Ground Plane Tape for HF Radio - Page 2

Microship · 02-10-2009, 15:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by s/v Jedi

A mica capacitor is the best choice for this and has negligible aging. The only concern is when they get wet. A true RF mica capacitor is expensive and cast in epoxy inside a metal housing. I suspect that this is what you have, great!

That't the animal, Nick - thanks! It's on the boat and I'm not, or I'd post a photo... but I'll try to remember to come back to this thread when the install is done (or will post somewhere, I'm sure; I tend to be a wordy sort).

Best 73,
Steve
N4RVE

TikiCat · 02-10-2009, 16:05

I use the lifelines on my boat as the counterpoise and can talk 5 by 5 to Fla from the Chesapeake on the Waterway Net. Since it's so easy, I'd try this first before taking a more difficult approach.

s/v Jedi · 02-10-2009, 10:11

In this thread, we're also completely mixing up a general ground plane with ground radials. Whenever something like 100 sq. ft. is mentioned, we're talking about a general ground plane. But when several lengths of foil (or wire) of certain lengths are discussed, we're talking about tuned (resonant) radials. Some call that a "counter poise" to differentiate it from a regular ground plane.

A good document is here: http://www.bencher.com/pdfs/00361ZZV.pdf
Tuned radials work best when the vertical is elevated at least 1/2 wavelength above ground. Boats don't have that.

cheers,
Nick.

02-10-2009, 16:05	#2
TikiCat Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Boat: 1993 Gemini 3200 #374 Posts: 17	Lifelines as Counterpoise I use the lifelines on my boat as the counterpoise and can talk 5 by 5 to Fla from the Chesapeake on the Waterway Net. Since it's so easy, I'd try this first before taking a more difficult approach.

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02-10-2009, 10:11	#3
s/v Jedi Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Boat: Sundeer 64 - Jedi Posts: 1,524	In this thread, we're also completely mixing up a general ground plane with ground radials. Whenever something like 100 sq. ft. is mentioned, we're talking about a general ground plane. But when several lengths of foil (or wire) of certain lengths are discussed, we're talking about tuned (resonant) radials. Some call that a "counter poise" to differentiate it from a regular ground plane. A good document is here: http://www.bencher.com/pdfs/00361ZZV.pdf Tuned radials work best when the vertical is elevated at least 1/2 wavelength above ground. Boats don't have that. cheers, Nick.