[TowerTalk] GROUND SYSTEMS

[jimlux]

Cqtestk4xs at aol.com wrote:
> In a message dated 7/21/2010 12:14:24 AM Greenwich Standard Time,  
> k0dan at comcast.net writes:
> 
> Copper  strap is REALLY expensive! Has anyone used welding cable with any 
> success  and longevity? Other materials? My #4 grounds are OK, but how to 
> get 
> a  lower impedance ground system without taking out a second  mortgage?
>  
> I was lucky enough to get some old air filled hardline which I  pounded 
> flat and used that.  It works if you only need short runs since it  does take 
> some time to flatten.



A round tube has basically the same inductance as the same tube 
flattened (within a few percent)

For a given amount of copper, a strip is better than a solid wire, but 
between hollow tube and strip, there's not much difference.

The difference is that a strip can carry current on both sides, while a 
tube can only carry current on the outside.  But that's true for a 
flattened tube too.

If you were to split the tube and open it up, then you're looking more 
like a strip.