Mast Removal - AT-140 - ICOM 710 SSB

[Helbent]

I am in the process of prepping my mast for removal for the first time for us as we just bought it last year. I was all set to just detach the antenna from the automatic tuner (AT-140), but I noticed the "danger high voltage" note by the antenna terminal and decided to hold off.

Is there any reason I should not just go ahead and detach the antenna? The SSB (ICOM 710) is turned off, though power is going to the SSB. I went through the tuner manual and saw no warnings about an electric shock potential. But, of course, there is that sticker on the tuner itself.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Jeff
s/v Bear

[transmitterdan]

If radio is not transmitting the antenna lead is safe. After disconnecting the wire its a good idea to fasten the wire to the boat ground until ready to pull mast.

[Helbent]

Thanks. I pulled it off without a shock.

Originally Posted by transmitterdan

If radio is not transmitting the antenna lead is safe. After disconnecting the wire its a good idea to fasten the wire to the boat ground until ready to pull mast.

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[DotDun]

Why not disconnect the power from the radio?

[Helbent]

It is extremely difficult to get at the back of our SSB to disconnect power. It was a hell of a lot easier to investigate whether I could just remove the antenna cord than remove the power.

[El Pinguino]

Surely its fused or switched somewhere?
Or at least has an independent termination at the battery.

[W3GAC]

Really not much of an issue. The sticker is a warning that while transmitting the antenna wire's RF can cause a very uncomfortable 'RF Burn' if you grab it. Keeping the radio off is usually enough practical safety but if you want ultimate safety... simply disconnect the coax connector from the back of the radio. With no RF possible into the tuner/ antenna... your are dealing with just a passive wire. An additional recommendation, especially if any chance of lighting might be in the area, is to ground the antenna wire. A completely insulated long wire/ antenna can build up a static charge from lighting many miles away that can make a 1/2" spark which while not lethal is startling and could cause a reactionary loss of grip/ fall. Most VHF antennas are designed in such a way as to not allow static build up. But SSB antennas hardly ever have this design, especially if they are the typical insulated backstay type.


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