[ICOM] CT-17 & MAX 232

[Jim Hargrave]

I don't know about FIOS, but I do know that electrostatic surges will wipe
out some CMOS chips. It does not have to be power surge per se'.

A few months ago I had a huge boom overhead. There was no apparent
electrical damage. All my radio stuff was turned off and the antenna
disconnected. I lost  a MAX202 (version of 232) in my Antenna computer
control adapter. I also lost the MAX232 in my FT-920.  I finally isolated
the culprit to the USB to dual Serial adapter which shorted both ports
taking the two MAX interface chips with it. This unit was in a plastic box
with no shielding. Apparently the electrostatic surge was so intense it
clobbered the CMOS interface chips. I was in the radio room at the time and
felt both of my hairs standing straight up. Not a happy feeling.

   * 73's Jim W5IFP *


   >-----Original Message-----
   >From: icom-bounces at mailman.qth.net
   >[mailto:icom-bounces at mailman.qth.net]On Behalf Of Bill NY9H
   >Sent: Tuesday, August 12, 2008 4:10 PM
   >To: ICOM Reflector
   >Subject: Re: [ICOM] CT-17 & MAX 232
   >
   >
   >
   >At 07:07 AM 8/12/2008, you wrote:
   >>As a result of an disagreement with some lightning I lost my
   >>CT-17... The MAX 232 chip literally lost its top!
   >>
   >>2:  The surge appears to have come in on the Verizon FIOS line.  Is
   >>there anyone familiar enough with FIOS to answer a question
   >off list for me?
   >
   >
   >I suspect the bad stuff came in elsewhere as the fiber- optic,,,,
   >should not be conducting anything... copper yes, fiber  no...
   >
   >any experts out there.
   >
   >bill
   >
   >----
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   >