The following questions were sent to me in a private email, and I thought it would be best to post the answers to this reflector so others can benefit and correct me.
> Mike, > > Magnesium sulfate - Very interesting. I wonder how it compares with copper sulfate? To make a long story short, Epsom salt is the best "compromise" between conductivity, toxicity, and a a couple of other factors; one of those is that (so I read) it does not kill nearby vegetation. It also does not corrode the rod, as rock salt does. Having said that, none of the other chemicals commonly used for this purpose are significantly more conductive than Epsom salt. I suggest that you do a Web search for the words *epsom salt ground rods military antenna. *It will return various useful US Government military documents with the finer details. One I just found was MILHDBK419.pdf. (For some reason, this tablet would not let me copy the complete link. Just do a Web search for it.) > Where do you get your Epsom salt? I think my XYL gets it at a drugstore. Most likely, it was Walmart's pharmacy department. > I assume you mix it with water, and to what concentration? How much do you add to one ground rod? > > Or do you sprinkle it around the ground rod and water it? I do both. It helps to first dig out a rather small depression around the rod. I dissolve as much as possible in hot water. I slowly pour the hot concentrate around the rod. Afterward, I add a generous amount of the chemical heaped around the rod. That does not last forever; it has to be repeated every so often. And note that this does not necessary eliminate the need for some radials. Kindly do not send private messages. That way, others can add their collective wisdom, in addition to others benefiting from this discussion. :-) There is also some Beverage grounding info (with links to other sites) at www.w0btu.com/Beverage_antennas.html 73, Mike www.w0btu.com _________________ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband