VHF Antenna installation.

[engcon]

I am running new RG213 coax to my new VHF antenna on top of the mast.
A friend who is a ham suggested that I should install a "Inside-Outside DC Block" to prevent grounding the mast to the DC return of the electrical system thru the radio. My mast is bonded to the keel and other metal for lightening protection. Is such a DC block necessary? If needed where can I find one?

[btrayfors]

Inside-outside DC blocks are used to prevent ground loops. I doubt seriously if you need one. Your mast is grounded and, by extension, so is your standing rigging. Presumably, your boat's DC ground is also connected to seawater and, perhaps, to the mast directly.

I've never seen a situation on a boat where such a device was needed, but I haven't seen 'em all :-)

Suggest you run the RG-213 and forget about the block. BTW, they introduce some attenuation and up to 1.4 or 1.5 SWR to the RF signal....not desirable.

Bill

[engcon]

Originally Posted by btrayfors

Suggest you run the RG-213 and forget about the block. BTW, they introduce some attenuation and up to 1.4 or 1.5 SWR to the RF signal....not desirable.

Bill

I agree with you. I just wanted someone to confirm my suspicions. Most that I have been able to locate are $$$ and 0.6 Db or more and the SWR is not good. I think I will forget about it

Thanks Bill

John D.