Date: Thu, 02 Mar 2006 14:51:03 -0000
From: "Stephen Rice" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: lightning arrestors
Hi all, I had a question that I believe some of you can answer! I have
a repeater with an antenna only about 20 feet off the ground here in
Florida and am now looking for a budget lightning arrester. I have
seen so many different ads I figured I would go to the horses mouth
and ask you all if you have to do it on a budget what did you use? Did
you mount the arrestor outside with an appropriate ground or inside?
By the way the antenna is low because of the community regs. and it
does cover the community for GMRS emergency work at that height.
Thanks Steve N4YZA
Steve,
You asked the question so be prepared for the answers. "Budget lightning
arrester" is an oxymoron.
Personally, I prefer to use the Polyphaser line of suppressors. They
have a broad spectrum of equipment for different applications. As someone
mentioned, ebay can be a reasonable source for these if you can get new
equipment and check Polyphaser's on-line spec sheets for appropriateness.
Polyphaser has a track record of excellence. Everyone else seems to be
an "Also-Ran" or "Wanna-Be" and is a gamble. Polyphaser has some very good
information on their website that should be required reading for anyone that
sticks things in the air.
As important as grounding for your equipment is bonding. When, not if,
lightning strikes all equipment needs to rise and fall at the same
potential. Copper strap is your friend. Copper braid is a waste of time.
Lots of info on web about doing it right.
Usually, the Polyphaser is mounted at or near the entry point to the
building and bonded to the single point ground that should be near with a #6
or larger copper wire or better, a flat copper strap. A case can be made for
having another Polyphaser at the equipment as well.
73,
Al, K9SI
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