[RFI] DirecTV to ground or not to ground

[Cortland Richmond]

Jim (and Jim!) 

Some years ago, when I was working in the telecom industry, I ascribed a
number of puzzling protector failures to such slowly moving charges.  Given
the extent of telco outside plant, a substantial amount of energy could be
delivered, and while older protectors might survive dissipating it, modern,
silicon protectors in some cases might not.   Did not, as it happened. 

IIRC, it happened in Texas.  Not surprised, are we?


Cortland
KA5S


> [Original Message]
> From: Jim P <jvpoll at dallas.net>
>
> [SNIPPED]
> If you recall, a change in voltage on one plate (say, 
> the 'cloud' for the purposes of discussion) attempts to 
> induce a 'displacement' current (via charge induction)
> in those conductors (the other 'plate') or conducting 
> mechanisms within its view, again, usually an antenna 
> in our case BUT could include metal railings, fences,
> etc.
>
> If  _no_  leakage path (a connection of device to earth 
> ground) is provided, then, the potential on the surface 
> (maybe connected via coax to a chassis down below, 
> e.g. a converter box) can rise to .... well, as many as 
> volts as the 'impressing' or charged element (cloud here 
> again) is able to develop (ignoring certain limiting factors 
> like what the 'view' is, distance  between them, etc.)