I once ran a long ground wire from my rig, and I ended up with almost enough
RF through my metal mike casing to ignite my mustache.  Man did that hurt;
it took me a while to discover what was causing it.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Steve Forst" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, April 12, 2002 5:48 PM
Subject: lightning protection


> I'd like to pick the brains of the multitude.
>
> I'm using an Alpha Delta coax switch for HF antennas.  It groundds all
> unused ports and if set to the center position grounds all ports.  Also
has
> a replaceable discharge unit.
>
> My question:  Should I ground this switch to the cold water pipe where it
> enters into the house, a distance of 10 feet and where my stations RF
ground
> is also connected?  This is how it is set up right now.
>
> Or:
>
> Should I ground the coax switch at the point where the coax enters the
house
> just outside the foundation wall?  At this entry point there is a coax
> grounding unit connected to a 8 ft ground rod.  I could run a heavy gauge
> wire from the coax switch in the shack back to this entry point and
connect
> to the same ground rod.  Distance is about 35 feet.
>
> I can think of pros and cons for each choice.  Any opinions?
>
> Also, I make a habit of disconnecting coax when station is not in use or
> when bad wx comes up.  Saved me a bundle once when lightning hit my tri
> bander.  Only 1 blown trap no damage to rig.
>
> Tnx de Steve KW3A near Philly.