Vertex Standard FT-1000MP - Manual (Page 9)

Page 7 O
PERATING
M
ANUAL
S
AFETY
P
RECAUTIONS
Before initiating the installation of your MARK-V FT-
1000MP
Field transceiver, please take the time to re-
view the following safety guidelines.
P
OWER
C
ONNECTIONS
The MARK-V FT-1000MP
Field can be operated
from either AC or DC power sources.
When making AC connections to your house wir-
ing, be certain that the voltage at the AC wall outlet
matches the voltage label on the rear panel of the trans-
ceiver.
If you are connecting to a 13.8 Volt DC source, use
the optional E-DC-20 DC Power Cable, and be certain
to observe the proper polarity when connecting to your
DC power supply. Connect the RED power cable lead
to the POSITIVE (+) terminal of the DC source, and
the BLACK power cable lead to the NEGATIVE (–)
terminal.
G
ROUND
C
ONNECTIONS
The MARK-V FT-1000MP
Field HF transceiver, like
any other HF communications apparatus, requires an
effective ground system for maximum electrical safety
and best communications effectiveness. A good ground
system can contribute to station efficiency in a number
of ways:
r It can minimize the possibility of electrical shock to
the operator.
r It can minimize RF currents flowing on the shield of
the coaxial cable and the chassis of the transceiver;
such currents may lead to radiation which can cause
interference to home entertainment devices or labo-
ratory test equipment.
r It can minimize the possibility of erratic transceiver/
accessory operation caused by RF feedback and/
or improper current flow through logic devices.
An effective earth ground system make take sev-
eral forms; for a more complete discussion, see an
appropriate RF engineering text. The information be-
low is intended only as a guideline.
Typically, the ground connection consists of one or
more copper-clad steel rods, driven into the ground. If
multiple ground rods are used, they should be posi-
tioned in a “V” configuration, and bonded together at
the apex of the “V” which is nearest the station loca-
tion. Use a heavy, braided cable (such as the discarded
shield from type RG-213 coaxial cable) and strong
cable clamps to secure the braided cable(s) to the
ground rods. Be sure to weatherproof the connections
to ensure many years of reliable service. Use the same
type of heavy, braided cable for the connections to the
station ground bus (described below).
Inside the station, a common ground bus consist-
ing of a copper pipe of at least 25 mm (1”) diameter
should be used. An alternative station ground bus may
consist of a wide copper plate (single-sided circuit board
material is ideal) secured to the bottom of the operat-
ing desk. Grounding connections from individual de-
vices such as transceivers, power supplies, and data
communications devices (TNCs, etc.) should be made
directly to the ground bus using a heavy, braided cable.
Do not make ground connections from one electri-
cal device to another, and thence to the ground bus.
This so-called “Daisy-Chain” grounding technique may
nullify any attempt at effective radio frequency ground-
ing. See the drawing below for examples of proper
grounding techniques.
Inspect the ground system – inside the station as
well as outside – on a regular basis so as to ensure
maximum performance and safety.
Besides following the above guidelines carefully,
note that household or industrial gas lines must never
be used in an attempt to establish an electrical ground.
Cold water pipes may, in some instances, help in the
grounding effort, but gas lines represent a significant
explosion hazard, and must never be used.
Linear
Amplifier
Power
Supply
Transceiver
Proper Ground Connection
Improper Ground Connection
Transceiver Linear
Amplifier
Power
Supply
"Daisy Chain"