Steve,

That's interesting.  Yes, I knew it has been debatable if they work or not 
but especially commercial broadcasters will do anything to try and avoid 
direct strikes, haw.

Phil.
[log in to unmask]


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Steve Forst" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, June 21, 2009 6:17 AM
Subject: Re: Bleeding Clouds


> Phil,
>
> The Wireman sells  something similar.
> * From his web page *
>
>
>      CQ "Porcupine" static charge dissipater. Provides a large number of
> sharp points which discharge charge buildup before strike potential is
> reached, similar to the old fashioned lightning rod. These devices are
> controversial, but sworn by, and used throughout the private and 
> commercial
> community in greater numbers every year. They are found on buildings,
> towers, bridges, fuel and gas storage tanks, computer installations,
> communications equipment, etc., all over the world. Stainless steel 
> bristles
> in a diecast copper alloy mounting terminal, instructions.  $31.95
>
>      I had read  a bit about these things some time ago and in the ham
> world some swear by them, others think it is just smoke and mirrors, while
> still others  think it increases the chances of a direct strike.
>
>      73, Steve KW3A
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Phil Scovell" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Sunday, June 21, 2009 1:23 AM
> Subject: Bleeding Clouds
>
>
>>I have a friend who is a chief engineer for a local A M broadcast station.
>> West of Denver is a high broad hill where loads and loads of commercial
>> antennad and towers are located.  The stations FM tower and antenna is up
>> there on Look Out Mountain, it is called.  He told me they have large
>> circuitboard like things, with probes sticking out a few inches, which
>> literally bleed clouds of voltage charges.  They have volt meters on them
>> and you can literally read the bleed off voltage.  A Boulder Colorado
>> company that makes these claims it will help eliminate direct lightning
>> strikes and they are commonly used on many broadcast towers.  Pretty
>> interesting.
>>
>> Phil.
>> [log in to unmask]
>>
>