[TowerTalk] Re: [Antennas] Ground System suggested for QRO Amps

[K7LXC@aol.com]

In a message dated 99-04-13 07:39:40 EDT, w8ji@contesting.com writes:

> > Drive one  ground rod in.  Then measure straight up about 5 feet,  and put
>  > in another rod.  From that rod, go towards the upper right,  at a 45
>  > degree angle a distance of 3 feet,  in goes another rod.  From that rod,
>  > go left 4 feet,  and plant another one.  Now you have a pattern something
>  > as follows:            __
>  >                                      /
>  >                                      |              
>  > 
>  > Lengths in that are not to scale,  but the shape is close to correct,  
hi.
>  
>  Why drive a rod in at an angle??  What is the magic in the odd 
>  spacings?

      This particular scenario was a mystery to me also. I've *never* seen 
anything like this in any grounding reference. Generally the useful 
hemisphere of a ground rod is equal to it's length. That is, a ten-foot 
ground rod will have a ten-foot hemisphere of influence. You would space 
ground rods at 1/2 the hemisphere distance times 2 (since you've got 2 ground 
rods). This would be ten feet for a ten foot rod. When they're closer and the 
hemispheres overlap, you're not taking advantage of the full sphere of 
influence.
 
      The rods and ground wires are generally set out in a 'wheel and spoke' 
arrangement. I don't have any idea what the idea for a "?" design would be. 

Cheers,   Steve   K7LXC


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