[Elecraft] Grounding & Receivers

[Ron D' Eau Claire]

> In your post, "rather than make those right angle turns." Balderdash!
>
> Let's see, what's the mass of an electron? Maybe it CAN make that
> right angle turn! I'd imagine some of the electrons would jump to
> ground at the first rod, and some would jump to ground at the
> second rod, and LOTS would get into your rig and FRY IT'S BRAINS.


With all respect to your brand of "Balderdash", Dan, that is TRUE. I don't
know that it's a matter of mass. It could be when you considering the speeds
that the electrons are moving. But in a practical design sense, it is a
matter of avoiding ANY "sharp" edges in the conductor. Those will cause
greater leakage of electrons into the surrounding air when high voltages are
present. Depending upon the air conditions, that leakage can be enough to
start ionizing the air, which makes the air a better conductor than the
copper and "BANG!". A corner is just another "sharp edge".

As for your suggestions about grounding antennas and staying away from the
rig when thunderstorms are present, right on!

Ron AC7AC
K2 # 1289