Topband: Vertical Lightning Protection

[Bill Tippett]

K5PC wrote:
 >I have another vacuum variable ready to mount;
800pf @ 18 kv, 150 amps.

         Why not use an air-variable?  My shunt-fed tower
has taken many hits with no damage to an old "bread
slicer" type 220 pF variable that has spacing of
almost 5/16" between meshed plates.  I think I paid
about $5 for mine at a flea market and have several
more as spares.  I suppose there is no capacitor with
voltage ratings adequate for lightning bolts but the
air-variable doesn't seem to suffer permanent damage
after repeated hits.

                                         73,  Bill  W4ZV