Many hams mistakenly chase an "RF ground" to fix interference, but at radio frequencies, long wires have high impedance and do not act as effective grounds.
Establishing a safe and high-performing amateur radio station requires a deep understanding of four pillars: . While often discussed as separate topics, they are deeply interconnected; a failure in one can lead to "RF in the shack," equipment damage, or poor signal quality. 1. The Foundation: Grounding vs. Bonding Power, Grounding, Bonding, and Audio for Ham Ra...
refers to the intentional connection of an electrical system to the earth. This provides a path for static charges, stray currents, and lightning to safely dissipate. Many hams mistakenly chase an "RF ground" to
Every station should ideally have a single reference point for all grounds. Connecting to multiple disparate earth grounds (e.g., one for the AC service and another for the radio) creates ground loops , which can introduce hum and invite lightning surges into the shack. This provides a path for static charges, stray
