[TowerTalk] There's 'ground', and then there's 'ground'

[Keith Dutson]

>Its been well proven that braided strap has far too much inductance to be
of any utility above 2 MHz.

OK.  So where is the proof?

I am thinking any writing you can find is based on the use of braid that of
poor manufacture or has corroded, or both.  Poor or corroded braid can act
like many very small wires to create substantial impedance.  However, well
constructed braid acts more like a solid bar of metal, but with the
flexibility required for many installations.

Keith NM5G

-----Original Message-----
From: towertalk-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Frank Donovan
Sent: Sunday, January 16, 2005 10:35 AM
To: towertalk at contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] There's 'ground', and then there's 'ground'

Here's a clarification, pointed out by an attentive towertalkian:

My previous e-mail was not intended to refer to cables that use a braided
shield under a jacket.  A tight jacket compresses the braid and it's a very
effective RF conductor, provided that the braid is not corroded.

Rather, my comment was intended to apply to to the inappropriate use of
braided strap for RF grounding or lightning protection.  Its been well
proven that braided strap has far too much inductance to be of any utility
above 2 MHz.

So...   Lets try again:

Discard all forms of "braided" strap. 
Braid is something a girl does to her hair.
Braided strap is a poor RF conductor and it's a terrible conductor of
lightning energy.
 
Use braided strap only for DC and audio applications, its just an inductor
for RF or lightning protection applications.

Here's an excellent reference from the many industry sources on this topic:
http://members.cox.net/pc-usa/station/ground5.htm

73!
Frank
W3LPL
donovanf at erols.com



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