[R-390] R-390A problems - rethink soil conductivity

[Bob Camp]

Hi

A ground rod is a device for lightning protection rather than an RF  
ground. Even in "good" conditions they make at best a poor RF ground.  
The only way to get a good RF ground is to either live in a salt  
marsh, or bury some radials. A few hundred chunks of copper wire  
generally will do the trick ....

Bob


On Oct 22, 2007, at 10:51 AM, rbethman wrote:

> Folks,
>
> I may well be a younger member, I "may" be less experienced  
> maintainer/owner/operator of these fine radios.
>
> BUT - I "will" say that there is ONE FACTOR that has NOT been  
> considered!!
>
> The EXTREME dryness has made OUR grounds pretty USELESS!!!
>
> Between my 3/4" Copperweld ground rods, I CANNOT get ANY  
> conductivity, when the cabling is disconnected!
>
> Our ground systems are NIL.  The ground from the power company is a  
> center tap of the secondary.
>
> NOW - What is THIS effect on OUR signals AND those of the BCB  
> stations?
>
> Go outside - pour about 5 gals of water on your (yous/youn) ground  
> rod(s).  Then try listening!
>
> Here in VA, we are about 20" below normal rainfall!!!!!!
>
> Bob - N0DGN
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