Wingbits, to ground or not to ground? and failing wingbits LNA

The wingbits MGW310 and WB200 are receiving antennas placed outside in the open air. The installation instructions show antennas mounted to walls but no information on proper grounding of said antenna. The photo examples show an antenna mounted but no ground wire. A ground wire is a copper wire attached from the base of the unit and runs to an earth ground rod, usually next to the electric meter. The power supply is an isolated switching supply that isolates ground from the power circuit to prevent ground loop electrical issues. The power supply has no ground wire.

I asked this over in the wingbits discord forum but was told to go contact hyfix. Around here the impression is I won’t hear anything from hyfix for a week or two so thought I’d comment here.

Antennas in the open air can build up static electricity. I am thinking this could be the cause of the failing receivers and I thought this would be a serious consideration to help mitigate any future failures. The indication is the units designed by hyfix have built in TVS diode to prevent static electricity damage to the receivers but if the circuit doesn’t have a connection to ground then the TVS diodes can’t fully protect the receiver. The charge has nowhere to go. Nobody could answer if the base bolt on the unit was a grounding bolt or the internal electronics are isolated from the bolt. If the electronics are isolated, then no grounding wire would be helpful. Nothing will stop a direct lightning strike but ground helps minimize the chance.

Here’s an answer from grok AI

Should a ground based ads-b receiver antenna be grounded or floating?

A ground-based ADS-B receiver antenna should be grounded for safety and performance reasons. Here's why:

1. Lightning Protection: Grounding the antenna helps protect the system from lightning strikes by providing a path for electrical surges to dissipate safely into the ground, reducing the risk of damage to the receiver or connected equipment.

2. Static Discharge: Antennas can accumulate static electricity, especially in dry or windy conditions. Grounding prevents static buildup, which could otherwise interfere with the receiver's operation or cause damage.

3. Signal Integrity: A properly grounded antenna can reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) and noise, improving the clarity of the received ADS-B signals.

4. Safety: Grounding minimizes the risk of electrical shock to users and protects equipment from power surges or faults.

### Key Considerations:

- Grounding Method: The antenna should be connected to a proper grounding system, typically involving a ground rod or a grounding bus tied to the building's electrical ground. Use a low-impedance path to ensure effective grounding.

- Coaxial Cable: The coaxial cable's shield should also be grounded, often at the entry point to the building, to prevent noise ingress.

- Lightning Arrestor: Installing a lightning arrestor or surge protector in the coaxial line adds an extra layer of protection.

- Floating Antennas: Leaving the antenna "floating" (ungrounded) is generally not recommended, as it increases the risk of static buildup, lightning damage, and interference, especially for outdoor installations.

### Exceptions:

- Indoor Antennas: If the ADS-B antenna is indoors and not exposed to weather or static buildup, grounding may be less critical, but it’s still good practice to ground the system if possible.

- Manufacturer Guidelines: Always follow the specific recommendations of the antenna and receiver manufacturer, as some systems may have unique requirements.

For optimal performance and safety, ensure the grounding complies with local electrical codes and standards (e.g., NEC in the U.S.). If you're unsure, consult a licensed electrician or RF professional.

_______________________

The manufacturer currently has no guidance on this nor wingbits.

As an example, let me tell you a real life story of a house on a hill. This hill is surrounded by trees all by itself. The house is an old house with 5 lightning rods on the roof with 3 ground rods all connected. However due to theives the braided copper wire between the ground and 8 feet up were missing. In this house when lightning storms passed you could hear the lightning hit very close by and see it on the local radar lighting strikes. several trees next to the house show signs of damage from lightning strikes.

These missing copper wires were replaced and the Lightning rods returned to operation.. What you can’t see is how these lightning rods discharge the static electricity in the air. But, during the subsequent storms you could see and hear a difference in the lightning strikes. the lightning radar showed a pattern avoiding the area around the house and the strikes did not sound as close as previously. The lighning rods caused the strikes to move away from the house.

I have my wingbits grounded unless someone tells me the lower mounting bolt isn’t used as a safety feature. If not, maybe there is an antenna lightning protector that could be attached between the unit and the antenna.

As a matter of fact, back in the old days of TV antennas when you received an exterior antenna kit they would have a disclaimer flyer in the instructions with graphics on proper grounding and connecting of the antenna to follow local electrical code.