I'd think there may be an electrolisis problem hooking copper to steel. I
know on my verticals, I have copper from the center conductor of the coax
hooked to the aluminum tubing and I'm forever having to clean the crud off
at the joint. 73
Tom W7WHY
> Would a copper plumbing pipe be a good choice for connecting a tower leg
> to a
> ground rod (using hose clamps to keep it tight) ?
> Why / Why Not?
>
> Terry / W1TR
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: towertalk-request@contesting.com
> [mailto:towertalk-request@contesting.com]
>
> Sent: Monday, August 18, 2008 5:34 AM
> To: towertalk@contesting.com
> Subject: TowerTalk Digest, Vol 68, Issue 49
>
> Send TowerTalk mailing list submissions to
> towertalk@contesting.com
>
> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
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>
> You can reach the person managing the list at
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>
> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
> than "Re: Contents of TowerTalk digest..."
>
>
> Today's Topics:
>
> 1. Connection Tower to ground rods (Artmouton)
> 2. Re: Connection Tower to ground rods (Mark Robinson)
> 3. Re: Connection Tower to ground rods (Alan NV8A)
> 4. Re: Connection Tower to ground rods (Tom WA9WSJ)
> 5. Re: Connection Tower to ground rods (rwhitetexas@verizon.net)
> 6. Re: Connection Tower to ground rods (Roger (K8RI))
> 7. Re: Connection Tower to ground rods (chasm@texas.net)
> 8. Re: Connection Tower to ground rods (Bill MacLane)
> 9. Re: Heights Towers Aluminum?? (Mark - AA6DX)
> 10. Re: U-clamp on buy wires (K7LXC@aol.com)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Sun, 17 Aug 2008 13:10:42 -0500
> From: "Artmouton" <k5fnq@cox.net>
> Subject: [TowerTalk] Connection Tower to ground rods
> To: <towertalk@contesting.com>
> Message-ID: <3BA73BD5CBB64E55A88B34F7C114BEEC@mrblonde>
> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
> reply-type=original
>
> I have hammered in two 8' copper ground rods.
> Will probably do two more later - they ain't cheap and not easy (although
> we
> are all dirt and gumbo mud here in South Louisiana.
>
> I now need to attach them to tower base.
>
> I have some coax type shield or some very large wire.
> Which one would be best?
>
> Then how to connect to ground rod - dissimilar metal connector?
>
> How to connect to tower - Rohn 55G.
> Prior owner had painted it.
> I will brush off paint area at connection point but do not want to destroy
> the coating - so how deep and how to connect to the tower leg?
> Tnx & 73,
> Art K5FNQ
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 2
> Date: Sun, 17 Aug 2008 14:52:31 -0400
> From: Mark Robinson <markrob@mindspring.com>
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Connection Tower to ground rods
> To: Artmouton <k5fnq@cox.net>, towertalk@contesting.com
> Message-ID: <00b701c9009a$68299910$8700a8c0@hplaptop>
> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=iso-8859-1;
> reply-type=original
>
> I imagine that acetone or paint stripper should get the paint off without
> destroying the galvanised surface. Just let the paint stripper sit there
> and
> do it's stuff. Brake fluid should do the same thing given time. I would
> not
> use abrasive techniques as it will damage the plating
>
>
> I would use thick copper wire. Coax shield cannot carry the current.
> Connect the wire to the rods using the Cadweld system
>
> http://www.erico.com/products/GNkits.asp
>
> google cadweld
>
> 73 de Mark N1UK
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Artmouton" <k5fnq@cox.net>
> To: <towertalk@contesting.com>
> Sent: Sunday, 17 August, 2008 2:10 PM
> Subject: [TowerTalk] Connection Tower to ground rods
>
>
>>I have hammered in two 8' copper ground rods.
>> Will probably do two more later - they ain't cheap and not easy (although
>> we
>> are all dirt and gumbo mud here in South Louisiana.
>>
>> I now need to attach them to tower base.
>>
>> I have some coax type shield or some very large wire.
>> Which one would be best?
>>
>> Then how to connect to ground rod - dissimilar metal connector?
>>
>> How to connect to tower - Rohn 55G.
>> Prior owner had painted it.
>> I will brush off paint area at connection point but do not want to
>> destroy
>> the coating - so how deep and how to connect to the tower leg?
>> Tnx & 73,
>> Art K5FNQ
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> TowerTalk mailing list
>> TowerTalk@contesting.com
>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 3
> Date: Sun, 17 Aug 2008 15:11:13 -0400
> From: Alan NV8A <nv8a@att.net>
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Connection Tower to ground rods
> To: towertalk reflector <towertalk@contesting.com>
> Cc: Artmouton <k5fnq@cox.net>
> Message-ID: <48A877D1.9050609@att.net>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
>
> On 08/17/08 02:10 pm Artmouton wrote:
>
>> I have hammered in two 8' copper ground rods.
