I got started early today and got a lot accomplished. Here’s the Saturday progress report:
Placed parts order for 1ft jumpers (due 1/20)
Removed 4 monitors and cleared desktop
Cleared under desk area
Sorted all cabling, tools, and parts
Cleared the desktop!
At this point the rack is more or less electrically complete pending the installation of two more jumpers that are scheduled to arrive Tuesday. Initial testing shows everything is working as expected. Before I can move the rack into the TX test position (an area next to the desk where all the antenna coax cables can reach) I will have to split the desktop in the corner where the two pieces meet, and temporarily remove the section on the left along with the 46″ monitor and arm.
I currently have only the loop antenna connected as the antenna coax leads don’t reach the rack while it’s still in the ‘construction’ position. If all goes as planned I should be back on the air sometime next weekend.
This weekend I will finish the ground bar ‘relocation’. The ground bar is currently located at the shack window . Amateur Radio Station Grounding and RFI mitigation is of the utmost importance. My goal is to provide a low impedance earth ground to the rack. Here is another series of articles on station grounding that’s really worth reading. Read these two links! Highly recommended!
This 2″ Copper Strap will extend along the wall to the rack.
Ground Bar Relocation
I plan to mount the ground bar vertically on the rear of the rack by bolting it to a couple of rack panels. The panels will serve as the foundation for mounting the ground bar at the correct height and position to connect the 2″ strap that’s running along the wall to the rack. All equipment will connect to the ground bar, then the strap will be bolted to the bars with some strain relief (service loop)
Ground Bar mounted!
To accomplish this I purchased a set of DXE-MSC-3 Copper Strap Bonding Clamps. The clamps will allow me to make a 90 degree turn to the left under the window, and run another piece of 2″ strap along the wall (behind the countertop). I’ll leave a “service loop” of strap in the back of the rack long enough, that I can pull the rack out for service without having to disconnect the strap. W5BWC’s article should be required reading for all amateurs who own and operate an HF station. Amateur Radio Station Grounding is just as important as the antenna!
2 inch Copper Strap left turn!
Securing The Ground Strap
Securing the loop was easier than expected. I had concerns about the loop and attaching it to the bar. Problem solved…
That’s a solid ground connection!
I traced through the holes in the bar with a paper and pencil, and created a drilling template for the end of the strap. Four 3/8″ holes perfectly lined up. Ground Bar done! At some point I’ll attach the strap along the back of the countertop so it’s not just hanging loose back there.
2″ copper strap loop so I can pull the rack forward for service.
Finally A Solid Ground!
The plan worked out great! I was able to push the rack all the way back into the corner, and there’s enough ‘slack’, that when needed, I can pull the rack out far enough to sit/stand behind it. This is exactly how this was planned, and I’m pretty happy with it right now.
With the desktops temporarily back in place.
I can start measuring for the finishing touches, including the addition of a 32″ 4K UHD monitor. I’m currently considering the Samsung U32H850. If it fits, this is most likely the monitor I will use to replace the 1080p TV in my previous shack setup.
The shack is finally starting to shape up! Yeah, I know, I’ll switch the file cabinet on the left so the handle colors match on either side of the rack!
Now that everything is grounded, I’ve started testing with RF. I found a couple of wiring errors to the amplifier that are now corrected. Key down at half power (600w) showed no evidence of any RF in the shack. I’ll try some full output tests tomorrow. Yeah! I finally took down that ratty looking YAESU Wall Map!
Remaining To-Do List
The ‘still to do’ list:
Relocate AC power distro
Relocate Router and Printer
Measure for use of TV riser
Measure for relocation of Ergotron Arm
Measure for 4K UHD monitor
Reconnect Scanner Audio
Reconnect Satellite Rotors
Reconnect NAS
After full power testing is complete, I will not do any more work on, or make any changes to the radio rack until after the ARRL International DX Contest (SSB) the first weekend of March. Radio work will resume after the contest. In the meantime I will get the ergonomic work going. The right side of the desktop can be completed. The left side must be done last, since access to the rack depends on sliding the left desktop out of the way.
It was money well spent on all the snap-on ferrites and on the extension of the 2″ copper strap. Initial testing shows everything is quiet and no RFI. I have a solid, low impedance, single point ground system in place. High power testing should prove the effectiveness of my Amateur Radio Station Grounding!
