AboutChris Bushman Expertise I have been an amateur radio operator for about 36 years.
Experience In real life I manage a small motion picture film lab in Hollywood. I've been a fireman, a teacher of English in Okinawa, a personal computer tutor.
I am an Advanced Class Ham radio operator using my originally issued callsign WB6EEQ. I have operated for extended periods of time from Okinawa (KR6FX & KR6OP), Texas (K5VXG), and Mississippi (K5TYP).
While in the Air Force, I was a Manual Morse Radio Intercept Operator.
BS Zoology, UC Davis
Member, Society of Motion Picture/Television Engineers http://www.smpte.org/ - Member, American Radio Relay League http://www.arrl.org/ - Member, Quarter Century Wireless Assn. http://www.lockport-ny.com/radio.htm - President, Zen Nippon Airinkai, So Cal Chapter http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/Chris_Bushman/ - Member, Maltose Falcons Homebrewing Society http://www.westval.com/mfalcons/ - Alumni, American Brewers' Guild http://www.abgbrew.com/
Expert: Chris Bushman Date: 6/7/2008 Subject: Grounding
Question QUESTION: I have just become a new amateur radio operator,and don't yet know too much about it.
I bought a used "Yaesu FT-767 GX" radio,and because I live on the top floor of an 18 floor highrise,I have gone in for a "SG-7900" vertical mobile antenna,which I will put up indoors,on a 2x2 foot sheet of metal,using a magmount!
My question is...do I need to "ground" the antenna? or is it automatically grounded/earthed through the radio?
I do not intend using the radio,until I know that it is safe to do so!
Your help,and advice on this matter,would be very much appreciated!
Many thanks.
Dickie.
ANSWER: Well, Dickie, I'm hoping you understand that you have an HF radio and a VHF/UHF antenna. The FT-767 GX might have a module allowing 2 meter operation, but the basic radio does not.
The grounding should not be an issue, just like running mobile in an ungrounded car.
Running HF using the VHF/UHF antenna could damage the radio.
Let me know if you need more help.
Chris Bushman
WB6EEQ
North Hollywood, California
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: I was very interested in the reply you very kindly sent,and I feel sure that you have saved me a lot of trouble!
I have to put any antenna I use indoors,as I am not allowed by my landlord,to put an antenna anywhere on the building!
My question would be...Can you recommend a suitable vertical antenna that I could use indoors,(not longer than 6 to 8 feet)with the "Yaesu FT-767 GX?
I can assure you,that your help is very much appreciated!
Many thanks.
Dickie.
It's called an "Apartment Antenna" so obviously, there are lots of folks in your situation. If nothing else, your restrictions will help you learn lots about antennas.
