GM Mark, The easiest way to think of this is Diodes = Detectors; with high-powered RF around, that becomes a Bad Idea. A possible alternative MAY be high-value resistors to ground across the front end of the preamps. A representative value would be 10 MΩ or greater, and I would match the resistances to ±1%. However, Tim's warning still applies in that this mod may damage the performance of the array. I only mention it because I've used it with kite and balloon antennas to drain off static discharge, and it may prove useful here.
73 de Lee KX4TT -----Original Message----- From: Topband [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Tim Duffy Hello Mark: Installing diodes can cause severe problems with nearby broadcast stations. During the summer months and lightning months I remove my preamps from the antenna elements to protect them. I am now just getting them installed tomorrow morning to prepare for the Fall Stew contest on Saturday. Be careful making modifications that may hurt your array performance 73 Tim K3LR -----Original Message----- From: Topband [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Mark Robinson I have the DX Engineering 8 circle receiving array sized for 80/160m . It has been a fantastic performer but I have suffered damage to the active antenna amplifiers on two separate occasions due to nearby lightning strikes. I am looking at a way to protect these amplifiers. I was wondering if I can add a pair or dual series pair (4 diodes in total) of back to back diodes - say 1N3600, across the input to ground terminals on each amplifier. Will this affect the performance of the array in any way ? 73 Mark N1UK _________________ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
