"Nate Bargmann" wrote in message
news
On Sat, 14 Jul 2007 19:53:02 -0400, Rick (W-A-one-R-K-T) wrote:

So, how do I achieve that ideal "single point ground" in a situation
like this?

As I understand it, a "single point ground" means that everything is tied
to the same ground system however big or small that is. What you don't
want is the shack tied to a ground and the tower to its own ground with
the cabling tying the two together. The result will be unequal potential
at the tower and in the shack. A "single point ground" reference means
that the potential everywhere will be the same, rising and falling
together in the event of a strike.

I have seen it recommended to make that 50' run of #2 stranded copper and
place a ground rod approximately every eight feet along the run (no
closer than eight feet). You will have a much improved lightning ground
*and* a "single point ground". Beating a bunch of ground rods in the
ground is of little value unless they are at least eight feet apart.

Poke around Polyphaser's Web site for more detail information.

73, de Nate

--

"The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all possible worlds,
the pessimist fears this is true."

the infamous 'single point ground' only refers to protecting equipment in a
single room or building... it does not refer to tying the grounds of
everything outside of a building or room together in any way... while that
is required by electrical code it is not going to protect your equipment,
all it does is make sure that if you touch 2 pieces of equipment their cases
are don't have power line voltage difference between them. The concept of a
single point ground is that you define a single point for your shack that is
the 'ground' and everything is connected to that one point, usually on an
outside wall of the shack. So any power, phone, catv, antenna, or other
wire coming into the shack is grounded and has lightning protectors on the
same panel at one spot on the wall. if this is done properly then
everything in the room will be at the same potential even during a surge
from a lightning stroke.