Hi,
Over the years, I've known several older hams who claimed that having HF
dipoles strung from their towers bled off static charges and prevented
lightning strikes.
Bob Tinney, K8LR, [log in to unmask]
Skype, bobtinn
Life is full of challenges, that's what makes it interesting!
----- Original Message -----
From: "Steve Forst" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, June 21, 2009 8:17 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]
>
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