[Elecraft] How susceptable is K2 to antenna static shock?

[Bill Coleman]

On Jul 1, 2009, at 8:31 AM, Geoffrey Mackenzie-Kennedy wrote:

> Yes some years ago, after a falling pine brought down the antenna in  
> use
> while the K2/100 was transmitting (CW).  Diodes D12 and D14 in the  
> KPA100's
> T-R switch both failed into a shorted condition, and one of the  
> diodes in
> the K2's T-R switch failed as well. I was very lucky that the KPA100's
> transistors did not blow. My K2/100 now shares a protective shutdown  
> system.

A couple of years ago, when trying to use the K2 as a receiver with a  
homebrew transmitter for Straight Key Night, I accidentally  
transmitted about 12 or so watts directly into the front end of the  
K2/100 for over 30 seconds. The K2/100 isn't apparently any worse for  
wear.

So, it would take a considerable discharge to cause a problem of this  
type.

Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASEL        Mail: aa4lr at arrl.net
Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com
Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!"
             -- Wilbur Wright, 1901