[TowerTalk] spark gap/ insulated tower

[Todd Gahagan]

Thanks to all who answered.  The gap is actually closer to 1/8" and its two 
chisel shaped pieces of brass about 1.5" wide.  I will try this in a 
transmit situation and see if I see any arcing.

Todd
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "jim Jarvis" <jimjarvis at optonline.net>
To: <towertalk at contesting.com>
Sent: Monday, October 06, 2008 6:40 AM
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] spark gap/ insulated tower


>
> Todd wrote:
>
> I recently erected an 80' base insulated Rohn  25G tower.  It is
> guyed with
> philystran cable.  I have been told that I should install a spark gap
> at the
> base insulators.  If this is the case, what should the gap be for such a
> spark gap?  I currently have 2 brass straps 1.5" wide X 1/4" thick
> from the
> top and bottom of the insulators.  The gap is 3/16" wide.  Any advice is
> greatly appreciated.  Todd,  WA7U
> -0-
>
> Todd,  it somewhat depends on the shape of your gap materials.
> Broadcast towers have balls,  the spacing of which can be varied,
> depending
> on power levels involved.
>
> 3/16" may be just fine for you.   You don't want it arcing over at
> full power, even when
> it's raining.   But you want it spaced as closely as possible, beyond
> that.
> The arc-over situation will vary, depending on whether you have
> pointed metal
> to pointed metal, or to a flat plate, or other shape.
>
> So, no simple answer will be correct.
>
> N2EA
>
>
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