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Re: [TenTec] TEN-TEC shack photos [flat braid; antenna switch]

To: tentec@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TenTec] TEN-TEC shack photos [flat braid; antenna switch]
From: Stuart Rohre <rohre@arlut.utexas.edu>
Reply-to: Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment <tentec@contesting.com>
Date: Thu, 03 May 2012 17:42:57 -0500
List-post: <mailto:tentec@contesting.com>
Absolutely! Bob McGraw is right about doing all your surge protection and lightning diversion outside the shack so as to not have a conductor path inside during a fault.

In fact, when you are not home, you should unplug feedlines and preferably ground them if you have outside antennas in the clear. Lightning can and does bypass higher objects sometimes and goes for the wires, or aluminum of antennas.

Unplugging the feedlines and power lines when the shack is not manned removes the equipment from any potential direct path, and lessens chances of losing all rigs and accessories to lightning. Don't overlook other electronics on the operating desk like computers and phones. Anything that has a connection outside the shack to utilities could bring lightning events inside. Don't be complacent if you have underground utilities. Somewhere out there, that utility line goes above ground and goes high up on a pole.

A surge arcing inside your shack is a nerve shattering happening.
Been there heard that back in Novice days.

-Stuart Rohre
K5KVH

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