[TenTec] Grounding

[Dave Edwards]

Yes, I know....I'll get mine!!
I've had antennas in the air at 3 QTH's here in NJ for 30 something years
now.
Nothing is grounded, except for the ground lug of the AC outlet, and the
fact that the tower
is ground mounted.
Lightning storms are rare here, but I know it only takes one...So after
reading this thread, I think I'll get some clamps and heavy braid...a few
ground rods, and take care of this once and for all.
Of course....then the thing will take a direct hit and I'll have a melt
down.... That is how things usually work out!!
....Dave
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Robert & Linda McGraw K4TAX" <RMcGraw at Blomand.Net>
To: <tentec at contesting.com>
Sent: Saturday, April 24, 2004 8:15 AM
Subject: Re: [TenTec] Grounding


> I couldn't have said it better myself.  While I'm in Tennessee now, I
spent
> 15 years in S. Fl where lightning strike are some 10 times more frequent
> than here in Tennessee.
>
> On antennas, I'd comment that the word "disconnect" is implied to mean
> physically disconnected.  Disconnected via switch is of little value
except
> to reduce static build-up/discharges.  I look at it this way, if lightning
> has traveled several hundred feet than adding a couple of inches or less
of
> path through a switch is expected to do little good.
>
> One very important key to good lightning grounding is to be sure all
ground
> points, driven rods, well casings and such are all bonded together.
Failure
> to do this will present an opportunity for a "step voltage" to exist
between
> two different grounds during a near-by strike. At that time one will have
2
> grounds at different potentials.  Not good.
>
> 73
> Bob, K4TAX
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Lynn Lamb" <w4nl at charter.net>
> To: "Ten-Tec Reflector" <tentec at contesting.com>
> Sent: Friday, April 23, 2004 2:23 PM
> Subject: [TenTec] Grounding
>
>
> > This may get me flamed for going against conventional history, written
> word,
> > published engineering practices and old customs.
> >
> > Grounding:
> >
> > I ground my towers at least 3 times each with 8' rods at each leg with
00
> > off the tower at approximately the 10' level slanting to the rods.  I
> don't
> > agree lightning makes 90 degree bends.  This could and perhaps should be
> > made even better.
> >
> > I don't use ground rods at the shack since they have not worked for me.
I
> > do bond all the equipment together.  The AC is a 30 amp service via a
> > contacter (spell) which when turned off removes the service house ground
> not
> > just the 3 wire 220V.  THIS ground can and has caused problems in the
> past.
> > Each night or when required the switch is turned off.  No ground to the
> > equipment.
> >
> > All antennas are disconnected at the Nye Viking tuner, VHF rig and the
> > beverages switch input (these are truly lightning rods!).  All rotators
> have
> > quick disconnects as does the DX engineering switch controls.
> >
> > The computers/monitors/memory keyers are run from a USB and has saved my
> > bottom several times.
> >
> > We have plenty of lightning here in East Tennessee.  The cable ISP, and
> > phone lines are disconnected each evening and when storms are in the
area.
> > The phone lines are a real problem here even though protected with
filters
> > at the input of the house and at the pole.
> >
> > So I don't think ground rods help me at the house no matter how well
done.
> > I've seen concrete blown out when rods are put through it and receive a
> hit.
> >
> > Advice: Disconnect everything and pull it to the center of the room, hi.
> >
> > 73, lynn W4NL
> >
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> >
>
>
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