[Kenwood] Lightning protection wire antennas WA8OPR

[rbethman]

Terry,

I'd recommend looking in older handbooks.

They include a "Spark Gap Lightning Protector" outside, with pointed ends.

It would be most likely a better methodology.

It is also in the '75 Antenna Handbook.

Bob - N0DGN

On 5/14/2014 11:25 AM, Terry Clinard wrote:
> Can someone answer this question:
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> I have two 170 foot end feed wires in service for the bands.  Both are up at the top of tree line about 55 foot up.
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> Decided to purchase two old style heavy duty knife switches with porcelain bases.  The gap between the heavy duty copper contacts is a bout 2.5 inches.
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> The live end of the antenna wire is attached to the center knife rocker and one of the side psots is connected to the transceiver.  Obviously when the knife switch is opened it disconnects the antenna.  My question is should the opposite knife post be attached to an earth ground? This then puts the wire in the air directly to ground.  Now with the antenna going to true ground raises the negative potential of the wire in the air.  I am thinking that one does not want to do this, because now you have created a high (55 foot) negative conductive path for lightning to target.  Should the antenna be grounded or simply turned off with the 2.5" knife switch air gap?
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> Thanks Terry WA8OPR
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