[Elecraft] k1 static charge

[Don Wilhelm]

Don,

Yes, you should be concerned for the health of your K1.  If you have the 
KAT1 installed, the wattmeter diodes can be zapped by a charge like 
that.  Use a resistor between the antenna and the counterpoise and if 
you can find a way to ground the K1 case, that would be good too.  It 
does not need to be a wonderful ground, but even a 1 foot rod into the 
earth will help bleed off the static charge.

The charge is most likely coming from "wind static" - there does not 
have to be much breeze to create it.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 6/17/2012 11:49 PM, Don Baucom wrote:
> Im operating portable from Taos, NM. I am using a K1 on the front porch. the
> antenna is a long wire about 80ft drapped over the roof connecred to binding
> post on the bact of the k1. The negavtive post has a 6 foot wire connected
> to it. The K1 will tune it to 1.5 swr. The issue is almost everytime I touch
> the case, I get a static spark. This seems worrisome. Should I be worried?.
> If so, what should I do? Taos is at 7000 feet with virtually no humidty.
>
> 73
> Don
> K4YND
>
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