If lightning gets to your RF ground, you already lost the radio, and very 
likely you if you're anywhere near the equipment, in fact, it's more likely 
to come in on your rf ground if it's grounded outside. I can't tell you how 
many instances of that I've heard. If you can't get a ground outside, I'd go 
with out, unless you really think you'd need it, then you can always make 
counterpoises for the band/s you have trouble on or use most 1/4 wave length 
of wires connected to the grounding lug on the radio, and run them around 
the outer edges of the room. I've run a lot of special event and gokit 
station setups though with no RF ground at all and never had a problem, here 
at home I have one of the mfj artificial grounds but with the amp, that 
can't handle it so I don't run anything at all. the only time I have a 
problem and I'm working on that is when I use the w2ihy EQ and the amp on 40 
meters, mostly on my 40 meter dipole which doesn't make sense, but that's 
the way it goes.
----- 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