Terrasat IBUC 2, Operation Manual

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3-8
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Cyber Hardened IBUC
2
, IBUC
2e
, IBUC
2 G
, IBUC
R
, IBUC
G
Operations Manual: Installation
Engineered to Endure
quickly and loses that moisture slowly—as much 15 to 30 days after rain or snow
melt). The mineral properties of concrete and their natural pH mean that concrete has a
supply of ions to conduct current. The soil around concrete becomes “doped” by the
concrete and, as a result, the pH of the soil rises. The moisture in the concrete in
combination with the “doped” soil make a good connector of electrical energy. The
concrete’s large volume and area of contact with the surrounding soil allow a good
transfer to the ground. In the concrete base, a Ufer ground can be established by
running #4 gauge solid wire or rebar and connecting to the base of the pedestal with
pigtails.
The Ufer ground is only one step in proper grounding. The Ufer ground should be
augmented with coupled pairs of 10 ft (3.05m) ground rods placed 20 ft (6.1m) into
the ground, spaced 20 ft (6.1m) apart. The first rod should be placed close to the
antenna. The second rod should be placed towards the equipment enclosure. A #2
gauge wire should connect the rods and antenna mount. A ground rod should be placed
at the equipment enclosure, as well. If it is virtually impossible to install the ground
rods, then radials are needed. This can be accomplished by laying 10 or more lengths
of 1½ - in. (3.81cm) copper strap at least 50 ft (15.24m) long in a radial fashion around
the antenna base. The straps should be buried, if possible. The hub must be
interconnected to the utility ground.
The ground configuration can vary from one location to another. It is best to measure
soil conductivity and design a 5 Ω or less ground system. To protect the system from a
direct strike, a lightning rod placed 2 ft (61cm) higher than the highest point of the
dish should be interconnected to the Ufer ground with #2 gauge copper wire.
Antenna Mounting
The IBUC has a variety of mounting options: on the focal point, the boom arm, the
antenna back structure, or in the hub (depending on the antenna type).
Note:
Figure 3.2 and Figure 3.3 are photographs of actual installations.