>> Will probably do two more later - they ain't cheap and not easy (although
>> we
>> are all dirt and gumbo mud here in South Louisiana.
>>
>> I now need to attach them to tower base.
>>
>> I have some coax type shield or some very large wire.
>> Which one would be best?
>>
>> Then how to connect to ground rod - dissimilar metal connector?
>>
>> How to connect to tower - Rohn 55G.
>> Prior owner had painted it.
>> I will brush off paint area at connection point but do not want to
>> destroy
>> the coating - so how deep and how to connect to the tower leg?
>
> I used #4 insulated stranded copper wire with bronze clamps (such as are
> available at Lowe's or Home Depot) on the tower legs but separated by a
> layer of stainless steel cut from a hose clamp. "Acorn" clamps (also
> from Lowe's or HD) at the ground rod.
>
> 73
>
> Alan NV8A
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 4
> Date: Sun, 17 Aug 2008 12:39:41 -0700 (PDT)
> From: Tom WA9WSJ <wa9wsj@yahoo.com>
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Connection Tower to ground rods
> To: towertalk@contesting.com, Artmouton <k5fnq@cox.net>
> Message-ID: <128074.37023.qm@web36901.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
>
> Hi Art,
>
> I'll add my idea to the other good ideas listed, sometimes it's good to
> have
> options, they might inspire better methods!
>
> Please check the link below, go about 3/4 down the page.
>
> http://www.wa9wsj.com/antenna_page.htm
>
> Although I have a Rohn 25G tower, the stainless steel U-bolt method will
> certainly work with the right size clamps for any round leg tower. Instead
> of a
> copper backing bar, as I used, you could use aluminum or steel etc. Just
> need
> something so the flat clamp that comes with the u-bolt doesn't bend when
> you
> tighten it down, you'll get the idea when you see the pic.
>
> 73
> Tom
>
>
> --- On Sun, 8/17/08, Artmouton <k5fnq@cox.net> wrote:
>
>> From: Artmouton <k5fnq@cox.net>
>> Subject: [TowerTalk] Connection Tower to ground rods
>> To: towertalk@contesting.com
>> Date: Sunday, August 17, 2008, 12:10 PM
>> I have hammered in two 8' copper ground rods.
>> Will probably do two more later - they ain't cheap and
>> not easy (although we
>> are all dirt and gumbo mud here in South Louisiana.
>>
>> I now need to attach them to tower base.
>>
>> I have some coax type shield or some very large wire.
>> Which one would be best?
>>
>> Then how to connect to ground rod - dissimilar metal
>> connector?
>>
>> How to connect to tower - Rohn 55G.
>> Prior owner had painted it.
>> I will brush off paint area at connection point but do not
>> want to destroy
>> the coating - so how deep and how to connect to the tower
>> leg?
>> Tnx & 73,
>> Art K5FNQ
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> TowerTalk mailing list
>> TowerTalk@contesting.com
>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 5
> Date: Sun, 17 Aug 2008 14:46:41 -0500
> From: <rwhitetexas@verizon.net>
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Connection Tower to ground rods
> To: <towertalk@contesting.com>
> Message-ID: <010f01c900a1$fab4b010$6400a8c0@RogersComputer>
> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=iso-8859-1;
> reply-type=original
>
> When I grounded my tower with solid copper wire, I went to Lowes expecting
> to pay handsomely for solid copper wire. Well. they had 2 lengths of
> random
> wire cut off from another job and I got them for less than their actual
> cost
> if they would have cut it off the main roll. I saw these two pieces stuck
> off to one side of the cutting machine as if they were ready for the
> trash.
> There were a bunch of other random lengths of wire there also. So now I
> check this hiding place first when buying copper wire.
>
> Roger W5RD
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Artmouton" <k5fnq@cox.net>
> To: <towertalk@contesting.com>
> Sent: Sunday, August 17, 2008 1:10 PM
> Subject: [TowerTalk] Connection Tower to ground rods
>
>
>>I have hammered in two 8' copper ground rods.
>> Will probably do two more later - they ain't cheap and not easy (although
>> we
>> are all dirt and gumbo mud here in South Louisiana.
>>
>> I now need to attach them to tower base.
>>
>> I have some coax type shield or some very large wire.
>> Which one would be best?
>>
>> Then how to connect to ground rod - dissimilar metal connector?
>>
>> How to connect to tower - Rohn 55G.
>> Prior owner had painted it.
>> I will brush off paint area at connection point but do not want to
>> destroy
>> the coating - so how deep and how to connect to the tower leg?
