[HomeBrew] Grounding Follow up

[R. Blackman]

Hello again to all on list.

I have replaced the shack grounding system and have an interesting 
observation.

Originally, I had all my equipment was connected to a # 8  heavy twisted 
copper electrical grounding wire leading to a 7 foot copper ground rod in my 
basement floor,  about 3 to 4 feet from my radio bench. Each piece of radio 
gear was attached to this large grounding wire via # 14 multistranded 
copper antenna wire.  each piece of multistrand  was attached to this large 
ground wire with a copper marrett. ( copper tube and set screw)
When I disassembled this system, The large copper grounding wire was 
severely corroded at each and every marrett. Really green and oxidised.
WOW, I likely had no ground at all...

This has now been replaced by 1/2 inch copper pipe, going to the ground rod.
I drilled 12 holes in the copper pipe to accept 10-32 machine screws and 
have re- attached all the ground wires, but now to the copper pipe. I figure 
if the multistranded #14 is good enough to carry RF current in a dipole, it 
should work here too?

Glad I asked the question, and then acted on the advice.

Moral of the story:  periodically check things even when they are buried 
behind the workbench.

Richard VA3NDO 


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