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was wondering which is better . open circuit or a dc grounded antenna . im sure they each have pros and cons . is either design more durable than the other . does either design lend itself to better tx or rx performance........IF.........the rest of the antenna is properly built ?

thanks

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Always aire on the side of safety, either dc ground through the base of the antenna or through the shielding of the coax.

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I U 212

Booty',
Is the grounding thingy going to make a difference in the antenna's performance? No, not really. There's certainly the possibility of one antenna model having the "direct grounding" feature not having the same performance as another model antenna, sure. But the 'ground' thingy isn't the reason for that.
Which should you have, one -with- or one -without-? I think that depends a lot on the antenna, how it performs compared to another one. If it's >only< a matter of safety, I'd pick the 'shorting' antenna. And when you get right down to it, when was the last time you knew of anyone picking an antenna strictly for safety's sake? Be the first on your block!! Might as well get a couple of them lip, nose, eyebrow studs while you're at it, right? How about a tattoo, too?
- 'Doc


(disregard all after the word "block".)

thanks mac and doc .

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Like Doc said, performance wise it will not matter but I would go for the DC grounded type. In some weather they tend to be quieter with much less precipitation static. They also will bleed static off easier and reduce the possibility of a lightning strike a bit more.

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Front/back ratio comes from the antenna. Forward gain comes from the wall socket.

I was feeling ill and did not respond to the question, but I read it a bit differently. It was my feeling that BM was more interested in the actual performance issues, if any, instead of the safety aspects. Safety is important, bit it did not even come to mind at the time.

He acknowledges the answers so far, so maybe I was wrong.

actually you are correct Marconi (hope youre feeling better) . but , i very much appreciate the additional safety information .
"They also will bleed static off easier and reduce the possibility of a lightning strike a bit more."
that to me is a performance enhancment .

thanks again .

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