A 1/4 w. monopole load is a low Z load; that means high current, low
voltage, i.e. it is not a voltage fed antenna. Therefore there isn't
high voltage involved. You can operate without a vacuum relay. They
are usually employed in h.v. situations such as a 1/2 w. radiator
(although there are ways of avoiding them there) and mostly in
transmitter applications such as switching plate chokes or pi network
tune caps. Of course you need an enclosure that keeps bugs out and
vents to evaporate condensation.
Don't worry about designing to survive a direct hit. Broadcast tuning
houses get destroyed by direct hits, especially positive strikes.
It's not cost effective to build to handle that. Just disconnect and
provide a better path to ground. Try using a ball gap across the base
insulator.
73
Rob
K5UJ
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