Hi Ty, I had some minor damage to my K2 from ESD in 2004. I didn't have any form of lightning protection at the time.
I did purchase this device and haven't had any problems since. Of course, maybe I haven't had a nearby discharge, but didn't want to risk it again. My new shack has this installed as well. Mine are both installed closer to the rig (on the output side of my inside antenna switch). I've opened one of these up, and suspect you could easily build one for a fraction of a commercial unit. For my new installation, I've buried all of my feedlines (longest run is about 80'). This has a twofold effect, lightning protection and common mode attenuation. OK, four benefits, all the lines are out of sight and harm's way. The work is not as hard as it sounds. I used a little Honda rototiller to dig the trench. Then got PVC sprinkler line (I've used both the black coiled stuff and 20' lengths, size depends on what you're trying to run thru it.) and buried it. You can bury some lines directly, but it makes repair/replacement a real headache. I run heliax/coax, rotor control and switching cables thru them. Also, I lay a ground wire in the trench on the bottom and tie all my ground rods together. Hope this helps. Cheers, Julius n2wn _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
