Pat:

Where and how would you connect the ground, undder those conditions?

73 from Tom Behler:  KB8TYJ

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "pat gormley" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, September 30, 2009 11:06 AM
Subject: Re: need good ideas for RF ground


You do need a good ground especially if an amp of any size is involved.  I
have shale under my qth here in Frostburg and you can either use old pieces
of rg213u or a grounding strap available from the home depot or other
electrical supply places.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "tom behler" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, September 30, 2009 11:59 AM
Subject: need good ideas for RF ground


> Hi, folks.
>
> I would like any suggestions anyone might have for a reasonably good RF
> ground in my ham room at the new Colorado home QTH.  The room is on the
> main
> floor of the ranch house, but I don't know of a nearby water pipe or
> something like that to hook onto.  We have forced hot air heat, bbut I
> don't
> know if the nearest heating vent has something I could latch onto either.
> When the guys from the local club put up my DXCC and my Diamond X200A, we
> discussed the grounding issue, and they really downplayed the need for an
> earth or RF ground out here.  They said the soil is just not conducive to
> it, and since it's always so dry, it's really hard to find true ground.
> So,
> at this point, I am groundless.
>
> I have two reasons for getting more serious about an RF ground in addition
> to protecting against possible lightning strikes:
>
> 1.  I have discovered that I might have some RF getting back into my TW1
> talking watt meter, since when I take SWR and power readings at 100 watts
> with my TS480, the meter sometimes acts a bit flaky when I adjust the
> volume
> control.  Doesn't do it normally, just when 100 watts are applied.
>
>
> and
>
> 2.  I have a lot of details to work out yet, but I'm starting to think
> about
> purchasing a small amp for my HF set-up--possibly something like a Heath
> Kit
> SB200.  I would think that a good RF ground would be essential when using
> an
> amp like that.
> Would appreciate any suggestions you guys have, and thanks as always for
> your help.
>
> 73 from Tom Behler: KB8TYJ, Louisville, CO
>