-
You can now help support WorldwideDX when you shop on Amazon at no additional cost to you! Simply follow this Shop on Amazon link first and a portion of any purchase is sent to WorldwideDX to help with site costs.
Lightning strike?
- Thread starter r carl
- Start date
If that antenna got hit by lightning you would be picking up pieces in your yard.
Looks like corrosion from water intrusion.
Looks like corrosion from water intrusion.
that is corrossion,,,, i would replace the element,,, bugs get into them and will cause this that is why it is a good practice to plug all the holes up but still have i tiny weep hole,,,,
By golly it is corrosion, when I inserted a steel rod for a backing for the solder it hit dirt. I grabbed a blow gun and blew it out clean and inspected the inside and it looked good so I soldered it. I will inspect all the other tubes.
I agree about the corrosion but not necessarily about the picking up pieces part. I have a piece of aluminum pipe that was subjected to a lightning strike and clearly has two melted dimples in it as well as blackened areas around it. I said "subjected too a lightning strike" because I am not sure it was hit directly or if the strike was really close and induced enough current to burn the two spots. If an antenna is properly grounded it should be able to survive even a direct strike. Commercial installations do it all the time. My old tower was hit directly one time and all I had was a burn mark near the top and some ripped up sod near the ground rods at the base.
That reminds me, is three 8ft ground rods sufficient for my 40ft tower?
For the tower yes but that alone will not guarantee you will be safe from a strike. Other precautions are necessary to protect gear from a strike. Make sure that the three rods are placed around the tower and bond each leg to a separate ground rod AND bond all three legs together at the bottom. and use HEAVY wire or flat strap not braid. That is a good start.
Yes, I hope #6 solid copper is heavy enough, I have a roll. I am wanting to get the tower done before I run a coax to the house. I want to run a coax down from the antenna to a ground block attached to a tower leg, I need to find one of those by the way. That way I can just attach a coax to the grounding block and run it to the house when the time comes. Also I can disconnect the coax from the tower during bad weather. Where should I get a 35ft coax to come down the tower to the grounding block? Link where to one to get?
Last edited:
As an example of online coax suppliers offering options, ANTENNA FARM has:
1). Pre-fabricated coaxial cable assemblies
2). Custom configuration.
3). Bulk, bare-ended.
(Other suppliers have similar offerings)
For: Times Microwave LMR400-UF with AMPHENOL 083 hand-soldered connectors at each end of a 35’ run, the price is approximately $70 plus ship & tax.
One can go higher or lower in price.
AF is an easy website to navigate. Some others, not so. See what all’s involved is why I recommend them as a default learning tool.
Click:
www.theantennafarm.com
Zero in on what you want, first. There are quite a few different pages of info online about 50-ohm coax differences & advantages.
Obviously, also do a search at this site.
DAVIS RF Buryflex has my attention. I’ve wanted the extra-tough cover. That’s more important to me than the last bit of tech spec goodness.
Crimp-on connectors are an option where buying the tools is attractive. Buying bulk for mobile & base becomes more viable if (like me) soldering is best left to others.
Pay special attention to connectors.
.
1). Pre-fabricated coaxial cable assemblies
2). Custom configuration.
3). Bulk, bare-ended.
(Other suppliers have similar offerings)
For: Times Microwave LMR400-UF with AMPHENOL 083 hand-soldered connectors at each end of a 35’ run, the price is approximately $70 plus ship & tax.
One can go higher or lower in price.
AF is an easy website to navigate. Some others, not so. See what all’s involved is why I recommend them as a default learning tool.
Click:
www.theantennafarm.com
Zero in on what you want, first. There are quite a few different pages of info online about 50-ohm coax differences & advantages.
Obviously, also do a search at this site.
DAVIS RF Buryflex has my attention. I’ve wanted the extra-tough cover. That’s more important to me than the last bit of tech spec goodness.
Crimp-on connectors are an option where buying the tools is attractive. Buying bulk for mobile & base becomes more viable if (like me) soldering is best left to others.
Pay special attention to connectors.
.
Last edited:
BJ radionut
Supporting Member and 6m addict
Update.... When checking and straightening all the tubes for straightness, the tube I soldered bent easily, the heat from stick soldering with a propane torch took the temper out if the tube. I think a strong wind or ice build up could bend it. I have a lead on a parts antenna.