[Elecraft] Grounding KPXA100 in RV Question

[Terry Brown]

Hello All,

 

I will be using my KXPA100, KX3 and PX3 while in my RV.  I do not plan on
operating while the vehicle is in motion.  I am planning on only operating
the station while connected to 120V mains or when the Generator is running.
I will power the system with a Powerwerx SPS-30DM.  I typically operate my
station with the power supply in fixed voltage mode.  The meter shows 14.1
to 14.3 volts when operating.  This should provide 100 watts output from the
KPXA100.

 

My question is regarding grounding requirements for the KPXA100.  I assume
that the amp needs to be grounded to the vehicle frame.  If the engine is
not running, will grounding the amp to the frame cause any problems with the
vehicle 12V system, or the separate 12Vbattery system that powers all 12 V
system in the RV?   While operating the generator but powering through the
Powerwerx supply be an issue?

 

When I am using a vertical antenna, I will ground one side to the vehicle
chassis.  Will the antenna and amp grounded to the same system cause
problems?  

 

What would be the downside to not grounding the KPXA100 as long as the
antenna is grounded to the frame, or if using a doublet, not having the
antenna grounded to the frame.

 

I have not operated mobile HF before so I am a novice at this.  The RV is a
2005 model on a Chevy truck chassis.

 

Thanks for the help.

 

Terry, N7TB