Antenna Connection; Ground Connection; Lightning Protection - Kenwood TS-480HX Instruction Manual

1 INSTALLATION

ANTENNA CONNECTION

An antenna system consists of an antenna, feed line, and ground. The transceiver can give excellent results if the
antenna system and its installation are given careful attention. Use a properly adjusted 50 Ω antenna of good
quality, a high-quality 50 Ω coaxial cable, and first-quality connectors. All connections must be clean and tight.
After making the connections, match the impedance of the coaxial cable and antenna so that the SWR is 1.5:1 or
less. High SWR will cause the transmit output to drop and may lead to radio frequency interference to consumer
products such as stereo receivers and televisions. You may even interfere with your own transceiver. Reports
that your signal is distorted could indicate that your antenna system is not efficiently radiating the transceiver's
power.
Connect your primary HF/ 50 MHz antenna feed line to ANT 1 on the rear of the transceiver. If you are using two
HF/ 50 MHz antennas, connect the secondary antenna to ANT 2. Refer to page 16 for the location of the antenna
connectors.
Note:
◆
Transmitting without connecting an antenna or other matched load may damage the transceiver. Always connect the antenna to the
transceiver before transmitting.
◆
All fixed stations should be equipped with a lightning arrester to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and transceiver damage.
◆ The transceiver's protection circuit will activate when the SWR is greater than 2.5:1; however, do not rely on protection to compensate for a
poorly functioning antenna system.

GROUND CONNECTION

At the minimum, a good DC ground is required to prevent such dangers as electric shock. For superior
communications results, a good RF ground is required against which the antenna system can operate. Both of
these conditions can be met by providing a good earth ground for your station. Bury one or more ground rods or
a large copper plate under the ground, then connect this to the transceiver GND terminal. Use heavy gauge wire
or a copper strap, cut as short as possible, for this connection. Do not use a gas pipe, an electrical conduit, or a
plastic water pipe as a ground.

LIGHTNING PROTECTION

Even in areas where lightning storms are less common, there are usually a limited number of storms each year.
Consider carefully how to protect your equipment and home from lightning. The installation of a lightning arrestor
is a start, but there is more that you can do. For example, terminate your antenna system transmission lines at an
entry panel that you install outside your home. Ground this entry panel to a good outside ground, then connect
the appropriate feed lines between the entry panel and your transceiver. When a lightning storm occurs,
disconnecting the feed lines from your transceiver will ensure additional protection.
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