On 3-Aug-2009, "JB" wrote:

Primarily an RF ground since the antennas will be in my attic. However, I
would appreciate the
information for both cases.

I think code calls for #6 solid Copper or Aluminum for lightning protection.
Consider the 50 ft as part of the antenna though. Rather than even trying
to have an RF "ground" try to make a counterpoise instead. Read up on the
difference between RF ground, lightning ground, and electrical ground. You
don't say what kind of antenna.

I could put a surface wire counterpoise in the crawl space under my office where the radio is
located. If I did that, there would be only about a 5 or 6 foot run to the center point of the
counterpoise.

Assuming the counterpoise wires are laying on the dirt floor of the crawl space, how many wires
would I need, and how long do they need to be. I want to be able to work 6 through 40 meters.

If I install a wire counterpoise like this, is there any problem also connecting the earth ground
connection to the central ground bar in my office?

The attic antenna is an Alpha Delta DX-EE.