[Elecraft] Antenna static charge precautions - any tips?

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Keep in mind that the resistors (or a choke) only provide PARTIAL
protection. If you connect an antenna to the rig that has accumulated a
significant voltage - which can happen in a couple of minutes in dry windy
conditions, in a rainfall, or even during a snowfall, you'll still damage
the rig when you connect it because the voltage won't drop fast enough
through the protection circuit. Not even a choke may protect against that
due to the rapid rise time of the spike.

That's why it's an excellent idea to keep any disconnected antennas grounded
or, if one has been left open, to ground it before connecting it to the rig.


Hopefully less common is a nearby lightening discharge that induces a
current in the antenna. I'm not talking about a direct hit or even anything
close to it. The strike may be some distance away and still induce a
damaging amount of current that the resistor (or choke) cannot bleed off
fast enough. That's another reason to shut down and ground antennas if
lightning can be heard, no matter how far away. 

73, Ron AC7AC