[TenTec] RFI Issues and other station high voltage precautions

[Bob McGraw - K4TAX]

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 at arlut.utexas.edu>
To: <tentec at 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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