Alpha Delta Transi-Trap Surge Protector

[Naysayer]

I’ve nearing the end of my antenna make over. They are working really good and my last step is connecting an Earth Ground. I’m trying to follow modern theory of keeping the Earth Ground outside so I’m installing an Alpha Delta Surge Protector (TT3G50-HP, 1-500MHz) where the coax enters the building which is also the lowest point of the feedline/coax.

I do not fully understand the gas filled cartridges. I see that extra cartridges are only sold together with a new screw-on cap which suggests the cap is part & parcel to whatever specs apply to the cartridge being sold. For example, the 200w vs 2kw or a cartridge designed for VHF vs below 500MHz. Spark-gap spacing?

So my question is: Does each cartridge have it's own screw-on cap or are all the caps the same? I’ve read owners reporting that the Surge Protector body is the same for all models despite the labeling. I’m only interested in HF so I got the one for 1-500MHz. Can this device drain static charge too? And what to make of the voltage ratings of the different cartridges? There is a large range of voltages available. Then again, why would the cartridge itself have any bearing on the max PO rating if the two feedline connectors are directly connected together? Is this product a gimmick or have I overlooked or mistaken something?

neil, nyc

 

[Eldorado828]

I’ve nearing the end of my antenna make over. They are working really good and my last step is connecting an Earth Ground. I’m trying to follow modern theory of keeping the Earth Ground outside so I’m installing an Alpha Delta Surge Protector (TT3G50-HP, 1-500MHz) where the coax enters the building which is also the lowest point of the feedline/coax.

I do not fully understand the gas filled cartridges. I see that extra cartridges are only sold together with a new screw-on cap which suggests the cap is part & parcel to whatever specs apply to the cartridge being sold. For example, the 200w vs 2kw or a cartridge designed for VHF vs below 500MHz. Spark-gap spacing?

So my question is: Does each cartridge have it's own screw-on cap or are all the caps the same? I’ve read owners reporting that the Surge Protector body is the same for all models despite the labeling. I’m only interested in HF so I got the one for 1-500MHz. Can this device drain static charge too? And what to make of the voltage ratings of the different cartridges? There is a large range of voltages available. Then again, why would the cartridge itself have any bearing on the max PO rating if the two feedline connectors are directly connected together? Is this product a gimmick or have I overlooked or mistaken something?

neil, nyc

I'm ready to see what the experts say because I also looked at the alpha delta surge protectors. Once I got all jumbled up with all the variations I just put that thought to rest..... Until now.

I'll be watching this thread for the 101.

 

[BJ radionut]

Morgan Mfg. arrestors

AlphaDelta

Here are a list of technical articles on grounding and lightning protection. On the PDF files, “use right click, save file as†option.

Good info here, compiled plus products sold by an Amateur Operator.

 

[BJ radionut]

https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/alf-3g50hp?seid=dxese2&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=DXE+Shopping+PLA&utm_term=4581664957560533&utm_content=Alpha+Delta+PLA

Good pic of Arc Glass.

 

[nomadradio]

The same little white ceramic component seen there is found on the open market with wire leads. The low-pressure gas inside is an insulator until a threshold voltage is reached and the gas ionizes. Then it becomes a low resistance. They're used in telephone equipment, industrial stuff that can be exposed to surges and such. Alpha Delta's contribution is to package it with the brass cup as seen in the links above. The ceramic part is sold with different breakdown-voltage ratings. The difference between A-D's RF-power ratings boil down the voltage rating of the capsule.

Tom Rauch recommends a wire-lead version of this part as a retrofit in the Ameritron AL-811/572 amplifier to limit damage when a tube arcs over.

73

 

[Naysayer]

Thank you. Tube arc protection yes I've seen that application in W8JI materials but I did not recognize it.

 

[Naysayer]

Studied the TransiTrap papers a bit more. Two scenarios are identified whereby a cartridge needs replacement. A big strike and repeated smaller ones. The big strike is obvious.

The second scenario is: "after a sufficient number of lightning pulses have been discharged.....there’s a gradual lowering of breakdown voltage and insulation resistance. Therefore, Arc Plug Cartridge replacement is indicated by an increase in VSWR..."

Brings to mind field day demonstrations of balloon antennas generating high static charge from wind. Long wire antennas seem to be the circumstance where a cartridge gradually goes bad. Anyone ever have that happen (over a long period of time) and how long did it last length of wire (160/80)?

EDIT: Am I correct in concluding that with the arrestor outside, there is no reason to run the Earth ground to the radio / operating position?

 

[Naysayer]

Pics of arrestor and cartridge as delivered. Also copy of the 2 page paperwork. Note the tit protrudes from cartridge and matches the indentation inside on the solder connection between the two SO-239's. The paper states it should be mounted "On a grounding bus or point where the equipment to be protected is grounded and as close to the equipment as practicable". Yet, in pics & videos I always see this mounted outside (it is weatherproofed, right?).
Paper that came with it listed some info I had not seen before, like:
Firing Point: 350v +/-15%

 

[unit_399]

I came across this site several years ago, and always use it as a reference when grounding equipment around my station. I think some things this guy proposes are overkill. But. . . too much grounding can't be a bad thing. ( I guess).

Station Ground

- J.J. 399