That RF and DC are different things?But Zorba, what do you think about the argument that it doesn't make sense to use the tub as the ground path for the radio itself, since the tub is also acting as the counterpoise for your antenna?
That RF and DC are different things?But Zorba, what do you think about the argument that it doesn't make sense to use the tub as the ground path for the radio itself, since the tub is also acting as the counterpoise for your antenna?
That RF and DC are different things?
Nope. Its an AC signal riding on top of the DC - its modulating the DC. The radio "should" be able to filter that crap out, but as everybody knows: In theory, there's no difference between theory and practice. In practice, there is!Ok, fair. So then, how does the DC circuit of my Ham radio or CB radio pick up interference from my alternator or spark plug wires? The ‘noise’ that they make isn’t DC is it?
Stop me if this exists, but I don't see a thread dedicated to this question. I've read conflicting information here and elsewhere, and would like to understand whether my Ham and CB radios should be grounded to the battery or to the nearest paint-free spot on the tub.
p.s. I have my CB and Ham grounded back to the battery. With an upcoming re-wiring job, I'd like to ground them to the tub instead, as long as someone on here can make me feel ok about it.
The ham radio should have both wires fused and go to the battery. With the CB it is a good idea but not so important. The difference is the Ham radio draws more power.
Understood. But can you explain why it's important to have the negative wire go to the battery, instead of to the nearest location on the tub? It still doesn't make sense to me, and I just want to understand.
Understood. But can you explain why it's important to have the negative wire go to the battery, instead of to the nearest location on the tub? It still doesn't make sense to me, and I just want to understand.
He explains things I didn't know about - like why not to fuse the negative, and VERY interesting historical information.
HOWEVER
I still say the SHORTEST possible wire from the radio to the NEAREST "good" ground point on the chassis/body/tub is best. Even that article says you want the lowest possible ground impedance - you won't get it by running feet of wire to ground - esp. in an RF sense. Inches only, and as few as possible.
Keep in mind that the TJ's frame does not constitute a "good" ground from the factory. I fixed that on mine, but still suggest using a tub ground instead of the frame when possible.
I admit that I read it quickly, since I’m on a phone at the moment (forgive me), but I don’t think the author disagrees with you here, do they?