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Author Topic: New Radio Location  (Read 581 times)

K1KIM

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New Radio Location
« on: December 30, 2020, 07:05:07 PM »

I'm putting a new radio in my office that is directly above my shack in the basement.
The ground wire that is conected to the AC main buss and earth ground is within inches of the floor and the antenna switch is 10 feet away.

The question is should there be any issue running both the coax and the ground wire from the upstairs radio through the same hole in the floor/carpet, or should I separate them by a foot or so?

The ground wire from the radio is going to pick up the 4 gauge wire about 10' down from the station ground buss behind the radios below on it's way back to the panel.
4 feet the other way it is clamped to the all copper water service entry.

Hope I am clear here.

 
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W9FIB

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Re: New Radio Location
« Reply #1 on: December 30, 2020, 07:44:48 PM »

Can't say I see a real problem using the same hole. I run equipment ground wires and coax cables in the same wire trough behind my radios to keep the rats nest tamed. Have not noticed any problems on any band.
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73, Stan
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G8FXC

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Re: New Radio Location
« Reply #2 on: December 31, 2020, 05:06:21 AM »

I think it really depends on the nature of your antenna. If it is either a well balanced antenna connecting to the coax via a proper balun, or an unbalanced antenna with a good grounding system at its base, then the screen of the coax should be at ground potential and the presence of a ground wire next to it should not be a problem. Poorly balanced antennae and unbalanced antennae without good ground systems can put a lot of RF back down the coax screen and that could couple to your ground wire with unpredictable results.

Martin (G8FXC)
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K1KIM

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Re: New Radio Location
« Reply #3 on: December 31, 2020, 06:18:53 AM »

I think it really depends on the nature of your antenna. If it is either a well balanced antenna connecting to the coax via a proper balun, or an unbalanced antenna with a good grounding system at its base, then the screen of the coax should be at ground potential and the presence of a ground wire next to it should not be a problem. Poorly balanced antennae and unbalanced antennae without good ground systems can put a lot of RF back down the coax screen and that could couple to your ground wire with unpredictable results.

Martin (G8FXC)

It is a well grounded trapped vertical with additionally 40 counterpoise radials. My return RF is negligable.

Two holes a foot apart is easy enough. The ground wire and the Coax ar no more than 1/2" holes. That way there is no question of a potential problem.
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W9FIB

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Re: New Radio Location
« Reply #4 on: January 01, 2021, 01:45:01 AM »

I think it really depends on the nature of your antenna. If it is either a well balanced antenna connecting to the coax via a proper balun, or an unbalanced antenna with a good grounding system at its base, then the screen of the coax should be at ground potential and the presence of a ground wire next to it should not be a problem. Poorly balanced antennae and unbalanced antennae without good ground systems can put a lot of RF back down the coax screen and that could couple to your ground wire with unpredictable results.

Martin (G8FXC)

Good point Martin. Had not thought of that. Thanks!
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73, Stan
Travelling the world one signal at a time.
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