[BC] Ground system

[Robert Meuser]

Mike

I am not that big of a fan of elevated radials but in a situation where 
they make the most sense stand pole line construction would be the way 
to go. Use regular wooden utility poles. Buy the appropriate hardware, 
use 1/4" steel strand for mechanical integrity (tensioned) and backguy 
the radials at both ends. This is the basic infrastructure use by cable 
TV and Telephone companies. They are many contractors who do this kind 
of work and the hardware is readily available as are the poles and those 
skilled in their placement.  If it is a brand new build, hardware to 
support the strand can be imbedded in the tower base when it is poured. 
That would eliminate 4 poles and 4 backguys. For those uncomfortable 
with 1/4" steel as the radial, anything can be lashed to that strand. 
Just look up at almost utility pole and see how much load telephone 
companies put on the strand. It would be pretty easy to have it support 
a copper cage if desired.

The key is use of the proper hardware and tensioning. In an earlier life 
I build a number of CATV systems. We did our own line construction and 
the only time we ever lost anything was when it got hit by an over 
height vehicale (usually argicultural equipment). The other thing that 
brings down lines is falling trees. Wind and Ice has never been a factor 
in my experience and I built these in places where in the winter it made 
Chicago look like a tropical resort.

I will admit to never having built an elevated radial system as I really 
do not like them even for ham radio use but I have built several 
rhombics using basically the method described above.  If you want more 
info, just drop me a note.

On 2/14/12 11:09 AM, Mike McCarthy wrote:
> I agree with Phil.  There are instances where the elevated counterpoise
> isn't practical without inurring significant expense in relation to the
> conventional buried radial system.  A careful project planning and
> bugeting exercise is prudent.
>
> Particularly in areas prone to significant icing and wind and lower
> frequencies. I have been doing some research on guy line vibration
> dampening and vibration dampening is equally applicable to horizontal
> radials using cables suited more for power lines or guy lines under
> tension. Especially with the longer runs necessary on lower frequencies.
> The longest unsupported span you want to really have is maybe 200ft. for
> smaller cables and you most definately want to dampen them lest you find
> cables laying on the ground after some major wind event.