[SBE] conversation topic: how often do you check tower ground

[PuebloTallTower at aol.com]

A late entry into this thread, but something worth mentioning...
 
I always felt that when the DA radials (nulls and such) were run, one was 
wise to hit a few of the lobes of interest...
 
In doing so, you would have a constant reference as to what the array was 
doing, and what the ground system was doing.  Lets face it, no radials = no 
stability in the close or far field.
 
And simply running the 8 major radials while running Non DA for reference 
work, gives you a good data base to compare with other stations in the same 100 
mile radius, using presumably the same ground conductivity conditions and 
constants.
 
There is a local 690 kHz operation (250w-Daytime) which has a confirmed lost 
of 80% of it's radial system (owners rely on calls from disgruntled listeners, 
to drive their pocket book) and this station is still listened to 200 miles 
away during the day time.
 
Lets face it you can't sell the owners on a new ground system when the field 
strength meter does not back your concern.  And lightning does not seem to be 
a problem on this 400' guyed tower either.
 
the best grounding practice I have been witness to is now practiced by the 
cellular companies, and tower owning companies such as American tower, SBA, 
Crown Castle and the like.
 
I strongly suggest anyone interested in this subject purchase:
 
Lightning Protection and Grounding Solutions for Communication Sites, Publishe
d by PolyPhasor Corp.
 
the author is Ken R. Rand
 
This item is available from AES Ham Radio Supply, Las Vegas, NV, for $20.00 I 
own 2 copies, a primary and a spare ... and purchase them to replenish 
inventory when I am at the NAB, annually, and hand them out to clients free of 
charge.
 
I also own the Federal spec mentioned, and others.
 
Yes, there is a big difference in Lightning protection ground systems, and AM 
Directional Array FCC mandated counter poise copper radial systems...  In 
many cases if you don't have the first mentioned, you soon will not have the 
second mentioned.
 
Probably the best proven system for lightning considerations, is the system 
now in service I at the Kennedy Space Center complex, on the SE coast.  One can 
read through the IEEE publications, and find a lot of info on this system, 
which was researched at Sandia Labs, Albq. NM.
 
enough typing for the time being...  Glad to have caught the thread, see you 
all at the Barry Luncheon at the Rivera Hotel Buffet, 2nd floor, 11:30am on 
Tuesday at every Las Vegas based  NAB
 
 
Harvey E. Smith
2020 Baculite Mesa Road
Pueblo, CO., 81001-2456

719 546 1418
719 671 2671
PuebloTallTower at aol.com or
HarveyEsmith at aol.com





**************Ideas to please picky eaters. Watch video on AOL Living.      
(http://living.aol.com/video/how-to-please-your-picky-eater/rachel-campos-duffy/
2050827?NCID=aolcmp00300000002598)