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Old October 13th 06, 04:36 AM posted to rec.radio.shortwave
Guy Atkins Guy Atkins is offline
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First recorded activity by RadioBanter: Jul 2006
Posts: 68
Default Vertical Antenna And ALA 100 Comparisons

Hi Terry,

I tried a 4-foot ground rod because that's what Dallas showed in the antenna
diagram for his article. I do see now that his older article (which he
reproduces as an addendum to the newer version) shows and describes an
8-foot ground rod, however.

I have a Bentonite-enhanced ground rod about 12 feet away from the 4-footer.
I previously to use it for grounding the shield of a EWE antenna feedline,
but it's not currently in use, so I might run a heavy wire to that one and
give it a try. It's a good ground, and I've always had success with
Bentonite enhancement. It's such a hassle to dig the larger hole to hold all
the powdered Bentonite and water slurry, but the results can be worth the
effort.

In Seattle I've bought 50 lbs. of Bentonite for for just $13, but that was a
few years ago. I used to get all I wanted for free, as my wife's home town
in Wyoming has a number of Bentonite processing plants in the area. They
would give away slightly ripped bags of the stuff to anyone crazy enough to
ask for it!

Guy


wrote in message
ups.com...
I have found that a single ground point,ie "standard" 8' AC mains
ground ro, are
at best very marginal. And the lower the frequency, as a general rule,
the "bigger"
the ground should be. Hams often use radials.

SNIP
Terry