SSB ground questions

[CAELESTIS]

If I use plenty of copper strap, and attach the copper to a keel bolt, would that save me from having to use a bronze ground plane?

The keel is your standard lead fin keel, not encapsulated.

Thanks.

[btrayfors]

Use the copper strap to run to the nearest bronze thru-hull. Attachment to keel is not necessary.

Bill

[SoonerSailor]

RF is not like DC, i.e. just having a low DC resistance connection to the keel or a (sponge bronze) plate in the water does not mean you have a good RF ground to the ocean.

The wider your copper ground strap, and the more of it below the antenna feed point, and the more large surface area metal it is attached to (also below the antenna feed point, or the tuner output) the better will be your RF ground. It doesn't even need to be making physical contact with sea water.

That isn't to say you won't get a signal out with a lesser ground, but the better it is, the better your signal will be, and the more success you will have with your contacts.

[btrayfors]

Absolutely right. See my post on "RF Grounds in the Marine Environment":

SSCA Discussion Board :: View topic - RF GROUNDS IN THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT

Bill

[SoonerSailor]

Hey Bill -

What do you recommend using as the center spacer/coax connection for your marinized throw-up dipoles? I'm sure you have found a device that is sturdy, light, and corrosion resistant.

Also, do you bother with a current choke on the feedline when you use dipoles on the boat?

Thanks,
Chip

[btrayfors]

Chip,

Best center insulator I've found is the Budwig HQ-1. Sells for $6-12 or so. HRO carries them, as do other folks. Look on eBay or Google it. Small, indestructable. Here's one source: http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/antsup/1782.html

No, I don't bother with a balun, 'cus the dipoles work just fine without them and I tune the dipoles for the intended band by trimming them. Baluns would add unwanted weight and would be unweildy in a seaway.

Bill