Three broadcast towers I deal with - two are 300' and one is 500' - are set
up with commercially sold "porcupines" "drained" by a heavy copper cable,
which leads to a 3" copper pipe (perforated) that's sunk a good 12' into the
earth. NaCl nuggets fill the pipe, and the leach is supposed to enhance
ground conductivity.
The 2.5 ft. dia. spherical broom of some 100 stainless steel, pointed
bicycle spokes is cadwelded into a cup on top of a 5/8" stainless rod
clamped so as to extend above the top beacon assembly.
Larry Kozal K8PUJ
Because of the abscence of verifiable strikes on the tower, ie, no antenna,
feed, or active device damage for years, we like to think the concept is
working.
-----Original Message-----
From: Brian Smithson <brian_smithson@vds.com>
To: towertalk@contesting.com <towertalk@contesting.com>
To: <towertalk@contesting.com>
Date: Wednesday, August 18, 1999 8:21 AM
Subject: [TowerTalk] Lightning 'porcupines' & rods
>
>I've seen several posts in the past praising the virtues
>of 'porcupines' to 'drain off charge' before a strike can
>occur. I've also seen at least as many claim it is all
>bunk. I must admit it seems reasonable, but not if a
>lightning rod 'attracts' strikes. I have no background
>here - just a software guy! Does anyone know where
>I can find out about any studies, etc. to what the
>scoop is?
>
>-Brian n8wrl
>
>--
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>
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