Should a ground plane antenna that is in the attic be grounded?

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DJPerson

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I have a Firestick Indoor CB Base Antenna IBA-5 It has no provision for grounding. It is currently outside on my balcony ( but will soon be in my attic) I having trouble tuning it, poor reception, and it has quite a bit of static. The transmitter is a hand held CB and will not be grounded.

I have successfully tuned three other CB antennas so I know the basics of tuning. I was wondering if grounding the radials, to earth, would make tuning easier or reduce the static.

Den
 

radioman2001

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A ground plane antenna shouldn't need any additional ground plane, grounding to earth will only protect it from lightning. I would try another antenna or run of coax. If you put it in your attic will you have enough room for verticle operation, you lose about 20db of signal both ways if you install it horizontal.
 

k9rzz

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It might. Can you test it out in the yard? Or in a park? Just set it out on the grass and ground it there, see if it's any better? That might give you some clues if it's worth the trouble or not.

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