
9.
Make sure that the antenna is rigidly supported. The antenna will
de-tune if it sags or sways.
10.
The connection from the tuner to the ground must be a small
percentage of the total length of the antenna. Do not let the length of
the ground strap exceed 1 meter. Use heavy gauge wire or strap for
ground connection.
11.
Whip antennas should be connected with the minimum length of wire.
(Do not exceed 0.6 meters).
12.
Do not locate the tuner farther from the transceiver than necessary. If
the distance exceeds 10 meters (30 ft) , it is recommended that low loss
coaxial cable, such as RG-8 or RG-213 be used. However, installation is
required as stated on page 14, paragraph 1.10 of this manual.
6
6..3
3
G
Gr
ro
ou
un
nd
d S
Sy
ys
stte
em
ms
s -- G
Ge
en
ne
er
ra
all
The ground system (also called a counterpoise) is a key part of the overall
antenna system and is the primary cause of poor performance and the diffi-
culty of adjusting the tuner. A good ground is essential.
6
6..3
3..1
1 V
Ve
eh
hiic
clle
e G
Gr
ro
ou
un
nd
ds
s
Connect the tuner directly to the frame of the vehicle. Ensure that a heavy
strap is used from the tuner ground lug and that the connections are cleared
of all paint and dirt so that the shiny metal is exposed. SGC always recommends
that two grounding bolts with star washers be used to insure no ground resis-
tance is encountered. Make sure that the grounding point is not insulated
from other parts of the vehicle by non-metallic couplings, bushings, fiber-
glass panels, etc. Modern vehicle assembly techniques which use spot welding
may not always adequately connect various body parts. Use an ohm meter and
insure your vehicle is electrically bonded.
Another area to watch is trunk lids and hoods. Because many body parts are
dip painted, they may float above the RF ground when assembled. Use of short
heavy braid to insure all doors and hatches are grounded is good installation
practice. Although this is tedious work, the benefit is that once completed you
will have a much superior radiated signal and lower noise floor on receive.
6
6..3
3..2
2 M
Ma
ar
riin
ne
e G
Gr
ro
ou
un
nd
ds
s
A metal hulled vessel in salt water provides an almost ideal ground. The tuner
should be connected directly to the hull using the shortest possible ground
37
© 1998 SGC Inc
SG-230 Manual
SGC Inc. SGC Building, 13737 S.E. 26th St. Bellevue, WA 98005 USA
P.O. Box 3526, 98009 Fax: 425-746-6384 Tel: 425- 746-6310 or 1-800-259 7331
E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://www.sgcworld.com