SSB Ground

[CAELESTIS]

What does everyone use to attach the copper foil ground straps to the inside of the hull?

Thanks.

[Zephyr's Aura]

If you have a grounding plate that is the best. If not you can use a couple of bronze through hulls. If you use the through hulls you'll need the antenna tuner.

Tim

[senormechanico]

Originally Posted by CAELESTIS

What does everyone use to attach the copper foil ground straps to the inside of the hull?

Thanks.

I used contact cement.
Steve B.

[Paul L]

I used a hot glue gun. So far so good.

Paul L

[James S]

Mine is attached to the top of the wooden framework under the aft bunks...the joints are soldered the "tape" is nailed with copper nails to the wood.

[btrayfors]

If you use the really thin copper commonly sold for radio grounds (much too thin in my judgment), you'll need to protect it from the elements. Use West System of some other durable coating. I'd even do this with the thicker 16-ounce copper which I prefer to use, easily found in roofing supply houses.

You'll need a tuner in any case.

But, yes, it's a good idea also to run a copper strip from the tuner ground lug to the nearest bronze thru-hull (which is not otherwise attached to the boat's DC or lightning ground systems), and attach it securely.

Bill

[CAELESTIS]

Yes, I am using the thick foil. I need to know what type of adhesive/tape I should use to hold it in place?

Other than hot glue, is there a tape? Should I use epoxy?

[thefilthywhore]

I have a couple of questions that fit this thread.

1. is a ground diferent than a counterpoise?

2. instead of using copper straping, could I use the aluminum columbia type hull to deck joint? this aluminum H-channel runs almost continously around my boat.

when I purchased my boat there was copper strap running under the aft cabin and run to the engine, it was loose and badly corroded. I would rather not reinstall the copper strap.

thanks for any comments.

[James S]

I think epoxy is way to rigid...that copper tape/foil is going to expand and contract like crazy.
that’s why mine is nailed.

[S/V Illusion]

Originally Posted by thefilthywhore

I have a couple of questions that fit this thread.

1. is a ground diferent than a counterpoise?

2. instead of using copper straping, could I use the aluminum columbia type hull to deck joint? this aluminum H-channel runs almost continously around my boat.

when I purchased my boat there was copper strap running under the aft cabin and run to the engine, it was loose and badly corroded. I would rather not reinstall the copper strap.

thanks for any comments.

1. The ground refers to a DC ground path, not an RF "ground" which is not a "ground" at all but a counterpoise which mirrors the earth side of an antenna. Two very different things which, although some think should be connected and also connected to a thruhull, should be mutually exclusive things to avoid interaction and stray conducted noise on the receiver. There are also safety consideration which argue for separation - a ground short could put power places you never intended or want making the combined DC/RF thruhull connection not worth the dubious benefit to my way of thinking.

2. Copper is a far better conductor but it's all in what you feel is adequate - the toe rail located channel, if you could figure out a way to make an electrical connection without dissimilar metals, will work but not as well.

[btrayfors]

The aluminum H channel will work perfectly well. You don't need anything else.

Connect to it with a short ground-strap or heavy battery cable.

There are reasons why it could be beneficial, additionally, to connect a short strap between the tuner ground lug and the nearest bronze thru-hull (not otherwise connected to the boat's DC or lightning ground systems). This can help bleed off static electricity on the antenna system, and can reduce noise. The aluminum channel represents an elevated RF ground system and will work like gangbusters. But it won't help bleed off static electricity or other transients on the line.

Bill