All antennas should have a good quality lightning arrester installed (Polyphaser is one brand) bonded together with any other arresters & grounded. These will dissipate both nearby lightning strikes & static caused by wind. Hams will invest in a $3200.00 dollar radio and not $75 on a good arrester. Even if you disconnect the radio from the antenna, the arrester can prevent damage to the antenna, coax, balun, or loading coil on the antenna. Also if you know lightning struck nearby and damaged other equipment, replace the lightning arresters as they can be damaged but show no outward signs. I quality surge protection on the power line to the power supply is also needed. Buy one with a protected indicator light on it. If the surge hits the protector, the light will go out. Tripplite makes these as well as others. They will cost more that the cheep strips. ($50+ ) but cheaper than a $1000 radio. Robert
From: BVARC <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Steve Agee via BVARC Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 11:15 PM To: [email protected] Cc: Steve Agee <[email protected]> Subject: Re: [BVARC] Grounding my station In lower humidity areas, yes, this can be an issue, but not here on the Gulf Coast typically. In a dry desert environment, I actually witnessed tiny blue sparks jumping from the center conductor to the shield with high winds blowing across a station antenna years ago. N5ZUA On 2/21/2020 7:10 PM, Alexander Park via BVARC wrote: Thanks, but what about static charges caused by wind hitting my antenna? Is that also a concern? Thanks On Fri, Feb 21, 2020, 5:15 PM gmuller885 via BVARC <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> > wrote: A definite requirement. Just like unplugging your equipment in a lightning storm and disconnecting the antennas. Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S8+, an AT&T 5G Evolution capable smartphone -------- Original message -------- From: Alexander Park via BVARC <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> > Date: 2/21/20 4:53 PM (GMT-06:00) To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> > Cc: Alexander Park <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> > Subject: [BVARC] Grounding my station I heard wind can generate static charges on my antenna that can damage my radio. I haven't grounded my station yet. Is this a big concern or is it minor? Also, are there precautions to help prevent this before I get my station grounded? Thank You -Alexander Park ________________________________________________ Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club Friday Night Greater Houston Hamfest Spaghetti Supper $15 BVARC mailing list [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org ________________________________________________ Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club Friday Night Greater Houston Hamfest Spaghetti Supper $15 BVARC mailing list [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
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