Base Station Earth Grounding - Yaesu FT-857D Operating Manual

I
NSTALLATION
G
ROUNDING

Base Station Earth Grounding

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 configured in a "V" configura-
tion, 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 cables 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).
Do not use gas line pipes in an attempt to provide a ground connection! To do so creates a
serious risk of explosion!!
Inside the station, a common ground bus consisting of a copper pipe of at least 1" (25 mm)
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 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 drawings below for examples of proper and
improper ground connections.
Improper Ground Connection Proper Ground Connection
Transceiver Linear Power
Transceiver Linear Power
Amplifier Supply Amplifier Supply
"Daisy Chain"
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