[Boatanchors] new Ground system

[Glen Zook]

That is exactly what I mean by the statement that some
"experts" say that dissipation devices are "bunk" and
"swear at" them while others "swear by" them.  Since
my tower is right by my bedroom window, I would
probably know if it took a "hit".  I definitely knew
when the "pole pig" was hit and when my neighbor's
trees and chimney were hit.

Also, on the towers that dissipation devices were
installed by Texas Utilities nothing other than
attaching them to the existing ground system was done.
 Since there has been no damage at all from lightning
strikes since the dissipation devices were installed,
and since several of these sites suffered damage
several times a year from lightning strikes, it is my
opinion that the dissipation devices are working!

The engineer (a graduate EE with considerable
experience in microwave communications) who was given
the task of overseeing the installation of these
devices was of the same opinion as you.  He definitely
thought that putting them up was a "waste of money". 
However, after seeing the results, he has now become a
definite advocate of dissipation devices.

No dissipation device will protect a site 100% even
though there are companies that will "guarantee" that
if you install their devices "properly" that you will
never take a strike.  Then, if you do happen to take a
strike, they will say that the devices were not
installed properly.  However, I do stand by my
statement that, in my experience, that dissipation
devices do reduce the chances of a strike by up to
99.9%.

This is probably the most "devisive" subject that is
discussed by those people who are engaged in
grounding.  You won't convince me that they don't work
and I won't convince you that they do work!  I have
seen some very heated arguments over this subject. 
However, I am the first to admit that there is more
than one way to protect from lightning.  My way works
for me and your way works for you.  At least we have
the same end results in mind!

Glen, K9STH


--- Gary Schafer <garyschafer@attbi.com> wrote:

I was afraid you were going to say that Glen. I would
bet you 10:1 that your tower has been hit many times
given the location that you describe it is located in.
It sounds as though you have very good grounding
installed. That is the key to keep from damaging
things. As far as the dissipation devices go, I don't
know how to put it any nicer, they are snake oil.


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