>> Tnx & 73,
>> Art K5FNQ
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> TowerTalk mailing list
>> TowerTalk@contesting.com
>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
>>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 6
> Date: Sun, 17 Aug 2008 15:49:04 -0400
> From: "Roger (K8RI)" <K8RI-on-TowerTalk@tm.net>
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Connection Tower to ground rods
> To: Artmouton <k5fnq@cox.net>
> Cc: towertalk@contesting.com
> Message-ID: <48A880B0.1040709@tm.net>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
>
> Artmouton wrote:
>> I have hammered in two 8' copper ground rods.
>> Will probably do two more later - they ain't cheap and not easy (although
>> we
>> are all dirt and gumbo mud here in South Louisiana.
>>
>> I now need to attach them to tower base.
>>
>> I have some coax type shield or some very large wire.
>> Which one would be best?
>>
> First, I'd use the heavy wire. I use bare #2 for the entire system. I
> have used several methods. One simple and effective for the heavy
> stranded cable is to fan out the strands so they are parallel and then
> use a couple of SS hose clamps about 4 to 6 inches apart. Then curve the
> cable gently away from the tower legs to the ground rods. I'd use a
> compound rather than the SS shim and then thoroughly water proof it when
> finished. Remember, no sharp bends in the cable. BTW: Here we have a
> mix of sand and clay in layers.
>> Then how to connect to ground rod - dissimilar metal connector?
>>
>>
> Exothermic weld. Almost any mechanical connector will looses with
> time. Even the ones for the house electrical ground can often be lifted
> right off the rod after only a few years, but much depends on your
> climate. Being fairly wet I'd be sure to use the exothermic welds.
>> How to connect to tower - Rohn 55G.
>> Prior owner had painted it.
>> I will brush off paint area at connection point but do not want to
>> destroy
>>
> Brushing with a fine wire brush will work. Be careful with some paint
> strippers as Galvanizing is quite active.
> If using strippers but sure to follow the directions and wash
> *thoroughly* when done.
>
> Roger (K8RI - ARRL Life Member)
> www.rogerhalstead.com
> N833R (World's oldest Debonair)
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 7
> Date: Sun, 17 Aug 2008 15:47:03 -0500
> From: chasm@texas.net
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Connection Tower to ground rods
> To: Artmouton <k5fnq@cox.net>, towertalk@contesting.com
> Message-ID: <48A88E47.30904@texas.net>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
>
> Artmouton wrote:
>> I have hammered in two 8' copper ground rods.
>> Will probably do two more later - they ain't cheap and not easy (although
>> we
>> are all dirt and gumbo mud here in South Louisiana.
>>
>
>
> do you mean copper COATED steel rods which is what you find in the box
> stores? I have never seen a real copper rod - certainly not in the
> last 40 yrs.
>
> also, I have found rolls of copper flashing at Home Depot (orange box)
> used for roofing and that is about 6" wide, thickness escapes me but I
> cut off what I need, roll it on a pipe or rod lengthwise, and then
> hammer it loosely flat and then attach what is left using the clamps
> you can find at
>
>
> 73 de chas/k5dam
>
>
> //
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 8
> Date: Sun, 17 Aug 2008 14:34:39 -0700 (PDT)
> From: Bill MacLane <ai4wm@yahoo.com>
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Connection Tower to ground rods
> To: towertalk@contesting.com, Artmouton <k5fnq@cox.net>
> Message-ID: <941142.18391.qm@web57915.mail.re3.yahoo.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
>
> Art,
> First, do not use braid or anything like that. As it gets wet it will
> corrode
> between all the strands. Even protected in heatshrink or other material
> water
> will wick into it. I use copper strap where ever possible.
>
> I lay 2 pieces across the base pedistal and when the tower is set onto it
> braze
> the baseplate to the copper strap. At ground level ground rods may be
> driven
> directly through the straps with the straps brazed to the top of the rods.
> This
> requires 4 rods.
>
>
> This is very similar to broadcast installations without the copper loop
> and
> radial system.
>
> #8 or better copper wire should be used, but remember that this may still
> be a
> high impedance to lightning.
>
> If you cannot or do not want to weld or braze to your tower there are
> mechanical fastening methods as well as some welding methods that can be
> used,
> but all mechanical connections will need maintained to keep a good
> connection.
>
> 73,
> Bill
> AI4WM
>
>
> --- On Sun, 8/17/08, Artmouton <k5fnq@cox.net> wrote:
>
>> From: Artmouton <k5fnq@cox.net>
>> Subject: [TowerTalk] Connection Tower to ground rods
>> To: towertalk@contesting.com
>> Date: Sunday, August 17, 2008, 2:10 PM
>> I have hammered in two 8' copper ground rods.
>> Will probably do two more later - they ain't cheap and
>> not easy (although we
>> are all dirt and gumbo mud here in South Louisiana.
>>
>> I now need to attach them to tower base.
>>
>> I have some coax type shield or some very large wire.
