[Hallicrafters] Antenna Lightning Protection

[Roger (K8RI)]

Waldo Magnuson wrote:
> I just read an article on gas discharge tubes (GDTs) and again thought 
> I should have some kind of lightning protection for my radios other 
> than (when I remember) disconnecting my antenna when I'm not using it.  
> What do others have for lightning protection (if any)?  Any 
> recommendations?  GDTs sound good.
>   
A really good, single point ground system/house/statio/tower
Coax cables are grounded at the top and bottom of the tower, or where 
they reach the tower in the case of the sloping dipoles. The coax 
shields are also grounded at the bulkhead where they enter the house. My 
top antennas are at 130' and have taken an average of 3 verified, direct 
hits a year which includes the past two years with none. Unused antennas 
are grounded at the remote antenna switches.  I use a rather elaborate 
ground system tying all towers and masts together.  There are two runs 
of bare #2 from the tower to the bulkhead . The station and house 
electrical ground also tie into this system  I normally don't disconnect 
anything unless we are going to be gone for several days.
BTW there are 5 computers on a hard wired CAT5e/CAT6 gigabit network 
that runs 15 feet (give or take) with the coax and control cables to the 
tower.  There is currently one 133' run of CAT5e to the shop that runs 
parallel and maybe 5 to 7' from the conduit to the tower and within 10' 
of the tower base on over to the shop.  
http://www.rogerhalstead.com/ham_files/cablebox.htm 

If you have concerns I'd use either Polyphasers or ICE suppressors in 
the coax cables where they enter the house. If you disconnect cables 
make sure they are grounded and not floating. Ungrounded cables can 
develop one horrendous charge  even during a snow storm let alone during 
a thunderstorm.

W8IJ used to have some good information on his web site.
Polyphaser also has some good information, but remember they sell the 
protective devices.
I disagree with some of what Polyphaser has to say, but agree in general.

73

Roger (K8RI)