Would a copper plumbing pipe be a good choice for connecting a tower leg to a
ground rod (using hose clamps to keep it tight) ?
Why / Why Not?
Terry / W1TR
-----Original Message-----
From: towertalk-request@contesting.com [mailto:towertalk-request@contesting.com]
Sent: Monday, August 18, 2008 5:34 AM
To: towertalk@contesting.com
Subject: TowerTalk Digest, Vol 68, Issue 49
Send TowerTalk mailing list submissions to
towertalk@contesting.com
To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
towertalk-request@contesting.com
You can reach the person managing the list at
towertalk-owner@contesting.com
When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
than "Re: Contents of TowerTalk digest..."
Today's Topics:
1. Connection Tower to ground rods (Artmouton)
2. Re: Connection Tower to ground rods (Mark Robinson)
3. Re: Connection Tower to ground rods (Alan NV8A)
4. Re: Connection Tower to ground rods (Tom WA9WSJ)
5. Re: Connection Tower to ground rods (rwhitetexas@verizon.net)
6. Re: Connection Tower to ground rods (Roger (K8RI))
7. Re: Connection Tower to ground rods (chasm@texas.net)
8. Re: Connection Tower to ground rods (Bill MacLane)
9. Re: Heights Towers Aluminum?? (Mark - AA6DX)
10. Re: U-clamp on buy wires (K7LXC@aol.com)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: 1
Date: Sun, 17 Aug 2008 13:10:42 -0500
From: "Artmouton" <k5fnq@cox.net>
Subject: [TowerTalk] Connection Tower to ground rods
To: <towertalk@contesting.com>
Message-ID: <3BA73BD5CBB64E55A88B34F7C114BEEC@mrblonde>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
reply-type=original
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?
Then how to connect to ground rod - dissimilar metal connector?
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
the coating - so how deep and how to connect to the tower leg?
Tnx & 73,
Art K5FNQ
------------------------------
Message: 2
Date: Sun, 17 Aug 2008 14:52:31 -0400
From: Mark Robinson <markrob@mindspring.com>
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Connection Tower to ground rods
To: Artmouton <k5fnq@cox.net>, towertalk@contesting.com
Message-ID: <00b701c9009a$68299910$8700a8c0@hplaptop>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=iso-8859-1;
reply-type=original
I imagine that acetone or paint stripper should get the paint off without
destroying the galvanised surface. Just let the paint stripper sit there and
do it's stuff. Brake fluid should do the same thing given time. I would not
use abrasive techniques as it will damage the plating
I would use thick copper wire. Coax shield cannot carry the current.
Connect the wire to the rods using the Cadweld system
http://www.erico.com/products/GNkits.asp
google cadweld
73 de Mark N1UK
----- Original Message -----
From: "Artmouton" <k5fnq@cox.net>
To: <towertalk@contesting.com>
Sent: Sunday, 17 August, 2008 2:10 PM
Subject: [TowerTalk] Connection Tower to ground rods
>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?
>
> Then how to connect to ground rod - dissimilar metal connector?
>
> 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
> the coating - so how deep and how to connect to the tower leg?
> Tnx & 73,
> Art K5FNQ
>
> _______________________________________________
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> TowerTalk mailing list
> TowerTalk@contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
------------------------------
Message: 3
Date: Sun, 17 Aug 2008 15:11:13 -0400
From: Alan NV8A <nv8a@att.net>
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Connection Tower to ground rods
To: towertalk reflector <towertalk@contesting.com>
Cc: Artmouton <k5fnq@cox.net>
Message-ID: <48A877D1.9050609@att.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
On 08/17/08 02:10 pm 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?
>
> Then how to connect to ground rod - dissimilar metal connector?
>
> 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
> the coating - so how deep and how to connect to the tower leg?
I used #4 insulated stranded copper wire with bronze clamps (such as are
available at Lowe's or Home Depot) on the tower legs but separated by a
layer of stainless steel cut from a hose clamp. "Acorn" clamps (also
from Lowe's or HD) at the ground rod.
73
Alan NV8A
------------------------------
Message: 4
Date: Sun, 17 Aug 2008 12:39:41 -0700 (PDT)
From: Tom WA9WSJ <wa9wsj@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Connection Tower to ground rods
To: towertalk@contesting.com, Artmouton <k5fnq@cox.net>
Message-ID: <128074.37023.qm@web36901.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Hi Art,
I'll add my idea to the other good ideas listed, sometimes it's good to have
options, they might inspire better methods!
