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Old April 21st 06, 11:04 PM posted to rec.radio.shortwave
Telamon
 
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Default New Receiving Antenna Comments, And Grounding Question

In article ,
"Robert11" wrote:

Hi,

In the category of "why the heck didn't I do that years ago," thought
I'd relate my experience with a new HF receiving only antenna.

Up to now, have had a simple random length wire running around the
four sides of my attic. Worked, and was able to receive many
stations, but was always disappointing.

Bought the PAR EF-SWL antenna, and just put it up outside as an
Inverted-L, and away from the house by about 75 feet or so. Coax
run-in to the receiver. Wow, what an incredible difference. The
noise level is way, way down.

Question; The PAR ends in a Balun, from which I have a wire to a
ground bar I pounded into the ground next to it. From there, the coax
starts.

I also have a chassis ground from the radio to a nearby cold water
pipe. Have been putting it on and off trying to decide if it helps to
have this additional ground, or hurts. There is of course the ground
loop questions, etc. about having two grounds (the earth ground by
the Balun, and this one to the cold water pipe)

Hate to admit it, but am having trouble deciding if it helps. At
times, and for different freq's, I sort of think it either helps, or
makes no difference, at other time, perhaps a bit more noisy.

Most of the time, I believe, it makes absolutely no difference
whether this chassis receiver ground wire is on or off.

**Anyone have any thoughts or comments regarding having this
additional ground ? **

Should it make a difference ? I tend to think it shouldn't matter, as
they usually suggest grounding the coax, Also, right where it enters
the house, which would be pretty much equivalent.

There is, of course, also the grounding pin of the AC power line,
which, pretty much ends up at the same place, namely a cold water
pipe via a ground/neutral wire, from the AC Service Box.

Curious about what all you experts think re these configurations. Not
too sharp with this, and would appreciate any thoughts on.


Congratulations on the improved antenna.

You don't say which radio you own but chances are the third prong
(ground) is the radio chassis so another ground wire to the radio case
won't make a difference.

The important ground is at the antenna UNUN.

--
Telamon
Ventura, California