1. snovarc@snovarc.groups.io
   Date   
Re: Do I really needan 8ft ground rod?

Rick Burns
 

The T-Post Driver is the best way but by no means an easy effort. Wear ear protection and don’t be surprised if it just stops and won’t go further.

 

Rick

Kb7cin

 

From: snovarc@groups.io [mailto:snovarc@groups.io] On Behalf Of W7ABD
Sent: Monday, December 09, 2019 9:13 PM
To: snovarc@groups.io
Subject: Re: [snovarc] Do I really needan 8ft ground rod?

 

Hi Howard,

The purpose of the ground rod it to get down to where the soil is wet, where the ground is conductive.  Around the Pacific Northwest that is typically about four feet.  That said, you still should try to get the rod as deep as you can. Otherwise you may see performance differences depending on the season as the water table goes up and down.

Oh and a good tool for pounding the rod into the ground is a T-Post Driver.  It is a 2 1/2" capped heavy pipe with handles welded on each side.  Much easier to pound the rod into the ground than using a hammer.

Jim
W7ABD

On 12/9/19 18:04, Howard E. Mahran / WA1HEM wrote:

I'm about to toss up a random wire antenna. I'm wondering if I really need a full 8ft grounding rod or can I get a decent ground with something shorter. What say you Elmers?

73

--
*************************
Howard E. Mahran
WA1HEM
(425) 864 - 5104
*************************

 
Re: Do I really needan 8ft ground rod?

Dale Smith <dale_smith@...>
 

I weld if someone needs a weld done.

Regards,
Dale Smith


------ Original message------
From: Paul Butzi (W7PFB)
Date: Mon, Dec 9, 2019 9:18 PM
Cc:
Subject:Re: [snovarc] Do I really needan 8ft ground rod?

Don’t anyone buy a t post driver, borrow mine instead.

-p W7PFB
73, Don’t forget to smile and have fun!

On Dec 9, 2019, at 9:13 PM, W7ABD <w7abd1@...> wrote:

Hi Howard,

The purpose of the ground rod it to get down to where the soil is wet, where the ground is conductive.  Around the Pacific Northwest that is typically about four feet.  That said, you still should try to get the rod as deep as you can. Otherwise you may see performance differences depending on the season as the water table goes up and down.

Oh and a good tool for pounding the rod into the ground is a T-Post Driver.  It is a 2 1/2" capped heavy pipe with handles welded on each side.  Much easier to pound the rod into the ground than using a hammer.

Jim
W7ABD

On 12/9/19 18:04, Howard E. Mahran / WA1HEM wrote:
I'm about to toss up a random wire antenna. I'm wondering if I really need a full 8ft grounding rod or can I get a decent ground with something shorter. What say you Elmers?

73

--
*************************
Howard E. Mahran
WA1HEM
(425) 864 - 5104
*************************


Re: Do I really needan 8ft ground rod?

Ken Kosters
 

I also have post driver and will say ground radials don't hurt also. 

Ken W7ECK

On Dec 9, 2019, at 9:18 PM, Paul Butzi (W7PFB) <w7pfb@...> wrote:

Don’t anyone buy a t post driver, borrow mine instead.

-p W7PFB
73, Don’t forget to smile and have fun!

On Dec 9, 2019, at 9:13 PM, W7ABD <w7abd1@...> wrote:

Hi Howard,

The purpose of the ground rod it to get down to where the soil is wet, where the ground is conductive.  Around the Pacific Northwest that is typically about four feet.  That said, you still should try to get the rod as deep as you can. Otherwise you may see performance differences depending on the season as the water table goes up and down.

Oh and a good tool for pounding the rod into the ground is a T-Post Driver.  It is a 2 1/2" capped heavy pipe with handles welded on each side.  Much easier to pound the rod into the ground than using a hammer.

Jim
W7ABD

On 12/9/19 18:04, Howard E. Mahran / WA1HEM wrote:
I'm about to toss up a random wire antenna. I'm wondering if I really need a full 8ft grounding rod or can I get a decent ground with something shorter. What say you Elmers?

73

--
*************************
Howard E. Mahran
WA1HEM
(425) 864 - 5104
*************************


Re: Do I really needan 8ft ground rod?

Howard E. Mahran / WA1HEM
 

Paul -You are awesome! Thanks for the explanation and offer!


On Dec 9, 2019, at 9:18 PM, Paul Butzi (W7PFB) <w7pfb@...> wrote:

Don’t anyone buy a t post driver, borrow mine instead.

