Hi,

I am relatively new in the radio-amateur world and last summer we had a lot
of thunder storms that passed by.

So my concern grew as to what will happen if lightning struck my antennas?

What is the best way to safeguard your equipment and house?

There are these lightning protectors that have a ground. But can they really
direct all the volts to the ground?
How big should your ground cable be? Where to put the protector? As close as
possible to the antenna?
Woulden't I "attrack" lightning that way by providing and easy path in the
area?

There are so much questions and its very hard to find a conclusive answer.
But I am sure that "proffesional" radio-operators should know.

Is there maybe a website that gives a clear answer?


thanks for your help.

What is the best way to safeguard your equipment and house?

Unplug your antenna and unplug all your equipment from the mains before a
storm.

As for websites, here is a link to a three-part .pdf article on how to
protect radio equipment during storms. It's aimed more towards amateur radio
operators, but I'm sure much of the info would be helpful to anyone in the
radio monitoring hobby as well.

http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/pdf/0206056.pdf
http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/pdf/0207048.pdf
http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/pdf/0208053.pdf

Good luck and be safe,

Jackie

On Tue, 30 Nov 2004 10:18:12 GMT, "Sven"
proclaimed:
Hi,

I am relatively new in the radio-amateur world and last summer we had a lot
of thunder storms that passed by.

So my concern grew as to what will happen if lightning struck my antennas?

What is the best way to safeguard your equipment and house?

A lightning protector located at ther nearest point that your down
lead enters your home.

There are these lightning protectors that have a ground. But can they really
direct all the volts to the ground?

It isn't the volts, it's the current. Properly installed then the odds
become in your favor. Lightning is an act of God and it's going to do
what it wants to do.

How big should your ground cable be?

In my case I go with a number 8 bare copper.

Where to put the protector? As close as
possible to the antenna?

See above.

Woulden't I "attrack" lightning that way by providing and easy path in the
area?

The "path" is already there. You would be attempting to divert the
energy.


There are so much questions and its very hard to find a conclusive answer.
But I am sure that "proffesional" radio-operators should know.

Is there maybe a website that gives a clear answer?

Your best book is via the ARRL:

http://www.couchpotatoguide.com/view...002_15050.html