[ADXA] Ufer Ground system

[Charles McKenzie]

In my humble opinion no it is not overkill! My 120’ tower has more the 4000 sq “ of ground per mfg demand! I then added 14 8’ ground rods in a circle tied to all 3 legs of the tower.  If the tower takes a direct hit still anything connected to it is smoked! Every antenna goes thru an array solution's  suppressor at the tower, all this will save you from if your still connected is a close strike….maybe.  The best solution is to unhook! We all have our own ideas and limitations, do the best you can do and get on the air…have fun!
73
KF5TL

Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 24, 2025, at 8:02 PM, Charles Korzendorfer <korzendorferc at gmail.com> wrote:


John,
  Very impressive system.  A few suggestions:
  If you could put in a third ground rod, that would be ideal.
  The absolutely best way to connect everything is by exothermic welding, as it makes the absolute best connection.  That requires some special tools & expertise, but for permanence it can’t be beat.  Cadweld or Thermoweld are typical brands that are available at your local electrical supply house.
  If this technique is not practical make sure you use mechanical connectors that are bronze & rated for direct burial.  You also might want to consider replacing the tubing with bare solid or stranded copper wire.
Chuck KM5G


On Fri, Oct 24, 2025 at 12:42 PM Jon W. Reynolds via ADXA <adxa at mailman.qth.net<mailto:adxa at mailman.qth.net>> wrote:
I've been doing a little research on the prep side for my tower base installation,  and I came across the idea of an Ufer Ground. Curious if you have any experience with it. My current tentative plan is as follows:

Hole: 4' deep × 3' × 3'
Bottom layer (12"):
2× 8' ground rods driven down from 4' depth
20' of copper tubing in spiral pattern around/between rods (because I have it laying around not doing anything)
Copper tubing bonded to ground rods
Wires from this system up to cage and tower legs
Backfill with 12" dirt

Middle layer (6"):
Gravel drainage

Foundation (3.5'):
Copper ring on gravel
Angle iron cage with rebar  (Ufer Ground)
Tower base section
Concrete
Reaches grade level

I solicited the help of AI to come up with this plan based on feedback from my ADXA post and rohn manual found online.  From my understanding, this is way overkill, but I'm hoping it to prevent lightning damages that could otherwise be thwarted easily at this part of the process.

One minor concern I have is that AI is blowing smoke and I don't know any better because I have real little experience in the real world.

Does anyone see anything in my plan that is not in "good ham radio practice"? I'm not overly concerned if its unnecessary,  just from the safety perspective.

Jon
KI5UCZ
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