[OZAPRS] rf earth

[Terry Neumann]

G'day Ben,

If you are setting up an RF 'ground' for the station, one or more 
earthing rods would still be the way to go.   You can get copper plated 
iron earthing stakes from most wholesalers selling electrical wiring 
stuff, and they are not all that expensive.  Keep them/it as close to 
the equipment as possible and watch out for water pipes and underground 
complications like cables when you pick the spot to drive it.

Use a length of (old) RG8 or 213 with the centre conductor for the 
connection between the rod and your equipment, and connect a HV 
capacitor (.1 is suggested) between centre conductor and shield at each 
end of the cable.  This effectively shields the grounding conductor from 
complications with the grounding cable itself becoming a radiator of 
stray RF at some frequencies.    I've used this trick and the station on 
the farm for 25+ years, and now here in the village. It works well.

See:   http://www.hamuniverse.com/grounding.html and the tip in green 
print towards the end of the article.          

and then for glimpse of how confused the topic can become:  
http://www.eham.net/articles/6848 (perhaps you've already been there)

73
Terry




Ben Lindner-VK5JFK wrote:
> Hi All,
>
> I intend on using shed as an RF earth since it is all bonded together 
> and is in the ground with steel "C" section.
>
> Is this a good idea or is it better to use earth rods.
>
> thoughts or suggestions would be much appreciated
>
> cheers
> Ben
> VK5JFK
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