Those are pretty big assumptions. Since there are so many variables, and they
likely vary so widely, I doubt the chances that any particular set of
assumptions can represent a "typical" strike for the purposes of discussion or
analysis. I see what you're getting at, but I doubt that lightning phenomena
can yet be defined in terms that would allow predictive description. We might
get close, but not close enough.
You're also assuming that the static build-up happens in a very short time,
immediately prior to the strike. What if the ground potential sometimes
"bleeds" off more slowly (or in a relatively long time, as it accumulates) so
that the potential doesn't rise to the strike level?
The phenomena over their antenna fields, described by John, W0UN and Don,
VE6JY, as viewed by them from vantage points where they can see the storms come
and go, cannot be dismissed simply because they seem inconsistent with current
theory.
73, Jerry K3BZ
----- Original Message -----
From: Keith Dutson
To: 'TowerTalk'
Sent: Wednesday, July 28, 2004 2:54 PM
Subject: RE: [TowerTalk] spider balls
There is little doubt that porcupines will help bleed off static charges
better than nothing at all. However, a lightning strike has little to do
with static charge bleed off. Instead, a strike is the result of the
buildup of a huge potential in rapid succession (a matter of seconds in many
cases). Assume that a bolt of lightning originates from a height of 1000
feet and is going to ground rather than horizontal within the cloud. Also
assume the potential must be about 20KV to jump an inch. The 1000 foot arc
would require a minimum potential of approximately 240 million volts
(1K*12*20K). Can you imagine what would happen if the little porcupine ball
were to bleed off just 10 percent of this potential to avoid a strike? Can
you say vaporization? <grin>
Keith
-----Original Message-----
From: towertalk-bounces@contesting.com
[mailto:towertalk-bounces@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Chuck Dietz W5PR
Sent: Wednesday, July 28, 2004 12:29 PM
To: 'Towertalk Reflector'
Subject: RE: [TowerTalk] spider balls
If you have ever heard the static buildup on big antennas when a storm is
nearby, it will make you a believer that the porcupines might work. I have
no empirical evidence, but how can it HURT???
Chuck W5PR
_______________________________________________
See: http://www.mscomputer.com for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless
Weather Stations", and lot's more. Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any
questions and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
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_______________________________________________
See: http://www.mscomputer.com for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless
Weather Stations", and lot's more. Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any
questions and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
_______________________________________________
TowerTalk mailing list
TowerTalk@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
_______________________________________________
See: http://www.mscomputer.com for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless Weather
Stations", and lot's more. Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any questions
and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
_______________________________________________
TowerTalk mailing list
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http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
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