re:grounding systems

[Dan]

What I am looking for is some ideas that others have used for a 12 ground. I have an enclosed keel (no bolts) and getting little or no radio reception. It is called a polarized system and holds the battery negative to ground in most cases the engine block or keel bolts are used.Sometimes copper strips are laid on the bottom of the hull There has to be someone who encountered this problem before

 

[Peter]

What kind of radio?

Generally, the only type of radio installation that needs a ground such as you described is an SSB or high-frequency Ham setup. Normal antennas for VHF, AM/FM, etc. doesn't use the ground plane effect, and only needs the ground in the 12V negative electrical connection that provides a return path for the 12V direct current that runs the appliance.

 

[Dan]

Re:radio type

Thanks Peter for the comment I received this information from a fellow who is a ham operator fanatic and I told him about my problem with radio reception and that led to the suggestion for a better ground.This is for a vhf radio to pick up help in case of emergency on chanell 16

 

[patrick]

For VHF, you won't need a ground

the same way you do for HF radio communication. If you are not getting reception, it is more likely a problem with your antenna and its height. If you have a sailboat, put one on top of the mast.

 

[Dan]

RE:vhf

Patrick I cannot put the antenna on top of the mast I have a clearance problem in the marina it is attached to the life line railing at the stern.

 

[patrick]

Get some local help on this

Even mounted on the rail, you should be able to send and receive at least a few miles. If that is not the case, there is something else wrong. It is most likely not a ground problem.