[Elecraft] KAT100 ESD protection

[Marcus Busch [DL1EKC]]

Hi All,

On 25 Dec 2004 at 14:40, John Rader wrote:

> Last year I had to replace the1N5711s, D1 & D2, after flying with my K2. John

This is really interesting. I'm just facing the same trouble. During last 
WAG field operation I used my K2 with everything being fine. At the end of 
the contest I switched off the RIG. When I came back two days later D1 and 
D2 in my KAT100 had broken down (Vr = 1.5 V as measured with my DMM). The 
coax line had been connected during the two days, but they were connected 
via a remote antenna switch, which grounds all inputs when not in use.

There was no thunderstorm and I can hardly believe it was an ESD issue. 
Are the diodes really that sensitive?

Is there a more robust replacement available? What about a protection 
circuit?

VY 73 de Marcus, DL1EKC