[TowerTalk] Lightning

[Bob Wanderer]

Contact PolyPhaser in Minden, Nevada.  I *think* the
toll-free # is 800.325.7170, but double-check with 800 info
first (800-555-1212).

Anyway, the rolling ball theory is the cone of protection.
Roll an imaginary ball of 150' radius around the tower and
property.  Anything falling between the tower and the
circumfference of the ball is 96% protected.  Why 96%?  The
150' is based on the usual distance that each segment
(called a step leader) of the downward lightning bolt takes
until it meets with the upwards traveling "streamer."  When
they meet you have the "return stroke" (actually a series of
3-10 pulses) we refer to as the lightning strike.  Since the
150' is an average, some will be shorter; hence, the 96%
protection probability.

This (and more) is covered in PolyPhaser's tutorial "The
'Grounds' For Lightning And EMP Protection."

73
Bob AA0CY
former PolyPhaser Technical Consultant
1994-1997

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-towertalk@contesting.com
[mailto:owner-towertalk@contesting.com]On Behalf Of Ward
Silver
Sent: Tuesday, October 24, 2000 7:18 PM
To: Avila, Edward
Cc: 'kn9t@webtv.net'; 'towertalk@contesting.com'
Subject: RE: [TowerTalk] Lightning


I'm not sure, but I think that there are some references
that show a "cone
of protection" around tall structures.  Depending on the
cone angle and
the distances and directions involved, she might be in the
water tower's
protection zone.

You might also ask her if she thinks the water tower has
attracted
lightning since it is much bigger than your tower.

Anybody out there know where these references are?

73, Ward N0AX

>
> Hello Towertalkers, Need some help on this one. How do I
explain to a
> very upset neighbor
> over 200 feet away that my well grounded 80
> foot tower is not going to attract every lightning
> bolt in the sky. Articles with info and facts?
> When I do present myself to her I need to have
> good info.  Any experience with this guys?
> Also 400 feet to the other side of this neighbor
> is a 200 foot water tower they dont seem concerned about,.
73 Mike KN9T
>


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