[TowerTalk] Vertical Lightning Protection

[Kent Winrich]

Being in the broadcast industry, I would say BOTH.  There are so many times
when the spark gap saved my transmitters.  It will spark even with a strike
miles away.  IMHO the choke will bleed off the slow build up but the gap
will take the fast strikes (and near by strikes).  I do not know of any AM
station tower that does not have a spark gap.  (actually multiple spark
gaps)

Also, there is a great article on lighting protection is this trade
publication:  http://www.radio-guide.com/issues/RG-MAY-2007.pdf


Kent Winrich, K9EZ/4/lid/B0ZO
Fuquay-Varina, NC



On 6/19/07, William B. Stacy <wstacy at wildblue.net> wrote:
>
> I am going to install a series-fed, full-sized vertical for 160 in a few
> weeks.  What I would like to find out is the preferred method of lightning
> protection (that is, shunting it to ground).  There seem to be two
> methods:
> a spark gap, and a shunt coil.  What are the accepted practices for
> broadcast systems these days?  And yes, I am planning a set of lightning
> radials with multiple ground rods, Cadweld bonding, etc.
>
>
>
> 73,
>
> Bill, N5TU
>
>
>
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