John,
Proper material selection for permanent critical installations is
important to ensure functionality and integrity. The individual involved
likely did not consider longevity a real issue and used low cost materials.
There are several methods of galvanizing and some provide much more
corrosion protection than others. In my experience materials for permanent
installations use the hot dip method of galvanizing.
Proper inspection and maintenance of permanent installations is also very
important to ensure their functionality and integrity.
Robie AJ4F
On Mon, Nov 3, 2025 at 5:10 PM <john@kk9a.com> wrote:
> If your soil eats up galvanized steel that quickly I would be very
> concerned
> about the buried galvanized rod on dead-man type guy anchors.
>
> John KK9A
>
> Robie Elms AJ4F wrote:
>
> All,
>
> In early 2025 a local ham passed away. His widow asked me to dismantle his
> station and sell the equipment. He lived on a suburban lot and used a
> SteppIR vertical. Some years ago he described the installation which
> consisted of several pieces of galvanized fencing, bonded together as his
> "radial system". The system performed well based on his feedback and
> monitoring his on the air performance. I was asked to remove the
> antenna. When I did so I found that the galvanized fencing near the base
> of the antenna had completely disintegrated. I did not find any solid
> "wire" within about 18" of the antenna base. Corrosion had taken its toll
> on the installation. Since I was removing the antenna I did not
> investigate any further.
>
> I'm not sharing this to discourage individuals from taking this approach,
> but simply to point out one potential issue.
>
> Some further information:
>
> 1. The antenna was located in EL29, about 5 miles from Galveston Bay
> 2. The soil is "gumbo clay" and remains wet much of the year.
> 3. I use locally sourced galvanized fencing for traditional purposes and
> notice that some of it begins rusting within 18 months or so.
> 4. The fencing was connected to a stainless steel "radial plate" attached
> to the base of the antenna.
> 5. The installation was < 10 years old.
>
> Robie AJ4F
>
>
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