[Elecraft] Lightning concerns: Was: K4 Remote: My QTH vs. a friend's, many miles to the north

[Arthur I. Zygielbaum]

After a lightning strike took out my shack computer, all of the Ethernet 
switches in line to the router and the router itself, I came up with 
what I call an "air gap".  I use VirtualHere ($49 for the software) 
running on a Raspberry Pi to act as a USB server. The Raspberry Pi is 
connected to a copper to fiber Ethernet converter (a converter pair is 
around $50 on Amazon).  Three feet of fiber connect to another converter 
which then connects to my network.  The VirtualHere client runs on my 
shack computer. VirtualHere provides virtual USB ports that allow me to 
control my IC-7610, rotator, and SteppIR.  I also use one of the virtual 
ports for the IC-7610 audio line in/out connections.  It is extremely 
reliable.

It is interesting to note that the lightning strike did not harm any RF 
connection (I use Alpha Delta protectors).  Despite using MOV surge 
protectors, one driver chip on my SteppIR controller was blown out.  The 
digital connections from my radios to my computer were damaged.  
According to ICOM, the damage looked like about a 85 volt transient.  So 
my grounding system prevented major damage.  My home owners insurance 
covered all repairs.

73, Art KØAIZ

On 5/5/2024 12:42 PM, Jorge Diez - CX6VM wrote:
> hello
>
> To finish with this topic, I was just wondering if a device that is
> intended for use in remote stations, always connected and in some cases
> with no one to disconnect during storms, could not have a better USB
> connector, for example
>
> If he tells me it can't be done, fine, my question has been answered and
> thank you very much.
>
> time to move on to other virtues of Elecraft
>
> 73,
> Jorge
> CX6VM/CW5W
>
-- 
Arthur I. Zygielbaum, K0AIZ
ARRL Midwest Division Director
Member, Executive Committee
Member, Administration and Finance Committee
Member, ARRL Foundation Board
ARRL - The National Association for Amateur Radio®