[Elecraft] Took Some Lightning Damage Last Night

[K9MA]

On 11/6/2017 10:54, Buck wrote:
> Best practice is to disconnect everything when not in use.

I agree.  While good bonding and protection devices can help, a large 
enough or close enough strike can still damage equipment.

I set up my station with a panel at which all antennas and control 
cables from outside can be disconnected with two connectors.  That panel 
is in the basement shack, and well grounded and bonded to the station 
ground.  It would be better to have that disconnect outside, away from 
the house, but I'd never operate in the winter if I had to go outside 
every time I wanted to connect the antennas.  I would put it outside if 
I lived in Florida.

In addition, all station power comes in on two conveniently placed 
outlets, one for 120 and one for 240.  I also disconnect both of those 
when I'm not operating and/or there are thunderstorms around.  (Only the 
clock is left connected, and it's expendable.) I also disconnect the 
ethernet cable to the computer.  With everything disconnected, the 
equipment is grounded, but otherwise isolated.  There is no direct path 
by which current could flow through any of the equipment.  While some 
current could certainly be induced in the interconnecting cables, they 
are fairly short.

While I'm fairly sure this protects the equipment well, I know there are 
no guarantees.  (That's what insurance is for.)  My primary concern is 
minimizing the chance that a lightning strike will start a fire which, 
at best, would be a major inconvenience. As far as safety, I stay well 
away from the radio when there's lightning about.

73,

Scott K9MA

-- 
Scott  K9MA

k9ma at sdellington.us