-p W7PFB
73, Don’t forget to smile and have fun!

On Dec 9, 2019, at 9:13 PM, W7ABD <w7abd1@...> wrote:

Hi Howard,

The purpose of the ground rod it to get down to where the soil is wet, where the ground is conductive.  Around the Pacific Northwest that is typically about four feet.  That said, you still should try to get the rod as deep as you can. Otherwise you may see performance differences depending on the season as the water table goes up and down.

Oh and a good tool for pounding the rod into the ground is a T-Post Driver.  It is a 2 1/2" capped heavy pipe with handles welded on each side.  Much easier to pound the rod into the ground than using a hammer.

Jim
W7ABD

On 12/9/19 18:04, Howard E. Mahran / WA1HEM wrote:
I'm about to toss up a random wire antenna. I'm wondering if I really need a full 8ft grounding rod or can I get a decent ground with something shorter. What say you Elmers?

73

--
*************************
Howard E. Mahran
WA1HEM
(425) 864 - 5104
*************************



--
*************************
Howard E. Mahran
WA1HEM
(425) 864 - 5104
*************************
Re: Do I really needan 8ft ground rod?

Paul Butzi (W7PFB)
 

Don’t anyone buy a t post driver, borrow mine instead.

-p W7PFB
73, Don’t forget to smile and have fun!

On Dec 9, 2019, at 9:13 PM, W7ABD <w7abd1@...> wrote:

Hi Howard,

The purpose of the ground rod it to get down to where the soil is wet, where the ground is conductive.  Around the Pacific Northwest that is typically about four feet.  That said, you still should try to get the rod as deep as you can. Otherwise you may see performance differences depending on the season as the water table goes up and down.

Oh and a good tool for pounding the rod into the ground is a T-Post Driver.  It is a 2 1/2" capped heavy pipe with handles welded on each side.  Much easier to pound the rod into the ground than using a hammer.

Jim
W7ABD

On 12/9/19 18:04, Howard E. Mahran / WA1HEM wrote:
I'm about to toss up a random wire antenna. I'm wondering if I really need a full 8ft grounding rod or can I get a decent ground with something shorter. What say you Elmers?

73

--
*************************
Howard E. Mahran
WA1HEM
(425) 864 - 5104
*************************


Re: Do I really needan 8ft ground rod?

W7ABD
 

Hi Howard,

The purpose of the ground rod it to get down to where the soil is wet, where the ground is conductive.  Around the Pacific Northwest that is typically about four feet.  That said, you still should try to get the rod as deep as you can. Otherwise you may see performance differences depending on the season as the water table goes up and down.

Oh and a good tool for pounding the rod into the ground is a T-Post Driver.  It is a 2 1/2" capped heavy pipe with handles welded on each side.  Much easier to pound the rod into the ground than using a hammer.

Jim
W7ABD

On 12/9/19 18:04, Howard E. Mahran / WA1HEM wrote:
I'm about to toss up a random wire antenna. I'm wondering if I really need a full 8ft grounding rod or can I get a decent ground with something shorter. What say you Elmers?

73

--
*************************
Howard E. Mahran
WA1HEM
(425) 864 - 5104
*************************

Do I really needan 8ft ground rod?

Howard E. Mahran / WA1HEM
 

I'm about to toss up a random wire antenna. I'm wondering if I really need a full 8ft grounding rod or can I get a decent ground with something shorter. What say you Elmers?

73

--
*************************
Howard E. Mahran
WA1HEM
(425) 864 - 5104
*************************
Re: Radio recommendations

Dale Smith <dale_smith@...>
 

I mean being able to use in the field on inverter or genny.
Regards,

Dale Smith
Phone: +01-425-686-9304
http://www.linkedin.com/in/dalegsmith
KJ7GHU

On December 8, 2019 at 1:15 PM "Lou Giliberto (KD7HCW) via Groups.Io" <louis.giliberto@...> wrote:

By field do you mean battery power?


Sent from ProtonMail mobile



-------- Original Message --------
On Dec 8, 2019, 12:53 PM, Dale Smith < dale_smith@...> wrote:

All,

I am trying to sort out what type of rig to buy next year.  I expect to use 10/20/40/80M bands.  I am looking for a solid rig without a lot of fancy bells and whistles I can use at home or in the field.

