[TowerTalk] Crappy LMR600

[john at kk9a.com]

One time I had a piece of Cable Experts RG213 blow out the jacket after a
lightning strike. While I have never seen this happen with Heliax, I am sure
that it is possible. Lately I have been using Andrew ground kits for added
lightning protection.

John KK9A


To:	"'towertalk'" <towertalk at contesting.com>
Subject:	Re: [TowerTalk] Crappy LMR600
From:	"Keith Dutson" <kdutson at sbcglobal.net>
Date:	Thu, 24 Aug 2017 08:25:53 -0500
List-post:	<mailto:towertalk at contesting.com>

I learned about the long-life capabilities of Heliax hard line from Frank
W3LPL, at Contest University.  He posed the question something like "Who
would like to have an antenna farm designed to last 30 years."  Of course,
all hands went up.

Turns out that lightning is also a major factor here.  A close strike feeds
secondary arcs to the tower and coax cables.  These arcs can penetrate the
coax jacket, creating pin holes that allow water intrusion.  Heliax is not
ruined by this intrusion.

73, Keith NM5G