[TowerTalk] Driving ground rods in rocky soil

[Peter Dougherty]

OK, an update. I tried a different tactic. I went in at about a 60 
degree angle, against earth that's sloping about 60 degrees the other 
way (picture a sideways letter X - earth going one way, ground rod the other).

I've been able to go in about 4 feet, but not an inch more. Got the 
hose going full-on in case it's impacted clay soil, but I suspect 
it's rock or roots. Wiggling the rod end does nothing, of course.

For RF grounding (remember, this is a 160 receive loop that's going 
up, not lightning protection or for TX), do you think I can get away 
with this only 4' into the ground or must I go down 8'?

Another thought, if you think this is feasible, I could probably 
re-use one of my old cut-off ground rods (about 3 or 3.5' long) and 
drive that down as far as I can do in a different direction and bond 
my connection to both of these, if that would help.



Cheers,

Peter,
W2IRT