[Elecraft] disconnecting antennas

[Scott McDowell]

Hi
In the past I have always used a coaxial switch to disconnect my radio from 
the
different antennas I  have.
A few weeks ago I noticed a message posted by Don W3fpr that the coaxial
switch wasn't good enough to protect radio equipment, so I started
disconnecting my antennas when not in use.
That paid off big time. Last week lightening struck my tower and the power
surge from it destroyed three computers, a packet tnc, and a TV set.
But  due to Don's advice my K2 was disconnected and not damaged.
I've had a tower up for more than 30 years and this is the first time I have
had a lightening strike on it. I was in my shack which is on the second 
floor
of my home and the tower just outside the shack, so the shack is a third of
the way up my tower. It sounded like a bomb had gone off just above the 
house.
When I installed the tower I extended the base of the tower a foot below
the concrete for a ground. I believe this took the lightening strike to
ground, because there was no damage to the house.
So disconnect those antennas when not in use.
73
Scott N5SM

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