Topband: [Bulk] Ground conductivity

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Grant,
 
Been at the same location for many years with that same Beverage 
antenna, same ground rods, optimizing it right after frost out. 
 
Have had minor variations, but never 100 ohms change like this year. 
At  both ends of the antenna. (The far end is in a, better wear your 
boots, swamp. 
 
Rain has had songs written about it  "The stain in Maine comes from 
the acid rain"   Now we have ever increasing carbon. 
 
Lawn chemicals are seldom used up here by locals.-leaches into the 
lakes, ponds, streams- increases fish problems. 
 
 73
Bruce-k1fzv
 
 
 
 

With SO2 aerosols from coal burning so reduced and acid rain likewise,
if anything, I would expect increasing ground resistance in ME, but that
depends a lot on the buffering capability of your soil (or maybe not if
it's ME granite!). I doubt climate change has much to do with seasonal
ground changes. Lawn chemicals probably also have some affect. 

It would make great paper to show direct measurement of ground RF
properties vs season. 

Grant KZ1W
Redmond, WA

On 3/29/2016 19:16 PM, K1FZ-Bruce wrote:
>
>
> Done my yearly spring maintenance of my SE single wire Beverage 
> antenna. With poor soil, It typically is best with a 350 ohm matching 
> transformer and a 330 to 350 ohm termination resistor. 
> But this year it is best with a 450 ohm matching transformer and 450 
> ohm termination resistor. 
>
> A higher value typically means more conductive soil. I do not have 
> the time, or equipment to make accurate RF ground conductivity 
> measurements now. 
>
> But got wondering where Maine gets the WX after it passes over most 
> of the lower 48 states, With climate change and the highest carbon 
> content in the air. Could rain be causing my soil to be more 
> conductive ?. 
>
> Has anyone else noticed anything like this ?
>
> 73
> Bruce-K1FZ
>
> PS: Delta,Pennant, Flag antenna notes has a new address 
> www.qsl.net/k1fz/flag_antennas.html
>
>
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