[orion25]

Has anyone ever heard of using a titanium bicycle spoke as part of a DIY ground probe? I think I saw something like this on another board but can't remember the specifics.

Ryan

[billzie]

You can do it with a Ti spoke, liquid solder your wire to the end, plasti-dip the connection area very well, wire to the ground of a 3 prong plug and plug in OR use a ring terminal and screw into the center of the outlet face plate (not as good an option, esp in newer construction or in the boonies as these usually use "Romex" plastic sheathed wire and plastic boxes). Having said all that, if you're only buying one spoke you'll pay more to make it than to buy a probe, they cost $10-15 usually. If you're going to buy a box of 100, plasti-dip, roll of wire, and rings, and then sell them, you might make them cheaper. Bill.

[Bgywrinkle]

Ryan,

I made Ground probes out of Ti spokes. The spokes were $4.00 each and 290mm long. I used 16 guage wire and used a crimpable metal tube to connect the threaded end to the wire. I coverd the connection with Aquarium SIlicone and then cut a 4" piece of clear heat shrink tubing and slid it over both the connection and the silicone. When I heated the tubing whit a heat gun the excess silicone was sqeezed out making a watertight seal that can be seen through. I also clipped of the bent end of the spoke. I connected the ground side of a GFI to a terminal strip where I have three probes attached. The connection at the spoke is always above water level in my case and have not noyiced any rust/corrosion. I have had them in use since the beginning of March 2001. Also have checked them individually with a Digital Volt meter and have 0 Ohms on the lowest scale.

Hope this helps -- have pictures if needed

Regards,
Don

[reefman98201]

I actually use this on my tank!

all you have to do is get a titanium bicycle spoke bend it to fit in your tank and attach a wire nut and some wire to it and then ground the other end to a plug.