Is a RF Ground Plane and/or a Bonding Bus necessary?
Oct 1st 2017, 12:58 | |
K6PAAJoined: Apr 4th 1998, 00:00Total Topics: 0 Total Posts: 0 |
I have a new HF radio, power supply, Signalink USB and a Mac computer. I will use this EXCLUSIVELY for DIGITAL UNDER 50 W. Right now my signal is clean, and w/o problems. Question- Is there any need to set up an RF Ground Plane and/or a Bonding Bus as it is all working well now at under 50 W?? Any thoughts re this much appreciated! Peter A K6PAA |
Oct 2nd 2017, 14:34 | |
W1VTSuper Moderator Joined: Apr 4th 1998, 00:00Total Topics: 0 Total Posts: 0 |
In theory, an RF ground plane is a great idea. Just connect everything together and a lot of potential issues with noise and safety will be eliminated. But, in practice, it isn't so easy to do. Some devices, notably the Mac Mini, take serious work if you want to actually connect them to ground. So in practice it may be better to solve noise issues by common mode filters--wrapping all the conductors of a computer through a large toroid. Zack Lau W1VT ARRL Senior Lab Engineer |
Oct 8th 2017, 23:18 | |
K6PAAJoined: Apr 4th 1998, 00:00Total Topics: 0 Total Posts: 0 |
Hi Zack, Thanks for the response- Very helpful, and much appreciated!! Peter A K6PAA (new call sign) |