[Elecraft] KPA-1500 failing on 160...AGAIN!

[K8TE]

For those with insulated verticals, the potential gradient is about 100
V/meter.  That varies with humidity and altitude.  But, you get the picture. 
In dry climates like here in NM, this is a big deal for commercial broadcast
AM antennas.   Even with the transmitter shut down, unless there is a "DC
ground" on the antenna, one shorts the tower to ground first prior to
climbing on or off the tower.  This was a big deal when the local power
company rescued three folks from our 770 tower after it "captured" their hot
air balloon!

Bleeding off static electricity is a big deal.  Wind blowing dust, snow, or
rain can generate thousands of Volts that can provide a mean shock to us
humans and hurt our radio gear.  I am leaving for the race track to play
with my Miata this weekend.  I will disconnect my antennas, just in case.

73, Bill, K8TE



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