Wayne,
Good advice! I use a combination of preventatives. First, I buffer
my power going to any sensitive electronics. I use a battery backup
system, an UPS, to buffer the power. If there is a surge, the battery
absorbs it. Second, I believe you will ultimately have a problem if you
leave your radios connected to you antenna(s). So, I disconnect all of
my station from my antennas during periods when lightning is expected. I
have learned my lesson from having lost equipment. Since I started with
this setup, I have had no problem, and it is far less expensive than a
full blown lightning protection system.
One last comment: I suggest that an UPS be used just for the surge
protection from A/C and other motors on the line. A large motor can
throw quite a surge onto the line even with no lightning to add to the
voltage. An UPS is really cheap insurance to protect your station, less
than $100 to protect a few $1000.
73,
Barry
K3NDM
------ Original Message ------
From: "Wayne Burdick" <n...@elecraft.com>
To: "Elecraft Reflector" <elecraft@mailman.qth.net>
Cc: "k...@yahoogroups.com" <k...@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: 10/29/2018 11:08:39 PM
Subject: [Elecraft] Avoiding costly lightning damage to your radios gear
Every year, especially in summer, our techs see radios come in that
have been damaged by lightning, despite the radio's protective
circuitry. You can take steps to reduce your own risk.
1. Many of us remember to disconnect antennas when lightning is
anticipated. But in our experience, the most common source of damage,
by far, is from an attached computer. Computers themselves often fail
due to lightning strikes. They can also act as conduits for surges to
other gear. Just to emphasize this point: Customers often say "I
disconnected everything but the USB cable to the computer...," which
left the interface to their radio exposed.
Note: Only in rare cases have we seen surge damage via other I/O ports
(accessory jack, paddle/keyer jacks, PTT IN, KEY OUT, and DC). USB and
RS232 ports are the most susceptible.
2. Some stations have an ad-hoc ground system and little or no ESD or
surge protection. If you haven't already taken protective measures, we
strongly recommend reading this article, which goes into some detail
regarding how lightning finds its way in:
http://www.arrl.org/files/file/QST/This%20Month%20in%20QST/June2017/Chusid-Morgan.pdf
At the very least, be sure your PC and other gear share a short, heavy,
common ground.
3. As for protecting your PC, here's a good starting point:
https://www.wikihow.com/Protect-a-PC-in-a-Thunderstorm
73,
Wayne
N6KR
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