During a very light rain, with no accompanying lighting, there can be static charge build up on an antenna. I've seen sparks about 1/4 inch across a ground switch that wasn't quite closed. Also, wind alone can build up a static charge. Rolling or unrolling coax can generate a static charge. I experienced damage once with only a six foot length of coax.
Always short a open transmission line before connecting it to your rig. 73/ Bob - W5BIG ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dave G." <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <elecraft@mailman.qth.net> Sent: Monday, December 27, 2004 11:07 AM Subject: [Elecraft] ESD and Storms > Just to add to the knowledge base... > One misconception is that, if was no storm, there was > no lightning... > > At one point in my career I had the fortune to do some > work at NASA, and came across a nice piece of > research concerning Clear Air Lightning. > > Lightning can and does occur on perfectly clear days. At > MSFC (Huntsville,AL) there have been recorded in > excess of 1000 CAL strikes in one day. !! > > Caveat !! > > _______________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
