I totally agree. I never use a ground and I have an amplifier. I also have
known a number of hams that lost equipment by lightening coming up through
the ground. If I used a ground, I would have some kind of quick disconnect
so it could be disconnected when not in use.
----- Original Message -----
From: "John Miller" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, September 30, 2009 12:37 PM
Subject: Re: need good ideas for RF ground
> 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
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