Jeff,
Due to lightning in your area, I would not have anything other than a wireless system. There is no way I'm going to have a 20 to 30 ' high lightning rod and and wire it directly to my computer. Next, I admire Bruce's installation but I hope the mast is sturdy enough. My mast is a 23' joint of 2" plumbing pipe. This pipe has approximately 3/16' wall thickness. I accepted shorter than CWOP recommended height because there were no joints, which are inherently weak, and I was unwilling to guy the mast. I dug a 3 1/2' hole to plant my 6 X 6 X 10' support then drove a 4' x 2 1/2" length of pipe, as a sleeve for my mast, about 6" into the ground at the bottom of the hole. That is my ground. As far as I'm concerned, if lightning hits that pole, my system is fried and I'll have to replace it. I deal with electronics and wires in the ground and lightning in my business and I promise, you can't afford to spend the money it would take to have an argument with Mother Nature.
FWIW
George
http://weather.gladstonefamily.net/site/C6097 (pictures)
PS: Per Bruce's comment "and it was not hard to do, kinda fun really" if I EVER have to play this game again I'm going to call Bruce and invite him to have some more FUN!!
