Tesla Grounding Issue

[TinselKoala]

I forgot to mention: I used that software in the design of my MOT-DC coil with the stationary 2-element blown sparkgap.

[tim123]

Hi Jeg,
  I recently discovered this product, which is an 'artificial ground' for radio... It provides that LC network that TK mentioned...
http://www.mfjenterprises.com/Product.php?productid=MFJ-931

It can work in 2 modes:
1) To 'tune' a ground lead - so it's length appears to be zero.
2) To provide an artificial ground plane (counterpoise) using a short length of wire.

There is some great info on how to homebrew one online, such as:
http://www.remeeus.nl/english/hamradio/artificial_ground.htm

Regards, Tim

[Farmhand]

I live on a hill top which has very dry rocky ground, our house grounds are a bit sus in the dry months which is a concern but there is two of them.

For my Tesla coil ground I located the main "vein" of the septic tank underground drain off, I divined it with two pieces of wire but I did know where it was in general. Then I drilled a hole with the tractor auger about 4 feet deep which got me into "clay" hehehe, then I drove a 6'6" galvanized fence picket into the bottom of the hole till there would be only about 3 or 4 inches above ground after I filled in the hole, then I filled the hole with layers of ash/charcoal and dirt, I also placed one end of a piece of poly pipe in the bottom of the hole and the other end is above ground and folded over, I can use that to check the ground moisture with a long piece of wire and/or put water into the ground 4 feet down by connecting a hose to it. It's also right next to a grounded steel fence so I can connect to that as well but I don't.

It's much better than the house grounds and has a great deal more surface area than a rod but maybe less surface area than a pipe if the center of the pipe is also contacting the ground.

It works good I think, the voltage difference between it and the house grounds is not much.

Cheers 

[Jeg]

That's fantastic Tim!!! I have to learn more about this trick!
Tnks a lot!

[Jeg]

Good work Farmhand! I just wonder if dc grounds like that can stand frequencies up to some decades of MHz. I think this virtual ground would fit better to my needs!

Thanks for sharing
Jeg