Vectronics VEC-896 - Manual (Page 15)

VEC-896 Vertical Antenna Instruction Manual
14
GROUNDING CONSIDERATIONS
Although this antenna is designed to operate efficiently without the requirement of an earth
ground, SAFETY GROUNDING MUST STILL be provided to protect equipment, property and
persons from the hazards of lighting strikes and other weather related electrical discharges. In
addition the coaxial cable feeding the antenna should have the shield grounded to eliminate the
risk of any indoor equipment failure from allowing hazardous voltages from appearing indoors
and creating a shock hazard.
Adequate protection can be accomplished by grounding the shield of the coax where it enters the
building to a good earth ground or directly burying the cable in the earth for several feet before it
enters the building. The coaxial cable should be totally disconnected from the station during
threatening weather conditions for maximum lightning protection.
A less effective method of protecting station equipment is to install an in-line coaxial lightning
arrestor with a heavy duty ground wire to a suitable earth ground, or a safety switching system as
part of the basic ham station equipment.
MAINTENANCE
Your antenna is constructed of heavy duty non corrosive materials and should withstand normal
climates for many years. The use of some type of coaxial connector moisture protection is
recommended at the bottom coax connection and also around the center-feed connections,
especially in coastal areas where salty mist is commonplace.
GE makes a pure silicone grease called "SILICONE DIALECTRIC COMPOUND" that can
be applied SPARINGLY to the threaded area of the female connector. This compound, or even a
clear silicone heatsink compound, will prevent moisture from entering the connector through the
threads and protect the connectors from corrosion. THIS IS THE SAME TYPE OF SEALER
THAT COMMERCIAL ANTENNA INSTALLERS AND CATV COMPANIES USE WITH
GREAT SUCCESS.
A less desirable, but still adequate sealer is the automobile seam sealer commonly sold as "coax
seal". This is a semi-pliable black sealing compound.
When installing any "coax seal", NEVER completely cover the barrel of the coax connector. The
sealer should ONLY be placed near the junction of the threaded part of the chassis connector and
the knurled area of the male connector. This will leave the bottom of the male outer sleeve open
and permit the connector to "breathe" so it does NOT collect moisture!
IMPORTANT FOR COASTAL AREA OPERATORS: It is advisable to use some type of
silicon spray (circuit board type from Radio Shack) on the capacitor rings to prevent corrosions
between the aluminum and the stainless steel screws. Corrosion on capacitor rings tends to make
it difficult to remove the spokes to retune the antenna.