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

[Jerry Keller - K3BZ]

You know, Frank has a great idea. As an amateur, that's what I do too. Go and look. Do my best to 
copy what the pros do, but on an amateur scale. Be guided by actual practice, not just theory. I 
have great faith in the advice and pronouncements of the professionals we are lucky enough to have 
here on TT, but (as this thread demonstrates) there's plenty of room for professionals to disagree 
on the theoretical details. Lightning and RF don't care whether I'm a pro or a ham, so I pay 
attention, but as an amateur I just want to know what to do and how to do it...within the limits 
(physical, financial, and otherwise) imposed on me by my amateur status. All the discussion about 
the minute and arguable theoretical details just confuses me.

73,  Jerry K3BZ

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Frank Donovan" <donovanf at erols.com>
To: <towertalk at contesting.com>
Sent: Monday, January 17, 2005 7:39 AM
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] There's 'ground', and then there's 'ground'


> Keith,
>
> If you work as a professional in the industry, or if
> you're interested in spending several hundred dollars,
> purchase the EIA/TIA and IEEE grounding and bonding
> standards that provide exactly the engineering foundation
> information you are seeking.  If you want to spend the
> money, let it be known on the reflector and I'm sure
> you will get the specifics.
>
> Otherwise, I suggest you visit a commercial cell site, a
> radio transmitter site, or a large computer facility in your
> area.
>
> Let us know how many braid straps you find.  If you
> find any, let us know how long they are.
>
> 73!
> Frank
> W3LPL
> donovanf at erols.com
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Keith Dutson <kjdutson at earthlink.net>
> To: <towertalk at contesting.com>
> Sent: Sunday, January 16, 2005 3:59 PM
> Subject: RE: [TowerTalk] There's 'ground', and then there's 'ground'
>
>
>> >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
>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>>
>> See: http://www.mscomputer.com  for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless
>> Weather Stations", and lot's more.  Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with
> any
>> questions and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
>>
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>>
>> _______________________________________________
>>
>> See: http://www.mscomputer.com  for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless
> Weather Stations", and lot's more.  Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any
> questions and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> TowerTalk mailing list
>> TowerTalk at contesting.com
>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
>
> _______________________________________________
>
> See: http://www.mscomputer.com  for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless Weather Stations", and 
> lot's more.  Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any questions and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
>
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>