Does my K3 have a static bleed across the antenna terminal(s)? A number
of years ago, our CQP team in Alpine County fried the front end of an
IC-760 II in a snow storm [precip static]. Then, with an accumulated
300 or so years of amateur radio experience on the team, we replaced it
with a spare ... and fried that one too. [:-) I have a coax Tee with a
100K resistor in a PL259 on my K3, just wondering if it's necessary.
73,
Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW
Sparks NV DM09dn
Washoe County
On 10/29/2018 8:08 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote:
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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