On 6/2/98 8:08 PM, Tom Rauch at 10eesfams2mi@mass1-pop.pmm.mci.net wrote:
> From: Bill Coleman AA4LR <aa4lr@radio.org>
>> Just don't disconnect them and leave them floating.
>>
>> I'm convinced that the doublet wouldn't have been hit if it had been
>> properly grounded and protected.
>
>Why are you so sure?
Well, I'm not a lightning expert, and all the talk about lightning
reminds me of a yiddish proverb. But the theory I've heard and understand
is as follows:
A grounded conductor aloft assumes the same potential as the ground it is
connected to. It therefore becomes difficult for it to build up a charge
and make it a potential target.
An ungrounded conductor aloft assumes whatever potential it wants. If it
is bombarded with rain, it picks up the charge of the rain. Wind friction
can also generate a sizable static charge. It may pick up enough of a
charge to become a target.
Of course, lightning is dumb, and it doesn't understand theory - it
strikes where and when it wants....
Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASEL Mail: aa4lr@radio.org
Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!"
-- Wilbur Wright, 1901
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