>> Which one would be best?
>>
>> Then how to connect to ground rod - dissimilar metal
>> connector?
>>
>> How to connect to tower - Rohn 55G.
>> Prior owner had painted it.
>> I will brush off paint area at connection point but do not
>> want to destroy
>> the coating - so how deep and how to connect to the tower
>> leg?
>> Tnx & 73,
>> Art K5FNQ
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> TowerTalk mailing list
>> TowerTalk@contesting.com
>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 9
> Date: Sun, 17 Aug 2008 17:46:25 -0700
> From: "Mark - AA6DX" <AA6DX@ARRL.NET>
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Heights Towers Aluminum??
> To: <towertalk@contesting.com>
> Message-ID: <003601c900cb$d8222fd0$6600a8c0@speed>
> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
> reply-type=original
>
> I was visiting my old buddies, Harbor Frieight, a couple weeks ago ...
> they
> had on special an aluminum welding rod that advertised you only needed a
> propane torch to make a super aluminum connection ... like, beams, towers,
> hardware? I suppose this was what is meant by "buttering". I did not
> buy,
> don't need any just this moment, but wonder if anyone else has tried this
> product ..
> http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=44810
> Could certainly be handy if it does an anywhere near good job...Mark
> AA6DX@ARRL.NET
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "David H Craig" <n3db@radix.net>
> To: <HansLG@aol.com>; <towertalk@contesting.com>
> Sent: Friday, August 15, 2008 11:15 AM
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Fwd: Heights Towers Aluminum??
>
>
>> I have no first-hand knowledge of these towers, but I am currently
>> working with an experienced aluminum welder (military aircraft) on a
>> tower
>> project. Presuming arguendo this is not a "buttering" problem (cold weld
>> with no penetration) it sounds as if the completed units are not
>> heat-treated to bring them back to the original tensile strength.
>> An example- I asked my welder friend about the practicability of
>> welding
>> a center-sleeve of 1 1/2" OD 1/4" wall aluminim tube into a 2" OD 1/4"
>> wall
>> tube so I could have a travel mast with two 8 foot sections that would
>> silde
>> together & bolt on just one side. He told me the tube stength would be
>> compromised unless the welded portion was "baked" at the appropriate temp
>> for 24-36 hours, and that in his shop (a gov't facility with top of the
>> line
>> gear) the "oven" can only fit 3ft long objects. To wit: "In some
>> applications it is better to just use hardware and this is one of them".
>>
>> Why do I get the impression that the critical welded areas of these
>> towers are not re-heat-treated?
>>
>> N3DB
>>
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: <HansLG@aol.com>
>> To: <towertalk@contesting.com>
>> Sent: Friday, August 15, 2008 1:33 PM
>> Subject: [TowerTalk] Fwd: Heights Towers Aluminum??
>>
>>
>>>I am glad to get this information. The Height tower I have in my yard
>>>just
>>> now is old. I noticed that some of the weld or the Z have opened and was
>>> going
>>> to fix that before I put the tower up. Now I may get all the welds
>>> inspected
>>> before I put it up. I looked at the welds before and wondered if they
>>> were
>>> OK, but as I am not an expert I thought they were OK. The welds that
>>> brook were
>>> under high tention after the Z itself bent at these places.
>>>
>>> Hans N2JFS
>>>
>>>
>>>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 10
> Date: Sun, 17 Aug 2008 21:49:52 EDT
> From: K7LXC@aol.com
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] U-clamp on buy wires
> To: aa6ee@cox.net
> Message-ID: <be6.31e24580.35da2f40@aol.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
>
>
> In a message dated 8/17/2008 5:16:10 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,
> aa6ee@cox.net writes:
>
>> I saw the note in the ARRL Contest News & always wonder which way to
> install a U-clamp on metal buy cables. Should I put the saddle part of
> the
> clamp on the cable that goes to the tower?
>
> Yep. The weight-bearing end of the guywire is the "live" end. The end
> that goes thru the eye/bolt/etc. and back to the guy) is the "dead-end".
> The
> saying is "Don't saddle a dead horse". In other words, don't put the
> saddle on
> the dead end. When you do, it reduces the holding power of the clamp by
> 40%.
>
> Cheers,
> Steve K7LXC
> TOWER TECH
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> **************Looking for a car that's sporty, fun and fits in your
> budget?
> Read reviews on AOL Autos.
> (http://autos.aol.com/cars-Volkswagen-Jetta-2009/expert-review?ncid=aolaut000300
> 00000007 )
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> _______________________________________________
> TowerTalk mailing list
> TowerTalk@contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
>
>
> End of TowerTalk Digest, Vol 68, Issue 49
> *****************************************
>
>
> _______________________________________________
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> TowerTalk mailing list
> TowerTalk@contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
>
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