I have a VHF/UHF radio.  My antenna is connected to a metal pipe, which is
mounted to my deck rail.  It is only about 37 inches off the ground and the
transmission line runs around the corner of my deck into the bedroom of my
apartment.  According to the local operator who helped me set this equipment
up, my antenna is low enough that I should not have to worry about a
lightening strike.  I live in Beaverton, Oregon, which is a suburb of the
Portland area.  While we don't get a lot of lightening, I heard some reports
about possible thunder showers.  Should I still be concerned?  Thanks again.

Eric

-----Original Message-----
From: Blind-Hams For blind ham radio operators
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Colin McDonald
Sent: Tuesday, April 12, 2005 8:24 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Do you know when to disconnect your antenna?


yeh that is a good point, on HF gear especially, you can hear the static
crashes start to increase in intensity when there is lightening in the area.
You should be able to hear it on VHF as well if you have a substantial
outdoor antenna which i am guessing you must if you are worried about
lightening strikes.
Make sure you have at least an 8 foot ground rod in and all your radio
equipment and antenna well grounded to that ground rod.
If you live in an area with allot of lightening possibilities perhaps do
some research online regarding lightening arresters and lightening damage
preventatives.
73
Colin, VA6BKX
----- Original Message -----
From: "John Miller" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, April 12, 2005 8:04 PM
Subject: Re: Do you know when to disconnect your antenna?


> I just wait for thunder,  otherwise, I hope some one tells me there's
> lightning, or you can hear the crashes in the radio if it's on.
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Eric Patterson" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Tuesday, April 12, 2005 9:21 PM
> Subject: Do you know when to disconnect your antenna?
>
>
> Hi all, I have an interesting question for the group:
>         If you can't see streaks of lightening, how do you know when it is
> necessary to disconnect your antenna?  Sometimes, you can hear the thunder
> and you would disconnect the antenna when you hear it.  However, if there
is
> a lightening strike and you don't hear anything, how do you know when your
> antenna should be disconnected?  Thanks in advance.
>
> Eric
>