Selecting coax and ground system
After a long day of tower foundation work, I placed an order for coax and connectors from CableXperts. The coax was 650′ of their CXP1318FX (their flexible version of LMR-400-UF which is the size of RG8/U). Big advantages of this coax for my installation will be that I’ll be routing it through 4″ PVC. The specs for this coax will be good for my operating (almost 100% HF).
This morning I spent some time designing the ground system for the tower. I’d like to get a good source of copper strap, flashing or wire for the connections. I have already 8′ ground rods. Here’s what I have so far for the ground system…
With the chain link fence (black line) surrounding the back yard, I may also bond the ground system to the chain link or a metal fence post.
I’d like to setup a single point ground box at the house entrance and run copper strap from the SPG to the AC/service ground. Conventional wisdom is 8′ ground rods with 16′ spacing. Sounds good to me. Now… need to line up a trencher…
It’s really good to see the focus on the ground system for the tower. Not only does it make a bid difference in the protection from lightening, but it also helps the transmission side of any other antennas you attach to the tower. Nice going.
Also really good to see it connected to the house ground system.