[R-390] Line input filter safety diatribe

[Rbethman]

The FULL text:

A) Use your brain! IF your CODE does NOT allow for the first option - 
DON'T DO IT!

Option #1: The real REALITY in our shacks is that we MAY HAVE NO CHOICE 
but to run a separate circuit for OUR R-3XXs!

We ALL know that the filters installed leak JUST enough to trip a GFCI 
protected circuit. So wholesale changing the filtering is NOT the proper 
method of "FIXING". IF the filter is up to spec, leave it in place to do 
ITS JOB. Take a HEALTHY look at shack circuits. Put one in place that is 
NOT GFCI protected OR use an isolation transformer methodology!

B) Second option! Isolation transformer system!

AND for Lord's sake, INSTALL A VERY GOOD and HEALTHY ground system with 
EVERYTHING grounded!

I have four, (4), copperweld rods outside the shack, all connected with 
1/4" bare hard copper clamped AND soldered to the rods. This has been 
brought into the shack in ONE CONTINUOUS RUN that is attached to a 2" x 
12" x 1/4" copper bar. All equipment in the shack it tied to the bar 
with a MINIMUM of #10 AWG.

DO IT RIGHT! If you don't. YOU may be the next SK!

C) Third Option! Use a "computer filter" system. OUTBOARD IT! Use a 
project box, AND BOND IT TO GROUND!

I have a VERY high level of distatse for "taking out of context" and 
only using "excerpts"!



Bob - N0DGN

Perry Sandeen wrote:

>Gentlemen, Gentlemen, Gentlemen,
>
>WARNING: Ultra-long SAFETY Diatribe.
>
>When I wrote before requesting people turn down their pacemakers to await the next nicker-twister
>I didn’t realize it would be me who got them wound up again!  Therefore, I gladly shoulder my
>responsibility to offer this carefully and scientific reasoned diatribe for the edification of all
>to follow my advice before SOMEONE GETS KILLED.
>
>Wrote: we MAY HAVE NO CHOICE but to run  a separate circuit for OUR R-3XXs! and: So wholesale
>changing the filtering is NOT the  proper method of "FIXING".  IF the filter is up to spec, leave
>it in  place to do ITS JOB.
>
>Three Strikes!  
>Strike one: Running a separate circuit requires a permit and still has to meet local specs.  If it
>is in a defined "wet location" you will void your homeowners insurance if it isn’t GFCI protected
>and something goes wrong.
>
>Strike Two: The modern filters beat any of the original specs by a country mile. A standard unit
>can have 250 micro-amps leakage and 50 to 75 db attenuation from 1-30 MHz..
>
>Strike Three:  It is beyond reason to use a part that can kill you when the better replacement
>part won’t.
>
>Wrote: question... Why are people plugging their boatanchors into GFCI circuits and the only
>circuits in my house with GFCI breakers are in the bathroom and outside outlets.
>
>Answer:  1) That may be the only choice they have. 2) If there are no GFCI’s in your kitchen it
>doesn’t meet current (pun intended) code requirements.
>
>Wrote: This radio and this entire subject isn't for the beginner nor is this manual to be
>considered a basic primer to the subject.
>
>  
>
                       Bob Bethman - NØDGN
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