[amsat-bb] Re: Lightning protection

[R.T.Liddy]

David,
 
Here is what I did in your same situation.
 
Make sure you have at least 3 feet of mast extending above the antenna
from the rotator.  Attach at least a #10 STRANDED copper wire to the
tower/tripod just below the rotator and route it as straight and short as 
possible to the thickest and longest copper-coated ground rod you can
find directly below (as much as possible) your tower/tripod.
 
Then, KYFC because lightning will go wherever it pleases.  But, at least
you will have given it the most pleasing path you could.
 
GL/73,     Bob K8BL
 
P.S.  If you have a tower, DO NOT trust the connection between the sections
  to give you the best lightning ground. ALWAYS run the ground wire all the
  way to the TOP. Otherwise, your coax will have the least resistance.

From: David Carr <dc at dcarr.org>
To: amsat-bb at amsat.org 
Sent: Wednesday, October 16, 2013 4:10 PM
Subject: [amsat-bb] Lightning protection


Hi group,

I have a new wooden outbuilding and am thinking of putting a rotator on the roof.  What are the best practices for lightning protection for a setup like this?

I'm not as worried about the equipment as I am the building catching on fire.  There are some things inside that are very important to me.

Thanks for the help,
David KD5QGR
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