Re: [Elecraft] Automatic lightning protection for radios, .... an off the wall idea

On 1/19/2021 7:08 AM, Louandzip via Elecraft wrote: there are quite a few. Last I looked (retired 10 years), there were two in the US, UL and ETL, and CSA in Canada. There were reciprocal agreements between UL and CSA, and UL, CSA, and ETL were recognized in the US. That's not "quite a

Re: [Elecraft] Automatic lightning protection for radios, an off the wall idea

I also received a link to: which is also an antenna disconnect. Note that the web page is in German, but you can download an English version of the manual. A device that only disconnects the antenna fixes only part of the problem. What I would

Re: [Elecraft] Automatic lightning protection for radios, .... an off the wall idea

It's been quite a while since I worked in the biz, but IIRC, UL is a NRTL, "Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory."  They don't approve devices per se, but rather certify a device passed statutory safety standard testing.  A certification only means samples and manufacturing process passed

Re: [Elecraft] Automatic lightning protection for radios, .... an off the wall idea

On 2021-01-18 20:23:-0600, Jim Borowski wrote: >Did I read this right regulation connector?If the clamps on the ground rod, or >water pipe, it is not UL stamped, it's not approved.Jim K9TFSent from my >T-Mobile 4G LTE Device Unfortunately, the email footnotes don't include a link to the archive

Re: [Elecraft] Automatic lightning protection for radios, .... an off the wall idea

Did I read this right regulation connector?If the clamps on the ground rod, or water pipe, it is not UL stamped, it's not approved.Jim K9TFSent from my T-Mobile 4G LTE Device __ Elecraft mailing list Home:

Re: [Elecraft] Automatic lightning protection for radios, .... an off the wall idea

On 1/18/2021 11:53 AM, hb9...@hispeed.ch wrote: MOV can be used even in AC power applications (50/60Hz) , but only if the potential thermal run away effect ( drawing more leakage current after energy absorption/exposure or by aging ) is controlled by a series connected high impedance (no-fire

Re: [Elecraft] Automatic lightning protection for radios, .... an off the wall idea

Yes, Jim, but: "It's also the kind of destructive failure that the use of MOV surge protectors can CAUSE". MOV can be used even in AC power applications (50/60Hz) , but only if the potential thermal run away effect ( drawing more leakage current after energy absorption/exposure or by aging ) is

Re: [Elecraft] Automatic lightning protection for radios, an off the wall idea

I would not want a high static discharges such as a lightning near miss in my K4 or any radio I have. Nor would I want it in my house. I am thinking of antennas discharge. IMHO, & 73, Charlie, N2PKW -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net On Behalf Of Bill

Re: [Elecraft] Automatic lightning protection for radios, .... an off the wall idea

On 1/18/2021 9:12 AM, Rich NE1EE wrote: After I installed my ground grid, the last step was to connect to the house grounds. There were 3 of them, and every one was loose on the ground rod. They all appeared to be regulation listed connectors, but poorly installed. Glad I was there to find

Re: [Elecraft] Automatic lightning protection for radios, .... an off the wall idea

On 1/18/2021 9:09 AM, Bill Frantz wrote: While serious lightning protection for structures and other robust things must be done outside the building, I have heard reports of K3S USB chips being fried from currents induced in the USB cable attached to the radio, with the suggestion of

Re: [Elecraft] Automatic lightning protection for radios, .... an off the wall idea

To add to what I just posted, Wayne just posted a link to a K4 manual that states: ESD and Lightning Protection: Even though the the K4 has extensive internal protective circuitry, external protection against lightning strikes is strongly recommended, especially in lightning-prone areas.

Re: [Elecraft] Automatic lightning protection for radios, .... an off the wall idea

On 2021-01-18 10:38:-0600, Bob McGraw wrote: >Just remember that ALL lightning protection must be accomplished outside of >the house or structure.� Do not think for one minute that one can provide >lightning protection inside the equipment or structure. ...and I just last summer discovered

Re: [Elecraft] Automatic lightning protection for radios, .... an off the wall idea

While serious lightning protection for structures and other robust things must be done outside the building, I have heard reports of K3S USB chips being fried from currents induced in the USB cable attached to the radio, with the suggestion of disconnecting the cable to protect the chip. I

[Elecraft] Automatic lightning protection for radios, .... an off the wall idea

Just remember that ALL lightning protection must be accomplished outside of the house or structure.  Do not think for one minute that one can provide lightning protection inside the equipment or structure. Any and all driven ground rods and systems MUST be bonded back to the AC Mains ground.  

Re: [Elecraft] Automatic lightning protection for radios, an off the wall idea

This is VERY good advice. The most important thing we can do to minimize lightning damage is to seriously implement proper grounding and bonding in our stations and throughout our homes. N0AX's ARRL Book on the topic is a great reference; I collaborated with him on it. Also study the slides

Re: [Elecraft] Automatic lightning protection for radios, an off the wall idea

Hi Bill, Just a general remark: I think we need to divide protection into different topologies/ barriers/ zones. This is according to threat phenomena ( e.g. xxx kilo Amps to milli Amps and smaller ). Threat levels need to be reduced step by step and systematically. Surge Limiters / Filtering

[Elecraft] Automatic lightning protection for radios, an off the wall idea

I've been thinking about some kind of automatic lightning protection for radios, specifically ones like the K3 and K4. The idea is that when you turn the radio off, all the things that are subject to damage are protected by disconnecting them from the external world and shorting their inputs