[Elecraft] k2 KPA100/KPA100 schottky diodes

[Jerry Flanders]

I would put a high-value resistor - 10K or more - from the vertical 
to ground. That should dissipate the static buildup AOK.

Jerry W4UK

At 01:48 PM 8/19/2008, Jferg977 at aol.com wrote:
>Is there any reason to choose one specification over another for the
>1N5711's which are found in the KPA100 and KAT100?  The ones 
>currently  being shipped
>appear to be GTE's vs whatever the kits came with in 2006.
>
>I had thought that the frequent frying of these diodes on my k2 was due to
>lightning strikes but it looks more like the product of static discharges via
>my  23 foot vertical - you can hear the snaps as the potential arcs 
>across the
>coax  connection at my Balun.  I had thought that this only happened 
>in storms
>  but it turns out to start as the storm is coming.  Clearly the 
> answer is to
>disconnect the radio from the antenna unless I'm using it.  It's also been
>suggested that I put an inductor shunt between the lead in and 
>ground, but  I'm
>at a loss to size it.
>
>It also occurred to me to bring a wire up from the grounding system to  about
>the height of the antenna and put one of those wirebrush static wicks on  it.
>
>Is what I'm considering crazy?  If you think so, it will be ok to tell  me.
>
>
>73   AI4TO       john  ferguson    M/V Arcadian