Improved sensitivity in grounding search system using TV signal for phase reference

Grounding search systems need improved sensitivity to search more effectively for grounding routes. The proposed method changes the phase reference signal source from the search signal to a TV signal. A minimum signal level of 17 dBuV at the antenna terminal is needed to obtain the phase reference. Experimentation using the new system demonstrated an improvement of 40 dB in the minimum detectable level and the phase measurement deviation improved from /spl plusmn/18 degrees to /spl plusmn/8 degrees.