[TowerTalk] Lightning suppression through coax loops

[David Jordan]

Decades ago in the SBS lab we were trouble-shooting a freq. lock problem
with the rubidium clocks we used for the satellite switches. Randomly the
clocks would loose sync causing the switch to drop off the satellite
momentarily. Spikes being generated by other equipment in the remote sites
were effecting the very sensitive devices which was using a very inexpensive
power supply. We discovered that your average 100ft AC extension cord in
series with the clock power supply input solved the problem. Spikes
apparently don't like going around in circles ;-) I'm not sure two turns of
coax would provide much additional surge suppression at the levels
encountered at the typical tower antenna...

You mileage may vary.

Enjoy,
Dave
Wa3gin

-----Original Message-----
From: towertalk-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Gene Smar
Sent: Thursday, May 27, 2010 9:15 AM
To: n4zr at contesting.com; TowerTalk at contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Lightning suppression through coax loops

Pete:

     I did almost the same thing on my tower with the rotator control cable.

Underneath the rotator shelf and just before the cable enters a steel box at

the base of the tower, I formed a four-turn solenoid out of the cable and 
held it in place with cable ties.