Does This Look Right?

[Okiwi]

Hey guys,
Is this the right way to connect the tuner to a steel hull, just want to be sure is all. Sounded good in theory, but you know theories lol.




Also, does anyone know what the equivilent to GTO15 wire is in Australia? Do I need to install an insulator for the feeder cable through the deck, or just pass it through a normal waterproof deck gland?
Happy new year to all.

[Wotname]

Looks right to me, I assume there is a clean metal to metal (i.e. no paint) connection where it bolts to the steel hull.

A through deck insulator is better but some just use plastic waterproof gland. You can get some high volts (3000+) at various points along the feeder and if this voltage node occurs at the deck gland, the insulation can break down.

As for a feeder wire (the "GTO15"); you really just need a good quality copper wire with excellent insulation, like the old type copper spark plug leads that we used before carbon resistive types that are now used. I find the inner conductor and dielectric (insulator) of RG 8 coax will work quite well although some types are really not all that UV stable.

[Okiwi]

Thanks Wot. Yep, there is pristine steel under the copper, I just hate taking paint off so the size is exact lol. I'm going to seal the whole connection with some FixSeal sealant, should stop any rust.

I'll just try the through deck gland first then i guess. See how it goes.

I've got some fairly thick coax,wonder if I can just use the inner conductor & not the sheild. Might work.
Anyway, thanks for the replies Wot, appreciate it.

[Wotname]

Yes just using the inner part of the coax will work fine. I often slip a piece of black heat shrink tubing over the dielectric to provide better UV protection.

I hear you re removing the paint off the steel, it really goes against the grain doesn't it.

[clausont]

Now I will show my ignorance on something like this:
What are the capacitors for that connect the two pieces of copper together?
I have done anything with an auto tuner although I have one in storage.

[Wotname]

To provide DC isolation between the auto tuner and the steel hull while maintaining a RF (AC) ground.

The HF antenna needs a low loss circuit to the counterpoise (steel hull) and this can be achieved through the capacitors while stopping any DC current which may be causing electrolysis.

IMO they are not usually necessary but I am not an expert on electrolysis

[Okiwi]

Thnx Wot. I might try the coax. I'll slip it through some conduit for UV protection & heat shrink the end. Gotta get a through deck first, shops closed lol.
And paint.......I git tha shakes juss thunkin about it eh..lmao.
Oh & Clausont..... what Wot said....

[clausont]

Thanks Wotname and Okiwi!