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Ground System
The four
DXE-RSEAV-1
Active Elements work well with just a single 6’ x 5/8” copper ground rod
used as the ground mount. A separate mounting pipe can be used with optional clamps as the
element ground if the pipe provides an adequate ground. Depending on soil conductivity, best
performance may require two ground rods spaced a few feet apart. Increasing ground rod depth
beyond 5 ft. rarely improves RF grounding because skin effect in the soil prevents current from
flowing deep in the soil. Avoid ground rods less than 5/8 in. OD. A good ground system improves
the array performance and enhances lightning survivability.
It is very important that each ground
system be the same for each active antenna in the array.
You can test ground quality by listening to a steady local signal. Attach 15 ft. of wire laid in a
straight line (away from the coaxial feedline) to the ground rod. If you observe a change in signal or
noise level, you need to improve the ground. A second rod spaced a few feet away from the first one
may correct the problem or 10 to 12 ground radials, each 15 ft. long, should provide a sufficient
ground system for most soil conditions.
Lightning Protection
While amateur radio installations rarely suffer damage from lightning, the best protection is to
disconnect electrical devices during storms. The key to lightning survival is to properly ground
feedlines and equipment and to maintain the integrity of shield connections. A proper installation
improves lightning protection and enhances weak signal receiving performance.
Consult lightning protection and station grounding information in the ARRL handbooks, or by
referring to the NEC (National Electric Code). The DX Engineering website also has technical and
product information “
Lightning Protection and Grounding
”. Use lightning surge protectors for the
coax feedline and control lines such as the
DXE-RLP-75FF
Lightning Protector, Receive 75Ω, DC
Pass, with F Connectors, for the array feedline at the station end single point ground.
Содержание DXE-R8C-SYS-V3
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