Ron,
Although you might think the TowerTalk reflector would be another good
resource, I am glad to see you posted your inquiry to the Contesting
reflector to seek real-world experience. As you know, those TowerTalkers are
too busy putting towers up, taking towers down, installing tower top owls,
and contemplating how to determine True North to actually operate a station.
Now... for an answer to your question... In your case it will be necessary
to bond the frames of these two wireless devices together with a conductor
of adequate capacity to handle any lightning discharge anticipated.
In addition, you mentioned your operating position is in the line of site
path between these two units. I am sorry to say this was very poor planning
on your part! The only way to circumvent this problem would be to use Long
Path for the wireless connection.
If you cannot establish a wireless LP connection you will need to take
additional steps as a safety precaution. First, a connection from the
inter-device buss to the metal frame of your operating chair will be
mandatory. Although flex-wave (TM) copper wire would appear to be
satisfactory to enhance mobility, nothing less than traditional automotive
battery cables should be used for this application.
Also, be aware if your operating table is conductive, you must connect the
closest point to the chair frame as well. There have been documented cases
where operators have been seriously injured when a stray leader flashes from
the chair to the table, using the carbon based life-form as the path of
least resistance.
If you have need any further guidance, don't hesitate to post your query.
Operate safe!
73 de Bob - KØRC in MN
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ron Feutz" <feutz@wctc.net>
To: <cq-contest@contesting.com>
Sent: Monday, March 31, 2008 11:17 AM
Subject: [CQ-Contest] Lightning Protection
> Fellow Contesters,
>
>
>
> Maybe this should go on TowerTalk, but since contesters have the best
> stations, I thought I would ask here:
>
>
>
> I have upgraded my lightning protection and am pretty sure I have all the
> bases covered: Multiple ground radials with multiple ground rods properly
> spaced on the towers, everything Cad-welded, heavy ground leads lead back
> to
> SPG panel with multiple ground rods along its run, copper SPG plate
> strapped
> to multiple ground rods near the house, strap from all eqpt. to SPG, whole
> house surge arrestor, all connections to outside world bonded to SPG, etc.
>
>
>
> The one thing I haven't been able to find is info or grounding equipment
> for
> the wireless link from my wireless router to my shack computer. In case
> lightning does sneak in to the wireless router somehow, how do I protect
> from having the lightning jump the wireless link to the computer. It is a
> major concern as my chair is between the router and the computer, and I am
> worried that if lightning does follow the wireless path to the computer, I
> would be right in the way.
>
>
>
> Any help would be appreciated.
>
>
>
> 73,
>
>
>
> Ron KK9K
>
> _______________________________________________
> CQ-Contest mailing list
> CQ-Contest@contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/cq-contest
>
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