Antenna ground for counterpoise for ham radio antenna

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I have yet to pickup my GFC V2 MAX, so I’m only able to imagine this modification. Perhaps those of you with an actual GFC can help.

I’m going to use the GFC 90 degree antenna mounting bracket ( Machined 90° Bracket – GoFastCampers ) to mount a ham radio HF (on 14 mHz/20 m) antenna to the track system on the GFC. My understanding of the track system is that it’s anodized, so a good ground connection between the bracket and the track may not be possible. And a good ground is needed to create a counterpoise to the antenna. I’ve thought about running a grounding strap (as short as possible) to a point on the camper, but I’m not sure how/where that can be done. Is there such a connection point?

Or am I wrong and the bracket will be sufficiently grounded to the track?

Thanks for any/all ideas!

Larry

PS: There might be enough capacitive coupling between the bracket and the track system to allow the track to work as a counterpoise, but I want to have something ready if this method doesn’t work.

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There are plenty of screws that could be used as a ground point or you could drill and tap but I doubt that you will need it. There’s plenty of metal up there to make a good ground plane. You could also add some temporary counterpoise wires to see if that makes a difference, depends how much experimenting you want do. I’d install your antenna and see how it performs and add the ground strap if needed. Here’s an image with the side and back panel off.

IMG_3095
IMG_30951920×1440 332 KB

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I have a vhf antenna mounted on the same bracket. It’s mounted on the leading/front edge of the camper to use the whole roof as a ground plane. Testing with my NanoVNA it has a ~1.3swr without a ground strap.

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Thanks for the photo and ideas, dogs++. When I pickup my GFC in MT, I’ll remain on the road for a couple of weeks, far from home. I’ll be sure to pack along extra “stuff” to address contingencies.

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I hadn’t even thought about mounting at the front of the camper… very cool!

I think this project will be a “try it and find out” project.

Thanks!