Stuart et al
I fully agree and only add one suggestion. When not using the station,
disconnect all antennas and unplug the station.
I have mine on two nice multi plug boxes I made up using a quantity of 4"
square utility boxes each containing 2 duplex 20A receptacles. Unplug 2
cords and everything is disconnected.
73
Bob, K4TAX
----- Original Message -----
From: "Stuart Rohre" <rohre@arlut.utexas.edu>
To: <tentec@contesting.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 17, 2012 5:55 PM
Subject: Re: [TenTec] RFI Issues and other station high voltage precautions
>I agree on safety issues with the tuned counterpoise as I prefer to call
> it. They are useful to remove RF from the rig metal cabinet. But,
> they need to be adjusted for each band in use, they need to have a well
> insulated wire and run it outside the shack if possible, so that its end
> can be away from the shack. But, you have to protect the end from
> accidental contact with anything as you must treat the end as a high
> voltage conductor which it becomes when tuned.
>
> Also, be aware, in the case of wind induced static on either an antennas
> wire or feed line, that the feeder, even if insulated, may attain a high
> voltage that can conduct right thru insulation or such as house wiring
> devices stamped 600 volts. Sustained wind charges up a well insulated
> dipole or double Zepp to much higher voltages than attained when
> running normal RF levels. Thus, insulation suited for 100 watts or 1000
> watts may pass current to someone trying to grasp a plug and unplug a
> feed line from the station. Disconnect before a storm is within 10
> miles. Best, to leave a station's antennas unplugged from the house
> entry point except when you intend to operate.
>
> One case of a local ham, was that lightning struck the power line to his
> house, then entered his unused VHF rig via the power cord, and exited
> partly on the feeder and VHF vertical antenna that was much lower than
> the power line coming to the house. Had the rig been unplugged from the
> AC outlet, it might not have been damaged, but both it and the antenna
> were destroyed along with some house wiring and all his major appliances
> that were plugged in, but off or on.
>
> -Stuart Rohre
> K5KVH
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