KISS SSB ground

[obelisk]

I know the subject of traditional copper counterpoise, dynaplate and the new KISS grounds stirs up a lot of feeling among sailors and the point of this thread is not to kick the ant hill. I have a traditional 100 sq' copper ground pane that needs an overhaul after many years. I'm confident in my ability to create a solid counterpoise and am not looking for advice on that.

However, I would like to hear from anyone that has installed and/or used the KISS system as to it's effectiveness. I'm not necessarily going that route, I just want to hear people's actual experience with the product. While it may look overpriced, if it is something that performs as advertised, it would be worth $130 worth of time and hassle.

So, if you have a KISS or have used a SSB grounded through one, please put in your two cents. Thanks.

[windward54]

I have tried two ground systems. The first was copper foil to a thru hull and the second was the KISS. Both worked well for me, but I will give a nod for a slightly better performance to the KISS. Between the two, the KISS system seems to load to frequency faster and my signal reports were better. Installation is a snap and took about five minutes. And I don't have to worry about foil corroding away.

So count me in the satisfied customer group and would spend the money again.

[btrayfors]

I've installed a bunch of them for various customers on monohulls, catamarans, and power boats. And, I've used them ashore in a number of portable and testing operations. They work very well on both ham and marine bands.

Extremely simple to install, great construction, works as advertised, and IMHO good value when you compare apples-to-apples, i.e., the time and cost you would incur in actually building, testing, and installing a similar product.

Note that some boats are constructed in such way that an unconventional RF radial system is easy to set up, so you don't need the KISS. An example are the Island Packets, most of which have a stainless steel rub rail all 'round the boat. Bonding the tuner ground lug to this rub rail is all you need do for an effective radial system

The KISS radial ground system is proof positive that the urban legends like the "100 sq ft ground plane" or the necessity to "connect to the water" or "capacitatively connect to seawater", etc....are just that: oft-repeated legends which have just a shade of truth and "feel well" so that even folks who should know better just go on mouthing them.

Disclaimer: I'm a dealer for the KISS...the only product for which I'm a dealer. I do it for the convenience of my customers and 'cuz I'm a believer.

Bill
WA6CCA