[Skimmertalk] lightning protection for skimmer

[N4ZR]

I would encourage you to use a Polyphaser device in the feedline, 
provided that you can find one that doesn't block DC voltage to your 
active antennas, and to disconnect the feedline whenever possible.  In 
addition, I would use surge protection on the mains power to your nifty 
little box, because another RBN-op just reported a truly cataclysmic 
lightning event in which the main damage was done by a surge on the 
electrical neutral.  About the only thing that didn't get fried was his 
QS1R.

73, Pete N4ZR
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On 6/15/2018 10:50 AM, dd5xx at web.de wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> I'd like to hear what kind of protection measures you guys take for your skimmer. I am preparing two skimmers, both are installed inside the same housing with lots of additional stuff like pre-amps, filters, network switch, mini computer, etc. Each skimmer is fed with an active antenna "mini-whip" which will be installed about 7m above ground level or 5-6m about roof level (which is at 10m height). The value of this box is about $2000 and the stuff is very sensitive. I am afraid even a nearby lightning strike could destroy quite everything inside the box. What measures can I take next to the usual lightning protection I am used for all kind of antennas (grounding rod)? is there anything special you can suggest for this operation and which won't negatively affect received signals ? Something like a discharge protection and if so where should I install it?
>
> looking forward to your comments. Have a nice weekend.
>
> 73
> Saki, DD5XX
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