[Towertalk] Lightning Protection - Conclusion (for me, anyway)

[Bill Coleman]

On 5/14/02 10:15 PM, Tom Rauch at w8ji@contesting.com wrote:

>Despite the total lack of arrestors of any form on feedlines, and the 
>fact I never disconnect any cables (there are far too many to unhook) 
>I have never had a major problem with anything from lightning here in 
>middle western GA.

The ONLY time (so far) that I've ever suffered lightning damage came when 
my rig was safely stowed in the car.

Yes, it was Sunday afternoon after Field Day, and I was too tired to 
unload the rig into the shack. My unconnected doublet took a strike which 
melted the copper out of 45+ feed of transmitting twin-lead. (The dipole 
stayed up in the air)

I'm convinced that if the doublet had been connected to a ground, then it 
never would have taken the strike.

Disconnect if you must, but make sure everything is grounded at all 
times. You're not doing yourself any favors by disconnecting and leaving 
a live antenna feedline lying around.



Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASEL        Mail: aa4lr@arrl.net
Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!"
            -- Wilbur Wright, 1901