[TenTec] Power Pole noises

[Dr. Gerald N. Johnson]

On Sun, 2008-06-15 at 10:42 -0400, Mike Bryce wrote:
> Gang...
> 
> I started this thread with my mention of noise from the local power  
> line.
> 
> S-9+40 over on all frequencies from Broadcast to FM..
> 
> Called the power company
> 
> 1. Linemen can't fix.
> 2. They (the linemen) referred my call to the engineers
> 3. They (the engineers) would call me and set up an appointment to  
> install a device to monitor line voltage ( I could not get into  
> anyone's head there was nothing wrong with the voltage, it's RFI!)
> 4. No one called
> 5. Noise still there. I was basically shut down from any HF activity
> 6. New thunderstorm rolls through Friday night
> 7. Lightning hits power pole that was making the noise
> 8. Lighting strike takes out one transformer (there's three on this  
> pole!)
> 9. BBQs assorted parts
> 10. Linemen replace and repair pieces parts
> 11. Noise is gone
> 
> Life is good!
> 
> Mike, WB8VGE

Maybe the lightning was triggered by the arcing on top that pole that
made the noise. E.g. a stream of ionized air wafting up from the pole
top lowered the breakdown voltage from the cloud above.

73, Jerry, K0CQ