SSB Antenna connection

D

Delaware Jim

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10399
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I am a complete novice on HF radios! On my boat, prior owners installed an (now ancient) SEA 222 SSB radio. I found the coax antenna wire disconnected at the antenna side terminal (a "simple" stud and nut connection). It appears the center wire of the coax was just attached to the stud, but there is no indication of what (if anything) to do with the coax shielding.

I'd like to get the thing connected to determine if it still works - if so, I can get the needed ship's license and begin using it.

I know there are many hams on this site. Any ideas to make the connection and any ideas how/where to begin the education process would be welcomed!

(formerly Delaware) Jim
 
"what (if anything) to do with the coax shielding."

a) You realize that you will need a license for this radio... I re-read your post.

b) All antenna shields are at "ground". ( That is the outer braid of the coax is at "earth ground".)

c) Here is a link to a scanned manual for that model.

d) a SSB radio, while performing a similar function to a VHF, is actually quite different in the details of actual usage.

As for "where to start", there are many resources, but the current ARRL Amateur Radio Handbook, or entry level licensing manual would be useful.

I am not familiar w/ that radio, but consider the possibility that that radio -might- no longer be type accepted ( I do not know. Really. But check before using ).

Also, this is a 150w radio, so if it is malfunctioning, your mistakes will be heard worldwide. Literally. You should consider actually having the unit tested by a licensed marine radio technician prior to usage. The same tech can advise on proper install,, how to tune the antenna, and advise you on what a "proper earth ground" actually is...

Again, an SSB is not a VHF. It is not plug and play. You actually need to know what you are doing ( not a great deal, but some knowledge IS required ) to actually use it effectively.
 
Bill,
I obviously did not make it clear that I only wanted to power it up IN RECEIVE MODE ONLY to ascertain if it was trash or could be brought back to life with some professional assistance. You are correct that SSB IS NOT VHF and there are many things to learn. I'd NEVER try to xmit (not only illegal) but, as you said, could turn speaker cones inside out all over the place. Internet searches have disclosed little usable material on marine SSB - one book on Amazon was ordered earlier today...

I purchased my first ARRL handbook at age 13 with the intent of becoming a ham, but that didn't play out...(the code killed me then). I know what the proper earth ground is, and why that is important.. I have some very BASIC understanding - that taught me enough to know that I need to know much more. That was the purpose of the post - looking for good resources. Sorry if the communication was unclear.

Jim
 
I admit that I suspected there was more experience behind the question thatn was stated, but my response was intended for all readers, not just the poster.

---

Simple answer to the original post:

On almost all coax ( certainly in RF coax ) the outer braid is connected to ground. It is a "shield" as much as anything else, and therefore is also a ground.

You are correct, no lic required for receive operation. Of course, you will need some form of antenna for testing. While transmitting would require a "proper" antenna, ( likely incl a tuner, as well ), for receive only, you could try some form of "long wire" antenna, which is, ahem, just a long wire. For this purpose use a single strand ( single conductor ) insulated wire, "many" feet long. 60 ft or so, stretched out would likely work well, 20 ft or so should work well enough to determine whether or not the receiver is still functional.

Have fun!

---

As a personal note: I was not trying to poke you with pins. If I sounded "high handed" it was not intended, even though there are some people out there who might do any one of several things which would may me cringe! Again, with a bitr of care and knowledge, youu will be fine. Enjoy the research.
 
Bill,
No apologies needed, and I appreciate your input. I do have the SSB antenna already - a 24' whip. The "question" is I've never seen any coax antenna connectors that did not connect the shield to the antenna through the connector. What is left of the old connection is a simple crimp on ring terminal under the antenna stud terminal - apparently attached to the core coax wire.... no indication of what to do with the shield at the antenna end. THAT is the dilema. The antenna line coming out of the antenna tuner is a typical RF coax connector that'll is grounded. What to do (if anything) with the shield at the antenna is the question.

Again, THX... it is a bear when you have the a little bit of theory, but no practical experience!

PS - I do NOT want you to cringe - makes too many "frown lines" :-)

Jim
 
See Fig 4.2 in the scanned manual. ( I also checked an Icom manual, which was more detailed but carries a "for Icom owner's only" agreement... )

As I noted, SSB is different. We tend to think of that 23' whip as the antenna. It is actually an antenna element; only one part of the actual antenna. From an RF electrical standpoint, The whip, tuner and ground system actually form the antenna. ie: the whole boat is the antenna! ( more or less )

SO, Attach your super duper ground to the antenna tuner, and attach a single wire from the tuner to the whip. If you are using coax from the tuner to the whip, disregard the shield wire. You may leave the shield unconnected. In most cases a different type of single core high voltage wire is used ( for receive only, just about any single wire will do ).

I hope my description is understandable. :) I need to go find a fresh cup of coffee...
 
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