Grounding - Yaesu FTDX5000 Series Operating Manual

I
NSTALLATION AND
The FT 5000 transceiver, like any other HF communications apparatus, requires an effective ground system for maxi-
DX
mum electrical safety and best communications effectiveness. A good ground system can contribute to station efficiency in
a number of ways:
 It can minimize the possibility of electrical shock to the operator.
 It can minimize RF currents flowing on the shield of the coaxial cable and the chassis of the transceiver; such currents
may lead to radiation which can cause interference to home entertainment devices or laboratory test equipment.
 It can minimize the possibility of erratic transceiver/accessory operation caused by RF feedback and/or improper
current flow through logic devices.
An effective earth ground system may take several forms; for a more complete discussion, see an appropriate RF engineer-
ing text. The information below is intended only as a guideline.
Typically, the ground connection consists of one or more copper-clad steel rods, driven into the ground. If multiple ground
rods are used, they should be positioned in a "V" configuration, and bonded together at the apex of the "V" which is
nearest the station location. Use a heavy, braided cable (such as the discarded shield from type RG-213 coaxial cable) and
strong cable clamps to secure the braided cable(s) to the ground rods. Be sure to weatherproof the connections to ensure
many years of reliable service. Use the same type of heavy, braided cable for the connections to the station ground bus
(described below).
Inside the station, a common ground bus consisting of a copper pipe of at least 25 mm (1") diameter should be used. An
alternative station ground bus may consist of a wide copper plate (single-sided circuit board material is ideal) secured to
the bottom of the operating desk. Grounding connections from individual devices such as transceivers, power supplies,
and data communications devices (TNCs, etc.) should be made directly to the ground bus using a heavy, braided cable.
Do not make ground connections from one electrical device to another, and thence to the ground bus. This so-called
"Daisy-Chain" grounding technique may nullify any attempt at effective radio frequency grounding. See the drawing
below for examples of proper grounding techniques.
Inspect the ground system inside and outside of the station, on a regular basis to ensure maximum performance and safety.
Besides following the above guidelines carefully, note that household or industrial gas lines must never be used in an
attempt to establish an electrical ground. Cold water pipes may, in some instances, help in the grounding effort, but gas
lines represent a significant explosion hazard, and must never be used.
Transceiver Linear
Amplifier
P G
ROPER ROUND
FT 5000 O
DX PERATING
G
ROUNDING
TNC
C
ONNECTION
M
ANUAL
I
NTERCONNECTIONS
Transceiver Linear
Amplifier
"Daisy Chain"
I G C
MPROPER ROUND
TNC
ONNECTION
Page 9