Topband: Surge suppression for Beverage?

[R. Kline]

I used to have the problem of "evaporating" matching transformers and
resistors.  About 5 years ago, I addopted a very simple cure for this, and
so far, no more "evaporating" parts due to lightning surges.  My matching
and termination components are contained in small plastic weather proof
boxes,  and I simply bypass the antenna side of the transformer or resistor
to the ground side through a spark gap.  The spark gap consists of  heavy
solid wires - about 10 AWG, soldered to teardrop terminals that are placed
under the screws going to the antenna and ground.  The ends of the wires are
cut with "side cutters" leaving  a nice "knife edge", and I position the two
edges very close to each other.  A piece of paper makes a nice "feeler gage"
for this purpose.  It is very effective, most simple, and negligible cost.
It can usually be added on to existing installations with no special bother.
Try it - you'll like it.
73,
Riki, 4X4NJ



--
FAQ on WWW:               http://www.contesting.com/FAQ/topband
Submissions:              topband@contesting.com
Administrative requests:  topband-REQUEST@contesting.com
Problems:                 owner-topband@contesting.com