[CTSARA] Newbie question: radio/antenna grounding using electricalsystem

[Andrew Rosca]

Thanks Jon!

I read a bit about this at Radio Works I understand now why the AC system
would not make a good RF ground.

What suggestions do you have for me? I live in a Condo and grounding is a
problem. No water pipes in the vicinity of the radio either.

-----Original Message-----
From: Jonathan Shapiro [mailto:jon at giciman.com] 
Sent: Wednesday, June 30, 2010 15:04
To: 'Andrew Rosca'
Cc: CTSARA at mailman.qth.net
Subject: RE: [CTSARA] Newbie question: radio/antenna grounding using
electricalsystem

AC line  is not an RF ground. Your radio should be grounded to a copper cold
water pipe.  Note that the length of the pipe to true earth could be a
significant fraction of a wavelength.  If the length of pipe to  earth is
1/4 wavelength then your equipment will be RF hot and you will get an RF
burn. It may be good for DC or 60 hz AC,  but any length of wire is also a
RF impedance.

If you have problems with RF, use an isolating balun.

For info go to www.radioworks.com
 and go to jim's notebook for articles on antenna grounding.

Also check out ARRL antenna book

73

Jon Shapiro
AB1HI

jon at giciman.com



-----Original Message-----
From: ctsara-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:ctsara-bounces at mailman.qth.net]
On Behalf Of Andrew Rosca
Sent: Wednesday, June 30, 2010 2:42 PM
To: ctsara at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [CTSARA] Newbie question: radio/antenna grounding using electrical
system

Could the third (grounding) connector in a regular power outlet be used for
grounding a radio station? How about an antenna?

Thanks
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