Topband: Beverages, Lightning and Moose

[n0tt1@juno.com]

Hi Roger,

My setup isn't as advanced as yours, but I too had induced
lightning problems.  What I did several years ago is this:
At in input I placed an ordinary NE-2 neon bulb from the
lead to ground.  The input lead continues to a small inductor
which goes to the rest of whatever it is that is being controlled,
or more protection, such as a zener diode, etc.
I wound my inductors on small plastic soda straws with small
wire such as #28 enamel, close-wound.  The inductors were
about 1/2 inch long....don't know what inductance...not critical
(but I'm sure there is an optimum inductance if one wanted to
calculate the amount).
The wire ends were secured by piercing 2 holes in each end
of the straw with a needle....with a "in and out" push of the
needle.  The wire ends then would be secured with these holes.
I used a small wood dowel to stiffen the straw during winding,
then removed the dowel afterwards.

The theory is that the inductor retards the sudden surge from
passing, allowing the neon bulb time to "fire".  The neon bulbs
will turn black inside after repeated firings, but seem to keep
on working for this purpose.

73 and CU at Dayton
Charlie, N0TT



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