Vertex Standard FT-857 manual Base Station Earth Grounding

INSTALLATION

GROUNDING

Base Station Earth Grounding

Typically, the ground connection consists of one or more copper-clad steel rods, driven into the ground. If multiple ground rods are used, they should be configured in a “V” configura- tion, and bonded together at the apex of the “V” which is nearest the station location. Use a heavy, braided cable (such as the discarded shield from type RG-213 coaxial cable) and strong cable clamps to secure the braided cables to the ground rods. Be sure to weatherproof the connections to ensure many years of reliable service. Use the same type of heavy, braided cable for the connections to the station ground bus (described below).

Do not use gas line pipes in an attempt to provide a ground connection! To do so creates a serious risk of explosion!!

Inside the station, a common ground bus consisting of a copper pipe of at least 1” (25 mm) diameter should be used. An alternative station ground bus may consist of a wide copper plate (single-sided circuit board material is ideal) secured to the bottom of the operating desk. Grounding connections from individual devices such as transceivers, power supplies, and data communications devices should be made directly to the ground bus using a heavy, braided cable.

Do not make ground connections from one electrical device to another, and thence to the ground bus. This so-called “Daisy Chain” grounding technique may nullify any attempt at effective radio frequency grounding. See the drawings below for examples of proper and improper ground connections.

Improper Ground Connection			Proper Ground Connection
Transceiver	Linear	Power	Transceiver	Linear	Power
	Amplifier	Supply		Amplifier	Supply

"Daisy Chain"

FT-857 Operating Manual 11