[Elecraft] K3 Antenna static bleed

[Phil & Debbie Salas]

"...While the K3 has static protective devices that have been mentioned by 
others, I prefer to err on the side of caution.  ...The UHF connector has 
one problem for antenna/feedline static charge - if the antenna has built up 
a static charge, when the feedline is connected to an SO-239 jack, the 
center conductor makes contact first, followed by the shield.  So the best 
solution is a DC path provided within the antenna/feedline system itself 
rather than relying on any protection in the K3...  73, Don W3FPR"

I completely agree with Don.  For any of my antennas that aren't normally DC 
grounded (like with a gamma match or a balun), I permanently mount a high 
value resistor directly across the antenna feedpoint to keep the antenna 
discharged.  This will also help protect your SWR Analyzer when you hook-up 
to the antenna to make measurements.  I also have a MFJ-4726 antenna switch 
in the shack that grounds unused inputs (and all inputs when not powered), 
and ICE in-line arrestors at the feedline entrance.

Phil - AD5X