SSB Ground Question

[Dockhead]

What's the best way to connect the copper ground strap to the bronze through hull? My through hull doesn't have any kind of lug or bolt on it. Can I clamp it on with a jubilee clip (hose clamp)? Or is the stainless jubilee clip versus bronze and copper a galvanic no-no? Is there such a thing as a copper jubilee clip (couldn't find through Google)?

P.S. Does anyone know whether the Icom AT-140 tuner is DC current isolated? Or do I need to install caps into the ground strap? I would hate to be sunk by a galvanically destroyed through-hull.

[ka4wja]

Dockhaed,
I'm short on time...

1- Yes the AT-140 grd is DC isolated..

2 - Use Penetrox-A conductive grease on the bronze - copper - stainless connection....it is designed for dissimilar-metal conductive connections...
(been using it for 30 some years...works great and is cheap!! but messy!!)

3 - If you're looking for an alternative way, there ARE SS Clamps with "studs" on them to easily allow connection of wire, wire lugs, or copper strap (with a hole punched thru the strap)...
DX Engineering sells them!! (as well as sells the Penetrox-A)

4 - Dave, on "Auspicious", has posted in the past about his procedure for attaching the copper strap to the thru-hull....so a search and you'll find his posting....


Sorry don't have time to find the relevant pages / links right now...

John
s/v Annie Laurie

[Cheechako]

carefully drill and tap a #10 hole in the seacock flange. Use a blind tap. Put a screw in. Dont do this unless you are capable! Are you sure there's not a small hole already on the flange?

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

carefully drill and tap a #10 hole in the seacock flange. Use a blind tap. Put a screw in. Dont do this unless you are capable! Are you sure there's not a small hole already on the flange?

There's no flange as far ad I know, but I'll have a look!