mmckenna
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It's a ground plane and an N to NMO adapter. As long as the ground plane is at least 1/4 wave, it'll work fine. Since the ground plane is smaller as you go UP in frequency, it's not going to be an issue.
Antenna Setup
- Thread starter ltginrage
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It's a ground plane and an N to NMO adapter. As long as the ground plane is at least 1/4 wave, it'll work fine. Since the ground plane is smaller as you go UP in frequency, it's not going to be an issue.
mmckenna
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And the antenna will work fine, that's what it's designed for.
Ok so here is my updated cart:
The antenna
I'm gonna go to Lowe's and select some R6 coax
Tools/Connectors:
The weather tape
Type F to BNC
The base
The antenna
I'm gonna go to Lowe's and select some R6 coax
Tools/Connectors:
The weather tape
Type F to BNC
The base
mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
Looks good.
However, you need to add one of these to go from the N connector on the bottom of the antenna mount to your RG-6:
If this is going to be outside, you really should be grounding everything per NEC.
However, you need to add one of these to go from the N connector on the bottom of the antenna mount to your RG-6:
If this is going to be outside, you really should be grounding everything per NEC.
mmckenna
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Amazon.com: TII 212 Broadband Cable TV and Satellite Lightning Surge Protector 75 Ohm 5-1500MHz: Electronics
Amazon.com: TII 212 Broadband Cable TV and Satellite Lightning Surge Protector 75 Ohm 5-1500MHz: Electronics
www.amazon.com
That needs to be installed where the coax enters the house. It needs to be grounded to ground rod as close as you can directly under it. If there isn't an existing ground rod there, you'll need to install one and bond that new rod to your homes existing electric utility entrance ground rod.
That's required by the National Electric code. Even with your cable under ground, there's a chance the antenna can get hit. Also, even a nearby lightning strike can induce enough energy onto the antenna and/or coax cable (even underground) to damage your equipment, or worse.
mmckenna
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Also,
If your cable is going to be under ground, even inside a conduit, you really should be running an underground rated 'filled' cable. Water -will- find a way into the cable and destroy it. The underground rated cable has a water displacing gel filling that keeps any water out of the cable.
This is overpriced, but along the lines of what you need: https://www.amazon.com/UNDERGROUND-...coaxial+cable+100+feet&qid=1605332164&sr=8-14
If your cable is going to be under ground, even inside a conduit, you really should be running an underground rated 'filled' cable. Water -will- find a way into the cable and destroy it. The underground rated cable has a water displacing gel filling that keeps any water out of the cable.
This is overpriced, but along the lines of what you need: https://www.amazon.com/UNDERGROUND-...coaxial+cable+100+feet&qid=1605332164&sr=8-14
The coax is still there. Even a nearby strike can induce high voltages in the coax braid.
wcsd45
Member
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- Jul 23, 2010
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IMHO, omitting ground is just plain unwise. None of the things that could occur are good. Destructively zap everything in the antenna connection chain including radios, and beyond into home. Insurance has decent chance of not holding in kind regard a non-compliant installation. This is a pretty palatable introduction, yet dated a bit.
Also recommend ARRL Grounding and Bonding for Radio Amateur. Available at Amazon.
Good luck and 73, Chuck KC9QBY
Also recommend ARRL Grounding and Bonding for Radio Amateur. Available at Amazon.
Good luck and 73, Chuck KC9QBY
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mmckenna
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If you disconnected the coax cable and pulled it back outside the home, maybe nothing. But what happens if you are asleep, or not home? Remember, it isn't just your scanner that will get destroyed.
Removing the antenna from the base will not protect you in any way.
Lightning travels thousands of feet through a really good insulator (air). Removing the antenna whip will do nothing for you if the strike decides to pick your cable, or even anything nearby. It's not just the direct strike you need to be concerned about. Even a nearby strike can induce enough energy into the coax to cause damage/fire. Even underground.
As for the cable disconnected from the radio...
It might protect your radio from static buildup, but remember, a few thousand feet of air was just overcome. A few inches of separation isn't going to do anything. That energy is still looking for a way to get to ground. It's going to take any/all paths it feels like.
It's your radio, your home, your decision. It's entirely your choice. But the National Electric Code wasn't something that a bunch of guys sitting around one day randomly came up with. All the stuff in there is well thought out, and a fair amount of it in response to fires, injuries and deaths.
Ok. Ill add the grounding supplies
I will be making a trip up to Menard's/Lowe's tomorrow to hopefully purchase a few items for the antenna setup. The connectors, antenna, and base I will order online. The coax, conduit, and grounding supplies I will most likely be picking up tomorrow so I can start on that before winter takes its full effect.
Regarding the underground coax: Can water get in the wire if the connectors are not exposed to the water (or just in the middle of the coax cable[ where no connections are])?
Regarding the underground coax: Can water get in the wire if the connectors are not exposed to the water (or just in the middle of the coax cable[ where no connections are])?
mmckenna
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Yes.
If the cable is not in conduit, critters will love to gnaw on it. Rocks will damage the jacket. Constantly sitting in acidic or alkaline soil will break it down.
If it is in conduit, water will get in the conduit, add in fertilizer, minerals out of the soil, slightly acidic rain water, and it's going to make a mess. Constantly sitting in water will break down the jacket and the water will get inside and corrode everything.
I got the weather tight coax, conduit, grounding clamp, and base today from a local store. I'm about to order the Larson antenna, connectors (F to BNC for BCD325P2/BCT15X, F to SMA Female for UV-5r, F to N) from amazon/antennafarm. I'm using flexible PVC as conduit (probably sounds weird but I'm caulking at all connections on the conduit because I still want the least amount of water in there). I will be putting it together throughout the week and should be done by Saturday and Sunday.
mmckenna
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Yes. Any outdoor connection needs to be properly sealed. N connectors have gaskets and are pretty good as they are, but no one in the industry would install one outdoors without additional sealing.
mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
Yes.
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