The AM Forum

The regional power company was replacing some older electrical poles which were still in good shape, and I managed to snag a few.  One I'm going to use for a light pole, and another I'd like to use to mount the center of an inverted-V.  Guess this is going to be a two-part question:  first, are there any considerations re: lightning using a wooden pole vs. a grounded tower?  Second has to do with where I locate the hamshack.  The electric company ground is in the NE corner of the house, but the heatpump is also there so that location is rather noisy.  I'd rather put it in the SW corner.  Do I have to run a wide copper strap from the operating point over to the utility gound?  Been doing radio in one form or another for some time, but grounding is one thing I need to bone up on.

Thanks,

Scott Todd

Below are two great references from The AM Window Web Site which should answer all your questions are supply good guidance. In short, all grounds, power, ham station, CCTV, telephone should be bonded to the ground at the power entrance to your house.

Lightning Protection by Bob, K4TAX (http://www.amwindow.org/tech/htm/lightning.htm)

Grounding for Amateur Radio Stations by Bob, K4TAX (http://www.amwindow.org/tech/htm/grounding.htm)