Topband: elevated counterpoise and lightning

[Tom W8JI]

> Static drain chokes and ground rods should be SOP. The chokes drain
> static build up which usually prevents direct hits. The chokes are
> available from various broadcast suppliers.


I have a picture of a very expensive broadcast suppressor on my web page. It 
is nothing more than a long solenoid of thin wire.

Down this page:

http://www.w8ji.com/ground_systems.htm


There are a lot of myths about static drain chokes, like the magically 
divert lightning energy or even reduce voltage gradient between the tower 
and clouds, reducing chances of a strike.

If the tower or antenna has no resistive path to ground, a drain choke can 
help certain specific situations, but it generally won't help a thing for 
anything nearby or direct. It certainly will not reduce chances of a hit, or 
direct hit damage.

I guess someone could wind their own for about $10 that would be much more 
effective than the $200 commercial chokes I have.          :-)

73 Tom