Re: How with no RF ground?

To: tesla-at-pupman-dot-com
Subject: Re: How with no RF ground?
From: open_minded <bturner-at-apc-dot-net>
Date: Tue, 17 Sep 1996 23:22:54 -0700

Tesla List wrote:
> 
> Bob,
> 
> Any chunk of metal can act as a ground counterpoise.  With the small
> transformer of your coil a relatively small metal object would act as a
> couterpoise.  When running though, you could get a nasty little RF burn
> from too small a counterpoise.  If you increase your power, you will
> eventually overcome the counterpoise and it will issue spark to air.
> 
> Richard Quick used to use one of his dads old Lincoln automobiles as an
> excellent counterpoise (insulated on tires).  He also used a metal plate
> at one time and as he up his power it arced to ground.  We have had a
> similar discussion in the recent past about a railroad track, I believe.
>  Were you on line then?  You do not need a grounded object for an RF
> ground!!!!  Just an object!
> 
> I dare say that a few hundred tons of metal on glass insulators 100' in
> the air would be a far better RF ground for high power systems than 10
> -12' ground rods hammered deep within in the earth!!
> 
> Richard Hull, TCBOR


OK - I vote that we take up a collection and buy up a whole bunch of
junk automobiles (ie: old pre-80's road boats) and make one. Make a
sort of arial counter-poise / automobile modern sculpture. Perhaps
charge admission to pay the electric bill???

- Brent ;-]