[Elecraft] [OT] Grounding Antenna when not in use

[Don Wilhelm]

Chuck,

Grounding the antenna is not as important as disconnecting the 
transceiver from the feedline when no in use.
I have a relay switching arrangement for my shack which connects the 
transceiver to a dummy load when no antenna is connected, and my remote 
antenna relays connect unused antennas to ground (at that remote 
location).  I also have spark-gap surge protectors in the shack across 
each feedline.

As Tom W8JI pointed out, this may not be adequate protection, but I 
figure it helps, even if just a little bit.
I think Tom is referring to lightning damage to an installation, but I 
believe my precautions help protect the receiver front end from nearby 
lightning induced surges.  I fully realize these measures are woefully 
ineffective for a direct strike - I do have additional protection 
against strong surges - all power, control circuits, telco and LAN 
cabling in the hamshack come through a "grounding window" and I have 
installed PolyPhaser protective devices at the place where all lines 
enter the building, and I have an extensive grounding system.  I still 
do not trust it - when lightning is near, I stay away from the hamshack 
area.

Do some study on the subject and take whatever measures toward the ideal 
solution that are practical for you.  I might add again here that *all* 
ground rods must be tied to the utility ground rod with heavy wire.  
That is protection for you and your equipment under elecrtical fault 
conditions.

73,
Don W3FPR

Charles Teeter wrote:
> Hello:
>
> After I get my kit built, I¹ll be operating with a windom antenna on 40 ­
> 10.  It¹s been suggested that when I¹m not operating, I should disconnect
> the rig from the antenna and run the antenna to ground.  I¹ve never done
> that in the past when I operated with wire antennas or my vertical, but it
> does make sense as a safety precaution.  I¹m wondering if anyone has any
> suggestions about the best way(s) to do that?  Are there any pieces of
> equipment that you would recommend to simplify the process?  Any help would
> be greatly appreciated.  Thanks.
>   
>