Do I need to ground my Mag Mount Antenna if I use it for a base station?
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I have an outdoor set up that includes a mag mount antenna using an oil pan as a ground plane which I am using for my base station. I am running the mag mount cable to a window where I attach it to a little SO-259 connector and then to another section of coax (lmr400 type) that then connects to my radio (FTM-400XDR). It works well but I want to install a bulkhead connector in the wall near my radio so I don’t have to use the window opening. I am using the mag mount antenna on a little pvc pipe tower rather than putting an antenna on the house because my HOA is fussy about antennas. As I read and watch videos about installing a bulkhead connector I see information about lightning arrestors and grounding your antenna. I thought the ground plane was working as a ground for my station but now I am wondering whether my current set up needs a ground and whether my proposed set up with the bulkhead connector in an entry panel or just in a weatherproof “in use Cover Kit” like an outlet, needs a ground. Any suggestions or information greatly appreciated. I am new at this and what I have come up with works, but I want to be safe. I have an electrician coming next week to do some work in our home and thought I would ask him whether he can help me with installing the bulkhead connector. I wanted to get perspectives from our Club members first.
Thanks, and 73,
Susie Cummings
KN6NOT
(707)327-7090Hi Susie,
The function of a “ground plane” for a ground plane antenna is to provide an impedance-matched reflective structure for the radiated RF signal. It does not provide a safety ground, or a static-dissipative ground, or necessarily have a relationship with an earth ground.
An earth ground, used for the purpose of dissipating static electricity that may have built up an electrical charge on the antenna, usually consists of an electrical conductor connected between a rod driven into, or other structure buried in the ground, and a lightning arrestor attached to the coaxial cable within the antenna system.
A safety earth ground is a recommended part of your radio station, and is mentioned several times on the technician exam as being something that should be part of your station, particularly if you have a tower installation. That being said, my best estimate on how many amateur radio stations in this county incorporate lightning arrestors and safety ground systems on their outdoor antenna installations is very few. That doesn’t mean they shouldn’t add them, but just an observation and testimony that your antenna system as you describe it will most likely function just fine without a safety ground system.
A safety ground system has merit, but don’t think for a moment that if lightning ever does actually strike your antenna that the energy will simply jump the lightning arrestor and dissipate into ground. With the absolute best components in your ground system that bolt of lightning is going to turn your antenna into a burnt ball of molten aluminum and fry whatever radio that may be connected to it.
How about nearby lightning strikes? Probably depends on how nearby it is. In those cases a lightning arrestor may help. Not long ago I drove an 8-foot long copper-coated steel ground rod into the ground for grounding the station of a fellow amateur radio operator. You can get these at Home Depot for about $20.
Whether you use a ground system or not in your station I recommend that you make sure you use Coax Seal around the bulkhead connector, the coax connector, and up the coax, and use a drip loop so that moisture will drip down from the coax cable instead of onto the coax connection.
Contact me and we can talk more. Very 73,
John B.
WB6FRZThank you to Fred, AE6SF, John, WB6FRZ, and Darryl, KI6MSP for answering my questions. I have decided to just move my station closer to the window and put my antenna cable through the window on a portable set up. I won’t use it during storms which should be fine without a ground. Thanks again for the thorough explanations.
73
Susie Cummings
KN6NOT
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