Please check the link below, go about 3/4 down the page.
http://www.wa9wsj.com/antenna_page.htm
Although I have a Rohn 25G tower, the stainless steel U-bolt method will
certainly work with the right size clamps for any round leg tower. Instead of a
copper backing bar, as I used, you could use aluminum or steel etc. Just need
something so the flat clamp that comes with the u-bolt doesn't bend when you
tighten it down, you'll get the idea when you see the pic.
73
Tom
--- On Sun, 8/17/08, Artmouton <k5fnq@cox.net> wrote:
> From: Artmouton <k5fnq@cox.net>
> Subject: [TowerTalk] Connection Tower to ground rods
> To: towertalk@contesting.com
> Date: Sunday, August 17, 2008, 12:10 PM
> 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?
>
> Then how to connect to ground rod - dissimilar metal
> connector?
>
> 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
> the coating - so how deep and how to connect to the tower
> leg?
> Tnx & 73,
> Art K5FNQ
>
> _______________________________________________
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> TowerTalk mailing list
> TowerTalk@contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
------------------------------
Message: 5
Date: Sun, 17 Aug 2008 14:46:41 -0500
From: <rwhitetexas@verizon.net>
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Connection Tower to ground rods
To: <towertalk@contesting.com>
Message-ID: <010f01c900a1$fab4b010$6400a8c0@RogersComputer>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=iso-8859-1;
reply-type=original
When I grounded my tower with solid copper wire, I went to Lowes expecting
to pay handsomely for solid copper wire. Well. they had 2 lengths of random
wire cut off from another job and I got them for less than their actual cost
if they would have cut it off the main roll. I saw these two pieces stuck
off to one side of the cutting machine as if they were ready for the trash.
There were a bunch of other random lengths of wire there also. So now I
check this hiding place first when buying copper wire.
Roger W5RD
----- Original Message -----
From: "Artmouton" <k5fnq@cox.net>
To: <towertalk@contesting.com>
Sent: Sunday, August 17, 2008 1:10 PM
Subject: [TowerTalk] Connection Tower to ground rods
>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?
>
> Then how to connect to ground rod - dissimilar metal connector?
>
> 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
> the coating - so how deep and how to connect to the tower leg?
> Tnx & 73,
> Art K5FNQ
>
> _______________________________________________
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> TowerTalk mailing list
> TowerTalk@contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
>
------------------------------
Message: 6
Date: Sun, 17 Aug 2008 15:49:04 -0400
From: "Roger (K8RI)" <K8RI-on-TowerTalk@tm.net>
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Connection Tower to ground rods
To: Artmouton <k5fnq@cox.net>
Cc: towertalk@contesting.com
Message-ID: <48A880B0.1040709@tm.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
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)
------------------------------
Message: 7
Date: Sun, 17 Aug 2008 15:47:03 -0500
From: chasm@texas.net
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Connection Tower to ground rods
To: Artmouton <k5fnq@cox.net>, towertalk@contesting.com
Message-ID: <48A88E47.30904@texas.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
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.
>
do you mean copper COATED steel rods which is what you find in the box
stores? I have never seen a real copper rod - certainly not in the
last 40 yrs.
also, I have found rolls of copper flashing at Home Depot (orange box)
used for roofing and that is about 6" wide, thickness escapes me but I
cut off what I need, roll it on a pipe or rod lengthwise, and then
hammer it loosely flat and then attach what is left using the clamps
you can find at
73 de chas/k5dam
//
------------------------------
Message: 8
Date: Sun, 17 Aug 2008 14:34:39 -0700 (PDT)
From: Bill MacLane <ai4wm@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Connection Tower to ground rods
To: towertalk@contesting.com, Artmouton <k5fnq@cox.net>
Message-ID: <941142.18391.qm@web57915.mail.re3.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Art,
First, do not use braid or anything like that. As it gets wet it will corrode
between all the strands. Even protected in heatshrink or other material water
will wick into it. I use copper strap where ever possible.
I lay 2 pieces across the base pedistal and when the tower is set onto it braze
the baseplate to the copper strap. At ground level ground rods may be driven
directly through the straps with the straps brazed to the top of the rods. This
requires 4 rods.
This is very similar to broadcast installations without the copper loop and
radial system.
#8 or better copper wire should be used, but remember that this may still be a
high impedance to lightning.
If you cannot or do not want to weld or braze to your tower there are
mechanical fastening methods as well as some welding methods that can be used,
but all mechanical connections will need maintained to keep a good connection.
