[TowerTalk] Fw: Grounding HDX-555

[Ron W8RJL]

Regarding why drive the end of the ground rod 6" below ground, it is so it 
won't be a trip hazard. The solution is just go to the hardware store and 
buy the round fiberglass/plastic device with lid that is designed to house 
lawn watering valves etc. Drive the ground rod, Use post hole digger to get 
the round fiberglass housing into the ground. The rod sticks up in the 
middle of the round opening. The ground wire from the clamp at the rod to 
the tower leg goes under the bottom edge of the fiberglass device or you can 
punch a hole in the side if you don't want your ground wire that deep. This 
makes it possible to inspect the mechanical clamp each year. Suggest you 
make a diagram as to where they are located because the grass has a tendancy 
to grow over the cover plate. I have 6 of these in my yard, I think they 
cost about $6 each about 15 years ago. They work great.  73, Ron W8RJL
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Gene Smar" <ersmar at verizon.net>
To: "Patrick Greenlee" <patrick_g at windstream.net>; 
<TOWERTALK at contesting.com>
Sent: Sunday, May 05, 2013 3:11 PM
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Grounding HDX-555


> Patrick:
>
>     I would not bury a mechanical ground clamp.  It can't easily be 
> checked and retightened each year.  I would use a longer ground rod and 
> leave six inches or so above ground and apply the clamp there.  A welded 
> connection such as Cadweld can be buried and forgotten.  My 132 feet or so 
> of #2 solid ground wire is attached to 12 copper ground rods with that 
> method.
>
>
> 73 de
> Gene Smar  AD3F
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Patrick Greenlee" <patrick_g at windstream.net>
> To: <TOWERTALK at contesting.com>
> Sent: Sunday, May 05, 2013 2:59 PM
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Grounding HDX-555
>
>
>> While on the grounding topic... why do some sources recommend burying the 
>> wire clamp to copper ground rod connection a minimum of 6 inches?
>>
>> Patrick AF5CK
>>
>> -----Original Message----- 
>> From: Alan NV8A
>> Sent: Sunday, May 05, 2013 1:39 PM
>> To: TOWERTALK at contesting.com
>> Cc: Brad Hyde
>> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Grounding HDX-555
>>
>> On 05/05/13 12:19 pm, Brad Hyde wrote:
>>
>>> I am in the process of erecting an HDX-555.  I have the hole dug and 
>>> most of the rebar cage built.  My question is about the best method of 
>>> grounding.  Should I place a copper cable at the bottom of the hole and 
>>> then attach it to the tower?  This method would have the cable immersed 
>>> in the concrete which makes me wonder about that much heat going into 
>>> the concrete if lightning hits, even if it is just on the edge of the 
>>> concrete.  The other method I am thinking of would be three ground rods 
>>> placed around the tower and connected together and to the tower with 
>>> copper strap and/or very heavy copper wire.  Just looking for input from 
>>> the collective knowledge of this group as I am in a lightning prone area 
>>> in west Texas.  Thanks.
>>
>> I have #4 copper connected to each leg of my HDX-555 (with
>> stainless-steel shims as separators to avoid corrosion), and each
>> running to an 8ft. copper-clad ground rod about 10ft. away.
>>
>> 73
>>
>> Alan NV8A
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