SW6079@....... wrote:

> Well, If you can handle some more info, these ideas may help.   I lost the
> preamps to two fairly expensive Ham receivers before trying these ideas...
> Basically, Nothing will save you on a direct hit, But I installed two zener
> diodes across the coaxial cable

I keep seeing the statement "nothing will save you from a direct hit" I would
agree more with the statement "nothing will save you from every direct hit".
Radio and TV towers often get hit every storm. The hits may trip the station off
line until someone pushes the reset button, but most of the time no permanent
damage is done. We designed some radio equipment for unatended operation in a
very remote and thunder storm prone area. All the electronics are in a rf tight
metal cabinet with all wires entering the cabinet protected with several layers
of arrestors and surge protectors. One time one of these units stopped working.
When the service tech got there he found the coax leading the cabinet was nothing
but a plastic tube. All the copper had been evaporated. He replaced the coax and
everything worked fine. I suppose at some point it may not be worth the expense
for this level of protection.

I am still struggeling with a lightning problem here at home. I go thru surge
protectors like popcorn. The last storm all the electrolumenescent night lights I
have blew.

Jim Hannon



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