[Elecraft] RS 232 problem

[Frank Van Cleef W1WCG]

Stuart, K5KVH, reminds me that I left out an important point concerning my
RS 232 problem -- i.e. was it connected to an antenna as well as the 
computer
when the failure occurred?

Yes, it was connectied to an antenna, Stuart -- the antenna is a Butternet 
vertical on the roof with a couple
of long radials.  Certainly a target for lightning nearby!  I've never (to 
my knowledge)
had a direct hit, but I know that nearby strikes can induce high voltages 
and currents
in any nearby conductor.

73,
Van W1WCG


> Frank,
> You left out an important piece of information.  Was the K2 plugged into 
> an antenna at the same time you had it on the computer and lost the MAX 
> chip and the components?
>
> RS232 used to cause a lot of modem failures, because those chips make a 
> great fuse for lightning surges that would come down the phone lines, if 
> the modem was left connected during a storm!   That is the most likely 
> cause of the demise you had.
>
> Even without RS 232 or other Computer interfaces to a rig, hams should 
> unplug their antennas from the rigs when not on the air!
>
> Stuart
> K5KVH