Clint, Not OT at all. Many remote antenna switches do it "the easy way", and use SPST relays to switch in the selected antenna - there is no way with that type relay to ground the antennas that are not currently selected.
So yes, some type of static discharge device would be beneficial across each antenna connector to bleed off static. Usually a 100 uHy choke (of sufficient current capacity for your power level) or a 2 or 3 watt carbon resistor in the range of 3000 to 30,000 ohms will provide the DC path to bleed off any static charge. Imagine your antenna with a static charge - then you select that antenna - suddenly your transceiver is subjected to whatever charge was on the antenna. Sometimes OK, but other times, not so good. 73, Don W3FPR On 2/18/2012 5:51 PM, Clint wrote: > OK, this is OT, sort of. It will be connected to my K3 so.. > > I just bought a remote mast mounted antenna switch (Ameritron RSC-8V). It > comes with the center conductor electrically floating when the port is OFF. > It seems to me I would be better off (safer) if the center conductor was > grounded (or had a gas discharge tube or choke or resistor or??? when OFF. > > What do ya think? > > One thing is for darn sure, I am going to paint the cruddy polystyrene box > and steel brackets (with "Rust Bullet" FYI), clean off the flux and coat the > PC board before it sees the costal weather! Caulking will be in order also. > Salty rain and spray are nasty even 5 miles in. > > ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
