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.