Quote:
Originally Posted by Alan, KØBG
There is a common misconception with respect to RF and/or DC grounding, and its relationship (or lack of it) to a ground plane.
Just because you run a ground strap from the antenna mount (the ladder in this case), to a hard point on the vehicle, doesn't automatically make it a ground plane. In fact it doesn't.
The best way to think about vehicle ground planes is simply this; it is the metal mass under that antenna that counts, not what's along side. The second part is, the more metal mass the better.
Yes, you can make contacts with the lossiest of antennas, as any Outbacker or ATAS owner can attest to. However, if you want consistent communications, then you need a decent amount of metal mass under the antenna, and a ladder at the rear of an RV isn't it.
Alan, KØBG
www.k0bg.com |
Understood and I agree with you totally Alan. This was not a "common misconception", but rather a hopeful improvement to my receive capabilities and possibly improve the transmit capabilities as well. It is not even close to being the perfect antenna. Now, if I had an old style metal roof on the RV and mounted the antenna in the center, that would be a huge step in the right direction. Since our RV is constructed of fiberglass with a rubber roof, I'm working with what I have. It was only a mini-step, but I have to report it did improve both transmit and receive capabilities. Like I said, it's not perfect but it was an improvement, a noticeable improvement. I can ONLY work with what I have.
By-the-way, welcome to the forum Alan. Glad to have you aboard and look forward to your posts. Many nice guys on here, all trying to help one another and carrying on the practices of good amateur operators coupled with the RV and camping life style. We hope that you will check in often. I've exchange e-mails with you in the past concerning your website. I've also recommended your site to many amateurs.