Topband: Ground screen

Scott Johns petvet at adelphia.net
Sat Jun 14 23:18:09 EDT 2003


In an effort to not reinvent the wheel, I am interested in the group's
experience regarding ground screens.

I still have no idea what transmitting antenna system I will ultimately
decide upon at W3TX (and chances are I will try many over the years).
Nonetheless, all of the options share the common need of a ground screen
for best performance.

So I envision first building a 9 acre ground screen (an area large
enough to accommodate the long term imagination) with a 40 year lifespan
(to take me through retirement).

1). Are there any drawbacks to installing the groundscreen in a
rectangular pattern (with all crossing wires cadwelded) rather than the
typical radial pattern?

2). Would you use wire spacing any smaller than the 2.4 m advocated in
Low Band Dxing 3rd edition chapter 9 section 2?

3). For a 40 year lifespan what type/size of wire would be best?

4). Any other suggestions you might make if such a project was in your
future?

Best 73, Scott W3TX

W3tx at arrl.net





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