[Elecraft] static buildup on antennas

[Dr. William J. Schmidt, II]

In a related matter, I recently ran across a bountiful supply of new design,
high amperage, reasonably priced knife switches on eBay.  If you make the
switched conductor the radio and the two stationary terminals "Antenna" and
"Ground", it's trivial to disconnect your antenna/ Set the input of your
radio to ground for storms.  Search for "Knife Disconnect Switch".


Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ / J68HZ/ 8P6HK/ ZF2HZ

Owner - Operator
Big Signal Ranch
Staunton, Illinois

email:  bill at wjschmidt.com


-----Original Message-----
From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Richard Fjeld
Sent: Tuesday, September 11, 2012 1:19 PM
To: elecraft posting
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] static buildup on antennas

I know there are differences of opinion on this, but I have come to believe
if I can keep a static charge from building up on my antennas, and other
devices, it will greatly lessen the chance of a dis-charge occurring.  I
even ground the metal vent pipe that goes up through the roof of my house,
as well as the downspouts from my rain gutters.

I have alligator clips on the ends of my ladder-line so that I can easily
connect them to a ground lead when finished operating. I would get bit doing
this at times, so I put a 1 MegOhm resistor from each twin lead tap on the
tuner to ground. No trouble since.  Perhaps I should reduce the R value
though.
Some guys use spark plugs to bleed off, but I feel that allows too much
voltage at the point of dis-charge.

Now this, and I will be brief. I saw where lightning hit a decorative
electric light about five feet high on the front lawn of a house. You would
think that would have been an adequate path to ground. Instead, it followed
the buried wire that ran from it, under the blacktop driveway, throwing the
asphalt up on the roof of the house. It went into the house and did all
kinds of havoc. I suppose the metal light post was just stuck into the
ground a couple feet or so. It isn't just our antennas that need grounding.


----- Original Message -----
From: <valvetbone at netzero.com>
To: <garybartlett at accesswave.ca>
Cc: <Elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Monday, September 10, 2012 1:43 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] static buildup on antennas


> Gary,
> My antenna tuner has a 4:1 current balun built in.  The DC resistance 
> across the ladder line is near zero ohms.  I would think that would bleed 
> off any charge.
> 73,
> Art  WB8ENE
>
> 

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