Recommendations please.  :) 
73,

Dale Smith
Phone: +01-425-686-9304
http://www.linkedin.com/in/dalegsmith
KJ7GHU

 

Bioenno sale

Robin Amundson
 

For those looking for batteries for portable setups,
Bioenno is currently 10% off using code HOLIDAY. Yes, they are spendy up front, but over thousands of cycles they are an excellent value. LiPoFe with no worries about chemistry. There is a solar rechargeable one available. All sizes. 

73,
Robin, WA7CPA 
Group Restructuring #announcement

Kirt White / K7KDW
 

Hello All.

Over the next few weeks (and months), we will be making some changes in the group structuring and doing some general cleanup.

Some of the changes that you may notice:

Addition of subgroups - We will be adding some subgroups. Initially groups will be created for SnoVARC committee members but some more focused public groups could be a possibility in the future.

Note: This update also changes the main group page URL and the main group email alias. You should update your bookmarks and email contact for the group, however, the current URL and email alias will continue to work for the main group.

Files cleanup - We will be archiving and moving some files around in an effort to better organize them.

If you have any questions about these changes or run into any problems, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Thanks
Kirt / K7KDW
Attn Dale - Yaesu Ft-897 w/tuner, ps, and ldg meter in go box | QRZ Forums

Lou Giliberto (KD7HCW)
 

Re: Radio recommendations

Robin Amundson
 

Agree with Lou. 7300 is a good picnic table or Field Day radio. When I upgrade my home transceiver, I will likely start favoring the 7300 for portable and leave the PA at home. Can’t think of a radio that beats KX3 or its kin for SOTA.
Re: Radio recommendations

Lou Giliberto (KD7HCW)
 

Sorry for replying in multiple emails as thoughts come to me.

The xiegu g90 is good if you want to run off battery or a small power supply. It's 20watts out so helps if you are doing SSB. I wouldn't count on too much SSB with a 10 watt rig until prop improves.

If you want 100 watts in a small box look at the Yaesu options. There are also icom and yaesu rigs that are only available used. The 7100 is also an option but the head is always remote.


Sent from ProtonMail mobile



-------- Original Message --------
On Dec 8, 2019, 12:53 PM, Dale Smith < dale_smith@...> wrote:

All,

I am trying to sort out what type of rig to buy next year.  I expect to use 10/20/40/80M bands.  I am looking for a solid rig without a lot of fancy bells and whistles I can use at home or in the field.

Recommendations please.  :) 
73,

Dale Smith
Phone: +01-425-686-9304
http://www.linkedin.com/in/dalegsmith
KJ7GHU

Re: Radio recommendations

Lou Giliberto (KD7HCW)
 

Adding to what others said, I recommend the 7300 as a great starter base radio. However I wouldn't really consider it a portable. Rack mounted in a go box or tailgating yes. If you want to carry it off the beaten path to the beach or take traveling to a hotel with you while on vacation there are better choices.


Sent from ProtonMail mobile



-------- Original Message --------
On Dec 8, 2019, 12:53 PM, Dale Smith < dale_smith@...> wrote:

All,

I am trying to sort out what type of rig to buy next year.  I expect to use 10/20/40/80M bands.  I am looking for a solid rig without a lot of fancy bells and whistles I can use at home or in the field.

Recommendations please.  :) 
73,

Dale Smith
Phone: +01-425-686-9304
http://www.linkedin.com/in/dalegsmith
KJ7GHU

Re: Radio recommendations

Robin Amundson
 

Also there are lots of good YouTube videos showing various radios. Good ones on 7300 and KX3 z
Re: Radio recommendations

Paul Butzi (W7PFB)
 

A really good way to get a feel for various radios is to do a shack visit with a ham who uses that radio.

Another good way is to join a mailing list on groups.io for that radio.

The Elecraft KX3 has a fairly active list on groups.io.

-p W7PFB
73, Don’t forget to smile and have fun!

On Dec 8, 2019, at 12:53 PM, Dale Smith <dale_smith@...> wrote:

All,

I am trying to sort out what type of rig to buy next year.  I expect to use 10/20/40/80M bands.  I am looking for a solid rig without a lot of fancy bells and whistles I can use at home or in the field.

Recommendations please.  :) 
73,

Dale Smith
Phone: +01-425-686-9304
http://www.linkedin.com/in/dalegsmith
KJ7GHU

Re: Radio recommendations

Paul Butzi (W7PFB)
 

On Dec 8, 2019, at 12:53 PM, Dale Smith <dale_smith@comcast.net> wrote:

All,

I am trying to sort out what type of rig to buy next year. I expect to use 10/20/40/80M bands. I am looking for a solid rig without a lot of fancy bells and whistles I can use at home or in the field.

