[C38] SSB Radio Grounding

[Tom T.]

Les,

How will "stray" RF burn out the diodes if the RF counterpoise is grounded
to the block and not to the DC positive side of the alternator?

Tom Troncalli




> [Original Message]
> From: Les <hlhowell at pacbell.net>
> To: <larrypi at linkline.com>; Catalina 38 Listserve
<listserve at catalina38.org>
> Date: 3/11/2008 6:20:31 PM
> Subject: Re: [C38] SSB Radio Grounding
>
> HI, everyone,
> 	Do NOT do this.  You run the risk of blowind your alternator diodes
> with stray RF.  The specs call for a separate RF ground for good reason.
> The engine to ocean ground is via the propshaft, and that doesn't have
> sufficient planar area either.  Get the 
>
> Boatowner's Guide to Marine Electronics  by Gordon West.  You can get a
> used copy for 6.99 from Amazon.  Read it.  Follow its instructions.
>
> 	If you are not a radio amatuer, get the radio professionally installed.
> It will save you lots of headaches and be more reliable.  If you are a
> radio amatuer moving to marine means just learning what does and doesn't
> work.  One thing for sure, get the self sealing tape for connectors
> (similar to rigging tape).  Use it on all connectors.  The best process
> is to properly assemble the connector, apply some marine silicon sealant
> to the fixed part of the shell, then cover that with the self sealing
> tape.  After the connectors are joined outside, cover the whole
> connection, starting about 1" back on the cable to as good as you can
> get beyond the other connector.  This keeps out salt, water, corrosion
> and curious birds, all of which can defeat your radio's connections.
> (Old ETC talking here with 20 Navy years behind him.)
>
> Regards,
> Les H
> On Tue, 2008-03-11 at 10:54 -0700, Larry Malmberg wrote:
> > Has anyone grounded their SSB to the engine?  If so, how has it worked
out?
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > Larry Malmberg
> > Hassle Hull 149
> > 
> > 
> > 
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