73,
Bill
AI4WM
--- On Sun, 8/17/08, Artmouton <k5fnq@cox.net> wrote:
> From: Artmouton <k5fnq@cox.net>
> Subject: [TowerTalk] Connection Tower to ground rods
> To: towertalk@contesting.com
> Date: Sunday, August 17, 2008, 2:10 PM
> 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?
>
> Then how to connect to ground rod - dissimilar metal
> connector?
>
> 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
> the coating - so how deep and how to connect to the tower
> leg?
> Tnx & 73,
> Art K5FNQ
>
> _______________________________________________
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> TowerTalk mailing list
> TowerTalk@contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
------------------------------
Message: 9
Date: Sun, 17 Aug 2008 17:46:25 -0700
From: "Mark - AA6DX" <AA6DX@ARRL.NET>
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Heights Towers Aluminum??
To: <towertalk@contesting.com>
Message-ID: <003601c900cb$d8222fd0$6600a8c0@speed>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
reply-type=original
I was visiting my old buddies, Harbor Frieight, a couple weeks ago ... they
had on special an aluminum welding rod that advertised you only needed a
propane torch to make a super aluminum connection ... like, beams, towers,
hardware? I suppose this was what is meant by "buttering". I did not buy,
don't need any just this moment, but wonder if anyone else has tried this
product ..
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=44810
Could certainly be handy if it does an anywhere near good job...Mark
AA6DX@ARRL.NET
----- Original Message -----
From: "David H Craig" <n3db@radix.net>
To: <HansLG@aol.com>; <towertalk@contesting.com>
Sent: Friday, August 15, 2008 11:15 AM
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Fwd: Heights Towers Aluminum??
> I have no first-hand knowledge of these towers, but I am currently
> working with an experienced aluminum welder (military aircraft) on a tower
> project. Presuming arguendo this is not a "buttering" problem (cold weld
> with no penetration) it sounds as if the completed units are not
> heat-treated to bring them back to the original tensile strength.
> An example- I asked my welder friend about the practicability of
> welding
> a center-sleeve of 1 1/2" OD 1/4" wall aluminim tube into a 2" OD 1/4"
> wall
> tube so I could have a travel mast with two 8 foot sections that would
> silde
> together & bolt on just one side. He told me the tube stength would be
> compromised unless the welded portion was "baked" at the appropriate temp
> for 24-36 hours, and that in his shop (a gov't facility with top of the
> line
> gear) the "oven" can only fit 3ft long objects. To wit: "In some
> applications it is better to just use hardware and this is one of them".
>
> Why do I get the impression that the critical welded areas of these
> towers are not re-heat-treated?
>
> N3DB
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: <HansLG@aol.com>
> To: <towertalk@contesting.com>
> Sent: Friday, August 15, 2008 1:33 PM
> Subject: [TowerTalk] Fwd: Heights Towers Aluminum??
>
>
>>I am glad to get this information. The Height tower I have in my yard just
>> now is old. I noticed that some of the weld or the Z have opened and was
>> going
>> to fix that before I put the tower up. Now I may get all the welds
>> inspected
>> before I put it up. I looked at the welds before and wondered if they
>> were
>> OK, but as I am not an expert I thought they were OK. The welds that
>> brook were
>> under high tention after the Z itself bent at these places.
>>
>> Hans N2JFS
>>
>>
>>
------------------------------
Message: 10
Date: Sun, 17 Aug 2008 21:49:52 EDT
From: K7LXC@aol.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] U-clamp on buy wires
To: aa6ee@cox.net
Message-ID: <be6.31e24580.35da2f40@aol.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
In a message dated 8/17/2008 5:16:10 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,
aa6ee@cox.net writes:
> I saw the note in the ARRL Contest News & always wonder which way to
install a U-clamp on metal buy cables. Should I put the saddle part of the
clamp on the cable that goes to the tower?
Yep. The weight-bearing end of the guywire is the "live" end. The end
that goes thru the eye/bolt/etc. and back to the guy) is the "dead-end". The
saying is "Don't saddle a dead horse". In other words, don't put the saddle on
the dead end. When you do, it reduces the holding power of the clamp by 40%.
Cheers,
Steve K7LXC
TOWER TECH
**************Looking for a car that's sporty, fun and fits in your budget?
Read reviews on AOL Autos.
(http://autos.aol.com/cars-Volkswagen-Jetta-2009/expert-review?ncid=aolaut000300
00000007 )
------------------------------
_______________________________________________
TowerTalk mailing list
TowerTalk@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
End of TowerTalk Digest, Vol 68, Issue 49
*****************************************
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
TowerTalk mailing list
TowerTalk@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
|