[IRCA] Ground radials was New receiver ground

[Bill Harms <philcobill@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

To change the subject a little bit, how about using counterpoise radials 
instead of ground rods? You can lay the wire on the ground or bury by 
just covering it.  What are the pros and cons of using radials instead 
of ground rods? How about using both of them at the same time.  I use 
radials for my K9AY and have a couple on one of my EWE antennas in 
addition to a ground rod.

Bill

Patrick Martin wrote:
> Hi everyone,
> 
> After I read about Bill Block's addition of a new 10 foot piece of
> copper pipe pounded into the ground for his receiver there in Prescott
> Valley AZ, this morning I stopped by a lumberyard in Gearhart (near
> Seaside), and picked up one 10 foot piece of copper pipe like I have
> been installing for the EWE and beverage antennas. But in those cases I
> would cut the piping in two pieces, fiquring with how wet the soil is
> here, a series of 5 foot copper pipes would be plenty. After all the
> yard is loaded with copper piping as I have been installing more and
> more. But one ground I have not made a change in since I moved in out
> here was the receiver ground.  The single 5 foot copperclad Radio Shack
> rod was in the ground under the house. Lightening is very rare here, so
> I never was concerned anyway.  So, I thought, I should install something
> better than that for the receivers. I have all three (R8, SPR4, and
> R1000) tied to the one single 5 foot rod for well over 20 years. Well, I
> thought, why not put the whole 10 foot copper pipe in the ground instead
> of cutting in two. I found a soft spot about a foot from where the old
> one is and pushed the 10 foot rod into the ground maybe 18 inches. I
> then got the ladder out and climbed up and started to pound the 10 foot
> section strainght into the ground. It took some effort, but 20 minutes
> later only 2 inches stuck out. Fortunally no big tree roots or rocks.
> The question everyone is asking, was it worth the effort? Probably not,
> but it did made a slight difference in the noise level. You can hear it
> with your ear by disconnecting the new ground leaving the old one, but
> will it make any difference DXwise? I kind of doubt it, but who knows?
> But at least that ground to the receivers is a good one now.. I think I
> have come to the end as any more ground rods I add will make little
> difference here, with our wet soil.  And my arms are getting tired. hi.
> 
> 73,
> 
> Patrick
> 
> Patrick Martin
> KAVT Reception Manager
> 



-- 
Bill Harms
Elkridge, Maryland
Check out the Spokane Radio History Pages
http://spokane.philcobill.com
_______________________________________________
IRCA mailing list
IRCA@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca

Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers

For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org

To Post a message: irca@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx