Grounding the Shack

The most controversial thing in Ham Radio, Grounding the shack. Don, Joins us to Share his grounding knowledge. We go over how to ground, where should you place your grounding rods and how far apart you should put another grounding rod. Then how Frank should ground his shack. Did we missing Something, let me know and i will be should to do a Part 2.

 

Anyone ever check ground rods for resistance? A true ground is best when 25 ohms or less.
Interested in seeing what people have to say.

 

You're the first amateur that I've heard of in recent times, that is actually doing that testing.

Yes I do, and I check it on a regular basis, things can change then problems will happen.

I also use a 4-point ground meter system and do checks on a regular basis.

My antenna system occupies between fifty and sixty Acres currently. The ground/soil conditions are just completely different from the swamp land to the Red Dirt.
Also my Rhombics antennas require their own grounding and lightning protection.

73 from,
The K0UO "Rhombic Antenna Farm" 2 miles of wire, I'm In the Air or On the Air daily

 

Impressive QRZ page Steven K0UO.
Lost of great articles and information. Awesome antenna system your station operates on.
73

 

Thanks, however my XYL N0UO put that monstrosity together, way too much information.
But alot of people are always asking questions about the antennas.

 

Forget the YouTube video and go straight to Motorola R56. That's what I stay close to in my grounding.

 

I believe that is the NEC standard for private homes, =< 5 ohms for industrial locations.

 

A good video for to understand the differences between Bonding and Earthing electrical equipment. Personaly I only bonded tuner and a small antenna in my appartment. But its recommend, equal if its professional or semiprofessional. Because for example small antennas got a big benefit of that. It increases the perfomance and cleans the incoming signal. So that the noise and interference will got to a lower level and the incoming signal strength will get a bit better. And to bond to things in an appartment, there is always to think about the used outgoing power. Here QRP users and SWLs have an advantage. When the power gets to high its not recommended to bond anything to, for example the copper tube of the heating, with the used equipment. Dont roast your home!

 

So...would it be helpful for a residential ground rod if we occasionally dumped a bucket of salt water around it? [This especially in dry climates or sandy soils; my ancient knowledge of soil science gives me a hint that clay soils might conduct more effectively, especially when damp.]

 

Morning Bill,

I checked the ground rod to my main Electrical Service Panel and meter is showing 0.27 ohms . GOAL! for my Ham Shack is to be below 16 ohms that's what I have now .

 

I didn't know this, i will look into it.

 

Call me on DMR TG 31292

less is always better ... 5 ohms or less... I'll post in chat some info...

Grounding and Bonding References:

MIL-STD-188/124B, MILITARY STANDARD: GROUNDING, BONDING AND SHIELDING FOR COMMON LONG HAUL/TACTICAL COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS INCLUDING GROUND BASED COMMUNICATIONS-ELECTRONICS FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENTS (01 FEB 1992).

http://tscm.com/MIL-STD-188-124B.PDF


MIL-HDBK-419
21 JANUARY 1982
MILITARY HANDBOOK
GROUNDING, BONDING, AND SHIELDING FOR
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENTS AND FACILITIES
VOLUME I OF 2 VOLUMES BASIC THEORY

https://www.wbdg.org/FFC/NAVFAC/DMMHNAV/hdbk419a_vol1.pdf


MIL-HDBK-419
21 JANUARY 1982
MILITARY HANDBOOK
GROUNDING, BONDING, AND SHIELDING FOR
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENTS AND FACILITIES
VOLUME II OF 2 VOLUMES APPLICATIONS

https://www.wbdg.org/FFC/NAVFAC/DMMHNAV/hdbk419a_vol2.pdf

 

less is always better ... 5 ohms or less... I'll post in chat some info...

If we where doing telecommunication outside plant in manholes (or in PC world today.. maintenance holes) anything less than 25 ohms is great, ... in telco MDF 5 ohms or less is required ... in ham radio ... NEC code is what is required... so I tell everyone check your local code as a minimum standard... on similar note if your antennas are indoor under your roof and ur operating off battery power a lot of this may be N/A pending your antenna configuration. cheers!

 

I enjoy discussing grounding ... call me on TG 31292 ( Saint Lewis Metro) ... let's do this.

Grounding and Bonding References:

MIL-STD-188/124B, MILITARY STANDARD: GROUNDING, BONDING AND SHIELDING FOR COMMON LONG HAUL/TACTICAL COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS INCLUDING GROUND BASED COMMUNICATIONS-ELECTRONICS FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENTS (01 FEB 1992).

http://tscm.com/MIL-STD-188-124B.PDF


MIL-HDBK-419
21 JANUARY 1982
MILITARY HANDBOOK
GROUNDING, BONDING, AND SHIELDING FOR
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENTS AND FACILITIES
VOLUME I OF 2 VOLUMES BASIC THEORY

https://www.wbdg.org/FFC/NAVFAC/DMMHNAV/hdbk419a_vol1.pdf


MIL-HDBK-419
21 JANUARY 1982
MILITARY HANDBOOK
GROUNDING, BONDING, AND SHIELDING FOR
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENTS AND FACILITIES
VOLUME II OF 2 VOLUMES APPLICATIONS

https://www.wbdg.org/FFC/NAVFAC/DMMHNAV/hdbk419a_vol2.pdf

 

Motorola R56 is 5 ohms also