[TowerTalk] spider balls

[Jerry Keller]

Those are pretty big assumptions. Since there are so many variables, and they likely vary so widely, I doubt the chances that any particular set of assumptions can represent a "typical" strike for the purposes of discussion or analysis. I see what you're getting at, but I doubt that lightning phenomena can yet be defined in terms that would allow predictive description. We might get close, but not close enough.

You're also assuming that the static build-up happens in a very short time, immediately prior to the strike. What if the ground potential sometimes "bleeds" off more slowly (or in a relatively long time, as it accumulates) so that the potential doesn't rise to the strike level?

The phenomena over their antenna fields, described by John, W0UN and Don, VE6JY, as viewed by them from vantage points where they can see the storms come and go, cannot be dismissed simply because they seem inconsistent with current theory.

73, Jerry K3BZ
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Keith Dutson 
  To: 'TowerTalk' 
  Sent: Wednesday, July 28, 2004 2:54 PM
  Subject: RE: [TowerTalk] spider balls


  There is little doubt that porcupines will help bleed off static charges
  better than nothing at all.  However, a lightning strike has little to do
  with static charge bleed off.  Instead, a strike is the result of the
  buildup of a huge potential in rapid succession (a matter of seconds in many
  cases).  Assume that a bolt of lightning originates from a height of 1000
  feet and is going to ground rather than horizontal within the cloud.  Also
  assume the potential must be about 20KV to jump an inch.  The 1000 foot arc
  would require a minimum potential of approximately 240 million volts
  (1K*12*20K).  Can you imagine what would happen if the little porcupine ball
  were to bleed off just 10 percent of this potential to avoid a strike?  Can
  you say vaporization? <grin>

  Keith

  -----Original Message-----
  From: towertalk-bounces at contesting.com
  [mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Chuck Dietz W5PR
  Sent: Wednesday, July 28, 2004 12:29 PM
  To: 'Towertalk Reflector'
  Subject: RE: [TowerTalk] spider balls

  If you have ever heard the static buildup on big antennas when a storm is
  nearby, it will make you a believer that the porcupines might work.  I have
  no empirical evidence, but how can it HURT???

  Chuck W5PR


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  _______________________________________________

  See: http://www.mscomputer.com  for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless Weather Stations", and lot's more.  Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any questions and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.

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