Artmouton wrote:
> I have hammered in two 8' copper ground rods.
> Will probably do two more later - they ain't cheap and not easy (although we
> are all dirt and gumbo mud here in South Louisiana.
>
> I now need to attach them to tower base.
>
> I have some coax type shield or some very large wire.
> Which one would be best?
>
First, I'd use the heavy wire. I use bare #2 for the entire system. I
have used several methods. One simple and effective for the heavy
stranded cable is to fan out the strands so they are parallel and then
use a couple of SS hose clamps about 4 to 6 inches apart. Then curve the
cable gently away from the tower legs to the ground rods. I'd use a
compound rather than the SS shim and then thoroughly water proof it when
finished. Remember, no sharp bends in the cable. BTW: Here we have a
mix of sand and clay in layers.
> Then how to connect to ground rod - dissimilar metal connector?
>
>
Exothermic weld. Almost any mechanical connector will looses with
time. Even the ones for the house electrical ground can often be lifted
right off the rod after only a few years, but much depends on your
climate. Being fairly wet I'd be sure to use the exothermic welds.
> How to connect to tower - Rohn 55G.
> Prior owner had painted it.
> I will brush off paint area at connection point but do not want to destroy
>
Brushing with a fine wire brush will work. Be careful with some paint
strippers as Galvanizing is quite active.
If using strippers but sure to follow the directions and wash
*thoroughly* when done.
Roger (K8RI - ARRL Life Member)
www.rogerhalstead.com
N833R (World's oldest Debonair)
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