text: Communications
  • If field wire is used as the radiating element of an antenna, the two insulated wires in the
  twisted pair must be connected together at the ends so that electrically the two wires act as one.
  -- First, the radio operator tightly twists together all six steel strands from the two wires (for
  strength).
  -- Second, he twists the eight copper strands together (to connect them electrically).
  -- Third, he twists the copper strands around the steel strands.
  • When using them as a feed line for a dipole antenna, the radio operator connects each of the
  two insulated wires of the twisted pair to a separate leg of the dipole. At the radio, he connects
  one wire (any wire) to the center connector of the radio antenna terminal and the second wire to
  a screw on the antenna case.
  • In an emergency, any wire of sufficient length can be used for an antenna, for example, barbed
  wire, electrical wire, fence wire, or metal-cored clothesline. Communication has even been
  successful using metal house gutters and metal bed springs. A radio operator’s mission is
  incomplete until he establishes communication.
  GROUND
  6-123. All radio equipment should be grounded to prevent shock and damage to equipment during
  electrical storms. This protects the operator and his equipment. Also, some antennas must have a
  radio-frequency ground before they will function. Most radio sets come with a ground rod that should
  provide enough ground if used properly in good soil. The radio operator checks to ensure that the ground
  rod is neither oily nor corroded. He drives the rod into the ground so that the top of the rod is below
  surface. To ensure a good electrical connection, he makes sure that the top of the ground rod and the end of
  the ground strap are both clean and bright. Then, he uses a clamp or a nut and bolt to make a good
  mechanical and electrical connection at the ground rod.
  Alternative Materials
  6-124. If he has no ground rod, he can use water pipes, concrete reinforcing rods, metal fence posts
  (protective paint coating removed), or any length of metal. If a water system has metal pipes, he can make
  a good ground by clamping the ground strap to a water pipe. He can also use underground pipes, tanks, and
  metal building foundations.
  WARNING
  Never ground on any piping or underground tanks that contain
  flammable materials such as natural gas or gasoline.
  Soil Additives
  6-125. The operator can improve the conductivity of dry soil by adding water and chemicals such as table
  or Epsom salt to it (Epsom salt is less corrosive than table salt). First, the radio operator digs a hole around
  the ground rod. Then, he mixes and pours into it one pound of the chemical and one gallon of water. He
  should periodically add water to keep the ground damp. He can use urine in place of water, if needed.
  Multiple Ground Rods
  6-126. Using multiple ground rods can also improve the electrical ground. If he has enough ground rods,
  the operator can build a “star ground.” He drives a single rod into the center of a circle that measures about
  20 feet in diameter. Then, he drives additional ground rods around the outside of the circle. He connects
  the ground strap from the radio to the center rod, which he in turn connects to the rods along the outside of
  the circle. Finally, he connects the rods around the circle.