Pic1.1The subject of lightning protection is a common theme in Ham Radio. The typical strike is a MILLION volts at 10,000 Amps. (Langmir Lightning Research Laboratory, N.M.) The Ham's best protection is the provide a good current path to earth (Ground) for the strike. To assure a good path for the high currents of a lightning strike, the wires should be large cross-sectional area, short, and well bonded. Inductance and Resistance are a real trouble source.
Bobby-B WA1ZJG has clamped the #6 solid copper wire to the ground rod.
Bobby is using an arc torch to weld the wire to the ground rod.
The finished weld proves to be a strong bond. Even a cold chisel could not separate the wire from the rod.
Doug (White shirt) N1OGS, and Joseph N1QDZ, were in charge of installing
the ground system on the same day as the tower was erected.
Pic1.17
Bobby-B WA1ZJG, suggesting Joseph (N1QDZ) silver solder the lugs for the ends of the ground wires. This is a better connection than a crimp and lead/tin solder.
Joseph N1QDZ, is holding the ground rod driver made by Bobby-B
WA1ZJG.
The WA1RHP truck is being
guarded by John KE1CQ and Jeanine N1QIT. 
Pic1.20
Joseph N1QDZ, and Bobby-B WA1ZJG, are silver soldering the ground lugs on the grounding wires. Joseph (Teenager) was so facinated, he didn't ask for food for more than 8 hours!
Joseph N1QDZ, is hammering the ground, trying to loosen it,
so the ground rod will go in the last few inches. The two white 4
inch conduits are visible emerging from the ground. These will
carry the coaxes and other cables. 
Pic1.51
Joseph N1QDZ, on his knees, praying that the ground rod will
go in the last .1 of an inch. 
Pic1.52