Recommendations please. :)
what modes are you expecting to use? digital modes like FT8, psk31, Olivia? CW? SSB voice? Do you want FM on 10m?

What sort of antenna arrangements are you planning on using? The key issue here is whether you care about a built-in antenna tuner or not.

And when you speak of use in the field, is that picnic table in the park sort of field, or Summits on the Air field?

I see others have recommended the Elecraft KX3. I own one, and although I bought it to use in the field it’s so darn nice I use it as my main radio at home. I love mine.

I have also played briefly with an Icom 7300 and that’s a very fine radio as well, and surprisingly compact.

-p W7PFB
73, Don’t forget to smile and have fun!
Re: Radio recommendations

Robin Amundson
 

I was using my KX3 for both home and field for awhile. At 10-15 watts out one must have patience and low expectations. As the number of modes and complexity of what I wanted to do grew, I added a 7300 and other equipment to home station. KX3 is strictly field now and there is no way I would even think of disconnecting my home station for the field now. I added the KPA100 for some power to the KX3. With Signalink I’ve got rtty and FT8 in the field, along with CW and SSB.  But, I’m not packing to peaks. If I was, it would be strictly my KX3, Bioenno battery, and lightweight wire antenna or AX1.

If you are not packing to peaks and want to do car and picnic table deployment, consider the 7300 for both portable and home station. You get 100 watts out without the PA. I have a great station for packing anywhere i can park the car and run coax off the Tarheel mounted on the roof.

GL and have fun!

73,
Robin, WA7CPA 

On Dec 8, 2019, at 12:53 PM, Dale Smith <dale_smith@...> wrote:

All,

I am trying to sort out what type of rig to buy next year.  I expect to use 10/20/40/80M bands.  I am looking for a solid rig without a lot of fancy bells and whistles I can use at home or in the field.

Recommendations please.  :) 
73,

Dale Smith
Phone: +01-425-686-9304
http://www.linkedin.com/in/dalegsmith
KJ7GHU

Re: Radio recommendations

Dan Pflugrath
 

Depends on how portable.  If you have the budget go for the KX3.  Small, light weight, internal battery, 15 watts, tuner etc..  You will find them in backpacks all over the mountain tops.  Need more power at home buy the amplifier to go with it.

 

Probably not the best choice if you plan to mount it in a car with a mobile whip antenna but would still work.

 

73,

Dan KA7GPP

 

 

 

From: snovarc@groups.io [mailto:snovarc@groups.io] On Behalf Of Lou Giliberto (KD7HCW) via Groups.Io
Sent: Sunday, December 8, 2019 1:16 PM
To: snovarc@groups.io
Subject: Re: [snovarc] Radio recommendations

 

By field do you mean battery power?


Sent from ProtonMail mobile



-------- Original Message --------
On Dec 8, 2019, 12:53 PM, Dale Smith < dale_smith@...> wrote:

 

All,

 

I am trying to sort out what type of rig to buy next year.  I expect to use 10/20/40/80M bands.  I am looking for a solid rig without a lot of fancy bells and whistles I can use at home or in the field.

 

Recommendations please.  :) 

73,

Dale Smith
Phone: +01-425-686-9304
http://www.linkedin.com/in/dalegsmith

KJ7GHU



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Re: Radio recommendations

Lou Giliberto (KD7HCW)
 

Er a battery you can carry, not a lead acid 😊

Also, do you want 100 watts out from the field or would you do low power from the field and use an amp at home?


Sent from ProtonMail mobile



-------- Original Message --------
On Dec 8, 2019, 1:15 PM, Lou Giliberto (KD7HCW) via Groups.Io < louis.giliberto@...> wrote:

By field do you mean battery power?


Sent from ProtonMail mobile



-------- Original Message --------
On Dec 8, 2019, 12:53 PM, Dale Smith < dale_smith@...> wrote:

All,

I am trying to sort out what type of rig to buy next year.  I expect to use 10/20/40/80M bands.  I am looking for a solid rig without a lot of fancy bells and whistles I can use at home or in the field.

Recommendations please.  :) 
73,

Dale Smith
Phone: +01-425-686-9304
http://www.linkedin.com/in/dalegsmith
KJ7GHU

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