[Elecraft] KX3 Serious Errors in the Manual

[Alan Bloom]

The term "ground" has always been used to refer to the common tie point 
in a circuit.  For example the shape on the schematic with the three 
little horizontal lines is referred to as a "ground" symbol.

But that has caused no end of confusion.  Contrary to widely-held 
belief, in 99% of cases it is not necessary to tie the "ground" point to 
earth for proper operation.

You often hear people say that a low-pass TVI filter must be grounded 
for proper operation.  If by "grounded" they mean tied to the chassis of 
the transmitter, then that is correct.  But if by "grounded" they mean 
connected to earth, then it is absolutely not true.

People often blame TVI on inadequate earth ground. Nothing could be 
farther from the truth.  A connection to earth ground could make the TVI 
worse, better, or (most likely) no change, depending on the particular 
installation, but if you have a TVI problem it is almost certainly not 
due to lack of an earth ground.

Alan N1AL


On 04/25/2014 02:16 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
> Jim is quite correct that a radial or a counterpoise should not be
> referred to as 'ground'.  To do so further confuses the use of "ground"
> by many hams.
> At least the English use words to differentiate between "earth" and
> "ground" (but there is still the lack of differentiation for
> counterpoises and radials).
>
> One needs to consider AC grounds, Lightning grounds, and RF Grounds
> separately.  The only two that have a relationship with driven ground
> rods are the AC Ground and Lightning Ground.  RF ground (and RF return
> path with respect to the antenna) is an entirely different
> consideration, and IMHO should not be called "ground" because it rarely
> is a "ground".
>
> There is further confusion about what a "ground" is.  Driven stakes do
> not constitute an RF ground as one example, and a simple driven stake is
> not adequate for lightning protection even though it may provide some
> ESD protection.
>
> Yes, I have given this "rant" several times on this reflector and
> elsewhere.  Do you have your driven ground rods connected to the utility
> entrance ground rod with a large conductor (#6 or larger)? If not, you
> may have created a safety hazard instead of any protection.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 4/25/2014 4:53 PM, Mike Morrow wrote:
>>> These paragraphs demand a serious and immediate rewrite.
>> There's no chance that you are being just a little pedantic, perhaps?
>>
>>
>
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