mag mount out the window. BUT i have no ground. Disconnecting the antenna lead has been my solution up to now. BUT (lot of them) I have added a Yeasu 817 to my shack and dont want to take any chances.
My question is, has anyone used the ground of the electrical system as their system ground? If the system is wired properly, the ground wire (the bare one in the junction box) should be a complete unbroken path to the mechanical ground for the entire building.
Has anyone used this type of grounding?
Patrick
May 10, 2017 at 4:20 pm #17709Hi Patrick,
Using the electrical system as a ground is generally not a good idea for a couple of reasons. First, if you antennas should take a lightening hit, its doubtful that the electrical grounds could handle the resulting charge. Also, the electrical system is generally not a good RF ground either because the wiring in the building as a long path to the real ground. Best is to always disconnect your antennas when the station is not is use. If you need an RF ground, a water pipe might be a better choice but this might still have some problems.
May 10, 2017 at 4:57 pm #17712I have not yet seen a copy of this new book, so FYI FWIW:
http://www.arrl.org/shop/Grounding-and-Bonding-for-the-Radio-Amateur/
May 10, 2017 at 7:59 pm #17704Patrick —
Are you concerned about the antenna performance or lightning protection?
I have numerous antennas, wire and otherwise, and I disconnect them all if there is any threat of lightning.
For the Yeasu 817 — I’m assuming you have an external power supply for power, which is likely grounded via the ac line (assuming it has a 3-prong ac power plug). Also, the low side of the 12v line to the Yeasu is very likely connected to the Yeasu chassis, so by default, your probably already grounded via the ac mains. However, that won’t protect you from lightning.
Best bet is keep the radio/powersupply grounded via the ac mains and disconnect the antenna in the face of eminent lightning. I think you’ll find many hams that disconnect their antennas during thunder storms….
Best, Mike H. K1VLB
May 10, 2017 at 8:58 pm #17718The book that Aron suggests is a good one. I’ve seen it and there is a lot of good information that is easy to understand and use.
May 12, 2017 at 7:05 pm #17835Anonymous
Thanks to all for your suggestions. I think the disconnecting is the way to go here.
Patrick -
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