[TowerTalk] Re: 160 M INV L - GROUND RADIAL CONNECTION RECOMMENDATIONS?

[Tom Sykes]

Here's some additional info on my planned Inverted L installation (as
requested by N4KG):

The  tower height will be 95 feet.   In the spring I plan to install a small
tribander and  a 2 el 40M yagi at the top of the tower.  The tower will be
guyed in 3 places, per Rohn 25 specs.  I'm planning to break up the guys
with insulators.  However I was not planning to insulate the first length
guys from the tower unless someone convinces me to do otherwise.

I'm hoping to get the inverted L working a few months before I install the
yagis (for obvious  reason$).  I realize that the yagis will change the
characteristics of the inverted L but I'm hoping that the inverted L will
perform well enough to make a few winter time contacts.

73,

Tom, NU7J




-----Original Message-----
From: Tom Sykes <nu7j@webcombo.net>
To: towertalk@contesting.com <towertalk@contesting.com>
Date: Thursday, January 27, 2000 4:51 PM
Subject: 160 M INV L - GROUND RADIAL CONNECTION RECOMMENDATIONS?


>Esteemed TT colleagues:
>
>I'm finally getting motivated to install  a half-way decent antenna for
160.
>
>I plan to erect an inverted-L, using my tower (Rohn 25) as a support for
the
>wire.  I plan to start with 16 or 32 radials (some laid on the ground and
>some buried) and add additional radials as time and energy permit.
>
>1. What are the best methods to connect the radials and coax shield?  I've
>seen "radial busses" advertised but I'm not sure if they're worthwhile, or
>if there's a better method.  I'd like to have a convenient way to add
>radials in the future.
>
>Here's a link to a company which sells a radial buss.  (A radial buss is a
>round piece of metal with connection points around the perimeter).  I think
>I've seen a second type of radial buss advertised but I haven't been able
to
>find this info.  I imagine many of you have home brewed radial busses.
>
>http://www.qth.com/lance/GP-1.html
>
>2. How close should the base of the L be to the tower base, to avoid
>interaction?
>
>3.  Is it necessary to maintain separation between the inverted L radial
>system and the tower ground system?
>The tower will be grounded on 3 sides with 8 foot ground rods.  (Can't
>imagine how it would be possible for the wires not to cross at some point).
>
>4.  If I choose to use a variable capacitor in line with the coax center
>conductor, as suggested in the ARRL antenna book and other publications,
how
>do you recommend weather proofing the capacitor/coax connection?  If a
>weatherproof container or some sort is used, what method do you recommend
>for the wire to pass through the container?
>
>Any suggestions you can provide would be appreciated!
>
>73,
>
>Tom, NU7J
>
>
>
>
>
>


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