[TowerTalk] Spark Gap on an insulated tower

[Bill MacLane]

I haven't seen the original post on this, but if you are speaking of making an arc gap like commercial a.m. stations use (and some FM) there is more than just an arc gap.  The gap is part of the over all ground plane system tied to the radials ( 120 or more ), the base reinforcing rods, the copper strap that connects the tower bases to the ATUs to the transmitter and associated building and equipment.  There are several ground rods as well as bonding the coax shields at both ends and bonding all of the equipment with 1.5" to 2" minimum width copper strap. (too much for a short post) 

I do not use an insulated tower and see no need (for me) unless I plan on radiating one large enough to be a 1/4 wavelength on the band I wish to operate or have a Hy-Tower.  Slim chance on either here in FL.

I use home brew gaps made from old electric welder arc suppressors.  They are like mini arc gaps.  No worry about rain, it is the dust that can build on them. They are not big enough (neither is a spark plug or commercial arrester) to prevent a strike or damage, but hopefully will reduce the damage should the unfortunate ever happen.

73,
Bill
AI4WM


--- On Mon, 10/6/08, Richards <jruing at ameritech.net> wrote:

> From: Richards <jruing at ameritech.net>
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Spark Gap on an insulated tower
> To: "T Gahagan" <tgahagan at imt.net>
> Cc: "Tower Talk" <towertalk at contesting.com>
> Date: Monday, October 6, 2008, 2:52 PM
> Why not check out I.C.E and DX-Engineering and the like, and
> see
> what they make for this purpose.  Much better than trying
> to re-invent
> the wheel yourself, I think.
> 
> http://www.iceradioproducts.com/
> http://dxengineering.com/
> 
> There are others, but these seem to be the leading
> contenders.
> Personally, I know hams are really clever at inventing
> solutions, but
> this is one area where I would not risk making an error of
> any kind and
> stick to a commercially verified solution.
> 
> Just MY take...
> 
> ========== Happy trails - Richards - K8JHR  ===============
> 
> 
> 
> T Gahagan wrote:
>   , what should the gap be for such a spark gap?
> 
> 
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