Cruising Sailors Forum Archive

SSB ground foil and Autopilot wiring

I posted previously about an issue where my SSB knocks the Autopilot off course when transmitting. Based on research and responses here, this spring I will run the SSB power feed direct from the battery (with a fuse near the battery) to isolate it from the DC panel, and will also install a line isolator between the SSB and the tuner. I'll also route the antenna line away from existing electrical wiring.

I'm also replacing the copper ground foil which runs from the backstay tuner to a keel bolt. The Autopilot power feed runs athwartship under the cabin floor, and crosses the foil at one point. The AP compass and associated wires are also in proximity to the foil in the upper bilge area. Is there enough RF interference in the copper ground foil to potentially cause issues in the autopilot DC power feed, or the Compass Unit? I'm guessing not, but I don't understand these things as well as some of you folks here.

Thanks once again for any insight.

Max

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