[TowerTalk] Who is the better lightning/static antenna protector?

[Tom Rauch]

> I am the owner of an old Rockwell/Collins lightning protector. But I dont
> want to use it on my Force 12 C4 antenna becouse they aren't dc-grounded
> (both antenna and protector) and I would prefer a lightning protector
> without dc continuity, the kind with a high voltage capacitor- series.

Why?

Lightning has most of the energy at high frequencies, not DC. The 
energy peak is around a few hundred kilohertz.

A series capacitor that passes RF with an almost zero impedance 
at 1.8 MHz won't do anything to reduce lightning energy, especially 
if that lightning energy is coupled ito the cable via an antenna 
resonant on a high frequency.

The Collins arrestor is perfectly fine, "blocked" or "DC grounded" or 
not. 

> Also I prefer a protector that discharges statics - I want the better
> protection from statics for my FT1000MP and my old Cubic Astro 102-bxa
> (mosfet front-end). Obviously it should take 1.2kw cw (Henry 2kd). I have
> read some literature from Polyphaser and ICE - each say that his is the
> better and the other brand has a lot of defects, of course! 

Consider this. The lightning arrestor is bi-directional.

A lightning arrestor that allows 1.2 kW out from the transmitter, will 
allow more than 1.2 kW back in before clamping begins. 

Will your receiver's front end handle 1.2 kW for even a few 
nanoseconds?

If you want to protect your receiver, disconnect it when you have 
storms or when you are not using it. Disconnect the antennas, and 
disconnect the power, by removing the cables outside the shack.

Removing the antenna leads and power line connections is the 
world's best lightning arrestor.


73, Tom W8JI
w8ji@contesting.com

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