Jim:
Here's an idea:
To insulate the coax connector, would it be sufficient to put one of those
rubber boots around the connector, such as those that you get with new runs
of coax?
I would think that should be a pretty good insulator.
Tom Behler: KB8TYJ
-----Original Message-----
From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Jim Shaffer
Sent: Thursday, June 25, 2015 6:55 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Grounding Question
Tom I never meant to imply that the virtual ground you have would protect
you from lightning. Unplugging the antenna is the best way to go as far as
I know. In fact, it's almost certainly true that if the antenna, or part of
it, is grounded, that would actually increase your chances of a lightning
strike. You should disconnect the antenna, and perhaps put the end of the
coax in a glass jar, or some sort of insulator. That's of course no
guarantee, but it might keep a lightning strike on the antenna from starting
a fire in your trailor.
--
Jim, ke5al
-----Original Message-----
From: Tom Behler
Sent: Thursday, June 25, 2015 11:32 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Grounding Question
Well, Jim, this is what I'm confused about, and I sure wish I knew what
would be best.
Of course, I guess putting in a ground rod would not hurt anything, but I
don't think I'm going to be able to do that at least for the next few days.
For the past several years, I have used the system I described, with no
problems.
But, of course, that doesn't guarantee that I won't have any problems in
the future should the lightning god strike.
It's just a difficult call, in my opinion.
Tom Behler: KB8TYJ
-----Original Message-----
From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Jim Shaffer
Sent: Thursday, June 25, 2015 12:01 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Grounding Question
Tom, from what I've read, what seems important is to be grounded to what's
around you. It sounds like what you have now is a virtual ground, which is
supposedly just fine. I'll bet, if you do put down an 8 foot ground rod,
you'll see no difference.
--
Jim, ke5al
-----Original Message-----
From: Tom Behler
Sent: Thursday, June 25, 2015 9:01 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Grounding Question
Hello, all.
I know I'll get varying opinions on this, but I have a question about
station grounding out at the RV camp site.
As many of you know, my main rig out there is my TS480, and I will be using
my trusty Alpha Delta DXCC multi-band dipole. When all is said and done,
I'm hoping the antenna will be up about 30 feet in the trees.
Just as I did in previous years, I will have a ground connection running
from the ground screw on the TS480 to a terminal ground connection on the
back bumper of the RV. I use 10-gauge wire for this connection.
Of course, I am very careful about disconnecting my antenna at any sign of
thunderstorms.
Is this adequate, or should I be pursuing something additional?
I wouldn't think a dipole would have to be grounded with a ground rod such
as is the case with a vertical, or a beam antenna on a tower, but my
theoretical knowledge in this area is a bit lacking.
Thanks for any thoughts.
Tom Behler: KB8TYJ
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