Viasat Satellite → Re: Grounding issues with new install

Interesting. The "word" on the HughesNet community is that the purpose of the grounding is indeed to bleed off a static charge, but for the purposes of the static charge not interfering with the satellite signal. Apparently, it serves both purposes?

Yes, if the static charge builds up a high enough voltage, there would be a spark that would generate electrical interference that could, depending on the location of the spark, be picked up by the amplifier in the TRIA disrupting the signal. It is also possible for such a spark to damage electronic components.

Well, there really is no conventional voltage component to "dish" static. In reality, ungrounded systems develop a charged ionic field, sorta like an invisible "bubble" surrounding the dish. The transmitter is one source of this field, but wind is actually a more significant source. The transmitter causes the field to be positively charged, which in turn can attract negatively charged lightning. Ground the outdoor equipment to code, and there's no ionic "bubble". A second ground is spec'd for cable (sheathing), which does two things; (a) creates a zero reference for the signal riding on the center conductor, and (b) bleeds off any residual electrical noise that may have leaked into the cable.

//greg//