EchoTracer Grounding
Why Grounding is Important for the EchoTracer
1. Electric Field Reference:
- An EchoTracer is an electric field probe and needs a proper ground reference for accurate detection of the electric field.
- The coaxial braid acts as the ground reference for the small “whip” element.
2. Noise Reduction:
- Proper grounding minimizes common-mode noise picked up on the coaxial cable and the EchoTracer itself.
- A poor ground connection can result in excessive noise, especially in urban environments.
- A well-grounded coaxial braid ensures that the preamplifier and the antenna system operate with stable impedance, avoiding potential mismatches or performance degradation.
4. Lightning Protection (Optional but Important):
- A proper ground spike can also act as a safety measure by providing a path for static discharge, reducing the risk of damage to the equipment.
How to Ground the EchoTracer
1. Connect the Coaxial Braid to Earth:
- Use a grounding block or directly connect the coaxial braid to a ground spike driven into the soil.
- The ground spike should ideally be:
- At least 0.3–2 meters long depending on the soil conductivity
- Made of a high-conductivity material like copper or steel (inox/rvs).
2. Avoid RF Ground Loops:
- Ensure that the ground is close to the antenna to minimize unwanted currents or noise.
- Use a common-mode choke on the coax feedline if the coaxial braid is picking up RF noise. (read Line Isolators / Common-mode choke why ?)
3. Indoor Setup (If No Outdoor Ground Spike is Available):
- Connect the coaxial braid to a water pipe or another reliable indoor grounding system.
- Avoid using the neutral or earth wiring of the mains system, as it may introduce noise.
What Happens Without Grounding?
- Without proper grounding, the EchoTracer may:
- Pick up excessive noise from household electronics or power lines.
- Exhibit poor sensitivity and unstable signal levels.
- Fail to work effectively as an electric field probe due to the lack of a proper reference.