[TowerTalk] Vertical antennas and lightning

[Gene Smar]

Dan:

     If the inductor is the correct value (high enough XL at the vertical's 
lowest frequency of operation so as not to upset the feedpoint impedance 
appreciably) you can permanently connect it to the feedpoint.  In that 
configuration you'll be draining off the static electricity (DC charge) to 
ground, hopefully thus minimizing the likelihood of a strike to begin with.

     I'd recommend XL > 10 X 50 Ohm = 500 Ohms at the lowest frequency.

73 de
Gene Smar  AD3F



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Dan Schaaf" <dan-schaaf at att.net>
To: "Tower and HF antenna construction topics." <towertalk at contesting.com>
Sent: Friday, July 30, 2010 6:20 PM
Subject: [TowerTalk] Vertical antennas and lightning


> Here is a vital question before I complete my vertical antenna design.
>
> In the case of a ground to cloud lightning storm, is it better to have the 
> feedpoint of the antenna disconnected from coax or switch in a shunt 
> inductor ?
>
> In other words open circuit to ground or closed circuit to ground.
> All coaxes will be disconnected at the entrance to the shack anyway, 
> regardless.
>
> Dan Schaaf
> ==================================
> K3ZXL www.k3zxl.com
> Cape Cod Instruments www.gnm-inc.com
> NOBSKA www.nobska.net
> ==================================
>
> Sent from my Ham Radio computer since I do not have a Blackberry
>
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