I am convinced that there should be a static drain resistor. But since I don't know anything about this antenna, I cannot suggest a value.
If I owned one, I might even add a GDT (and/or a low-capacitance TVS diode) in parallel with the resistor, to help prevent damage from close lightning strikes. They only have about 2 pF of capacitance, IIRC. Actually, now that I think about it the TVS diode has a much lower voltage than a GDT (minimum 75 volts). I don't know if any suitable TVS diode has a 20 kA rating like a GDT does. Only Lee would know whether my ideas here have any merit. :-) 73, Mike www.w0btu.com On Tue, Sep 24, 2019, 2:17 PM Mike Waters <[email protected]> wrote: > Can't you install a static drain resistor to keep that voltage from > building up so high? > > 73, Mike > www.w0btu.com > > On Tue, Sep 24, 2019, 2:09 PM Lee STRAHAN <[email protected]> wrote: > >> Hi Guys, >> Assuming your verticals have a very good insulator there is NOTHING to >> stop that input capacitor from charging to very high like kilovolt static >> voltage levels. What I don’t understand is why leakage in that capacitor >> would cause any trouble or differences if it were not even there. All that >> would happen is the vertical would assume about 5 volts DC on the elements. >> This problem rearing its head would indicate the vertical insulators or >> something in that path must be compromised as well. Or is the 8055 possibly >> going in to oscillation with a leaky connection to the element. >> Something does not add up here.??? What is the clue that tells you the >> capacitor has failed. Lack of performance/directivity or noise. Noise might >> indicate oscillation. >> Lee K7TJR >> Hi-Z Antennas >> ... >> >> _________________ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
