Amateur Radio Stack Exchange
Amateur Radio Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [grounding]

Use this tag for questions relating to RF and DC grounding in radio equipment. Specifically suggested methods, practices, equipment and regulations regarding grounding.

104 questions
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Grounding a second-story shack with an outdoor antenna

My shack is on a second story, really far away from the house ground. To run a ground from my equipment to the outside/ground is a run of at least 60-75 feet. The antenna is at least 100 feet away as well. How do I ground this system? I cannot reach…
Jay
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Grounding VHF base station antenna

I'd like to install an outdoor dual band VHF/UHF base station antenna, a simple pole antenna like the Comet GP-1. I live in an area where lightning is rare, but not unheard of. Should I drive ground rods into the ground for antenna/RF grounding? The…
Johnny
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What causes ground losses in a HF antenna system?

This applies to mobile and fixed installations. What are ground losses, and how can they be minimized? It seems to involve proximity to the ground, but what is the mechanism that causes loss? Does antenna installation height influence ground loss in…
Bill - K5WL
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Why is an RF ground not as critical as the other, and can they be used backwards?

I will give the magmount antenna as an example: The vertical element to the antenna is very critical, cut to a certain wavelength, often added with some loading coils, or a little spiral to make everything perfect for the specific frequency. The…
Skyler 440
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Testing a possible grounding point?

Some multi-story buildings in my region require earthquake isolation on some of the piping. Thus my question. Is there a way to determine whether a nearby metal water pipe is actually Earth grounded, versus floating? Does this make a difference…
hotpaw2
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What are the consequences of poor station grounding?

What can happen if I don't properly ground my equipment?
JC Hulce
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Bonding of Coax shield to RF ground conductor for long ground runs?

My shack is on the second floor of my home, and I run a single operator, 2 radio contest setup. The two coax runs pass through the wall and drop down to an antenna switch approximately 15 feet from the radios. The ground system consists of multiple…
Hamsterdave
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Understanding "ground" in ham radio

What is a good explanation of the different "ground" types that hams deal with? Specifically: grounding an antenna mast/tower (outside, lightning prevention) grounding transceiver/equipment (inside shack, RF leakage prevention) antenna ground plane…
Ron J. KD2EQS
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Should the earth rod be incorporated in the total length of an RF grounding system?

I have installed a grounding system just outside my radio shack and was careful to avoid a quarter wavelength or multiples thereof (for single band use), or anything in total length that is close to this. However, I then thought to myself, what if I…
Francis Archibald
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Grounding plan for new ham shack - good/bad idea?

I have been researching and trying to plan out how to run the grounding/cables for a new ham radio room that will be in a new cabin being built. Since I am starting with dirt, I should have flexibility (in theory). I will have 3 PL-259 cables run…
Bill Russell
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Is my ground plane good?

I have a Cobra HG A1500 on a 1998 Ford Ranger. Due to clearance issues I cannot mount it on my roof, so I put it in front of my windshield by the wipers. Will this give me good enough ground plane to communicate with CB? I live in a mountainous area…
user6366
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Why is it bad to put ground rods too close together?

It's understood that ground rods should be spaced by a distance equal to twice their length. I read one source that claimed reduced effectiveness if the rods are closer than that. Is that correct? Or would putting them close together simply be a…
mrog
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Connecting copper strap to grounding rod

Is there a way I can connect a 2"x.025" copper strap to a 5/8" grounding rod that can be buried? I've seen the bolt-on strap clamps, but those need to be inspected periodically. I've also been looking at cadweld one shots, but haven't found any that…
Brad Mace
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Ufer ground and ground rods

I am about to build a new house with a ham shack incorporated in it. I am considering installing number 4 copper wire in the foundation around the perimeter as my ground ring. Is it necessary to install ground rods every 16 to 20 feet around the…
Myron
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Grounding an Inverter, good or bad if also plugged into a grounded AC Outlet?

If you have an DC/AC Inverter with a AC Transfer switch (so it also connects to grid power AC/110V to pull power from the grid when/if the 12V battery source drains down), and the inverter instructions say to ground the metal body, with provided…
Darrell Mark Boyko
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