Dave, back in February I had set the new HF antenna and its coax from the ground rods to shack grounds as per your directions, including DX arresters. Two days ago a cold front moved through the area, and while we didn't have a lightning strike at the antenna or within a block of us, the arrester that protected the HF at the ground "popped" as designed. The gear is safe. Thanks for that! AA7MO
CAUTION: Flash tube suppression is NOT compatible with non-resonant (high SWR) antennas like doublets, popular 43’ verticals, etc., as the high voltages can cause the tube to arc (and possibly damage transmitter finals).. An antenna “tuner” will not mitigate this phenomenon as it does not reduce high SWR on the antenna side of the antenna system. Flash tube suppressors, when not used with a parallel inductor, will quickly fail after several suppression events. Morgan Manufacturing (formerly ICE, Industrial Communion Engineers) has, in my opinion, a superior product that eliminates flash tube “fatigue/failure”.
Excellent comment. if the suppressor is between a tuner and an antenna it could be high voltage. I always put a suppressor on the line between the radio and the tuner. At 50 ohm the max voltage at 100w is about or 70v on a 50ohm load. But at 1000 w its about 223v so a 230v suppressor may work. But after a tuner the voltage can be in the thousands. You light up the suppressors more than you get out on the antennas till they burn up and possibly short out.
I also use the Morgan Mfg. arrestors. Excellent pieces. As a great additional benefit, tbe Morgan arrestors also provide continuous static bleed, which (I believe) the other units depicted here do not.
Love your channel ! The reference equipment is awesome ! I'm trying to setup my shack. This is an expensive hobby, even buying used equipment ! Last month I spent a bunch for coaxial cables, connectors and adapters. Plus one of the MFJ window pass throughs. I still have to get my ground system set up and lightning arresters. I have not yet picked my home base unit. I have a couple of mobile 2m and an HT. I also bought a 817 for QRP in the field. What suggestions do you have for one of the really nice radios that everyone is dumping for the 7300 ? Thanks Curtis
I live in central Florida, I have the Alpha Delta UHF Connector Coaxial Cable Surge Protectors ATT3G50UHP and the ARRAY SOLUTIONS AS-302U - 3 kW CW / 5 kW PEP Coaxial Lightning Arrestor, SO-239 type connectors, 1 to 500 MHz With all the lightning strikes we get close to our houses I have found that the ARRAY SOLUTIONS outperforms others I also have a PolyPhaser Coaxial Lightning Protectors IS-50UX-C0 for our CERT radio, it is good but the ARRAY SOLUTIONS out performs them all just my 2 cents Eddie kj4fgi
Edward, I appreciate your comment and experience. Can you provide specifics as to how the Array Solutions arrester(s) were superior to the others? Did they prevent equipment damage while others resulted in damaged equipment during the same strike? Thanks! 73, John - KK7JBZ
Dave, great video. I've watched this one several times. Question: is there a benefit to having a DC-block arrestor? Seems there are more DC-block arrestors on the market. I use Alpa Deltas because I power tower-mounted pre-amps through a bias T, but wondering if I'm missing something not having a DC-block arrestor. Thanks Dave!
We’ve been having Frequent lightning storms in the evening, but the lightning always seems to be distant, until last week. Wow! Lightning struck a power pole about 100 feet way. Loud as heck! Scared the crap out of me! It appears close lightning strikes in my area are unusual, but every few years, boom!
Ground conductivity. I live in Florida. The ground conductivity is very poor here as it is mostly sand. It was recommended that I install an _array_ of ground rods. So what I did was install about 20 copper clad rods each 8 feet long in a grid. each spaced abt 10 feet apart. Then use 6 ga cooper to bond em all together. With what I call a _grounding_ _station_ outside the shack,.
Thanks for explaining those lightning arresters, summer is coming and I need to do something before that , no ham but same problem anyway. 73' from Finland.
No problem. I noticed your icon is a pipe organ. Are you an organist? I had to stop playing the organ because my finger shake too much now. I miss it. 73 from Dave
Thank you. Question, please. I purchased another brand before viewing your lightning instructions and recommendation. I know where and how to connect the ground wire, but I don't know what the large screw port is on the other side. Please advise me. With respect, Dallas KJ4VJL
Beware beware beware. Got a few so called lightning arrestors that had no gas tubes inside just a couple small screws on the sides. No protection at all. Got ones with flush screws and some labeled 230v with big bulging screws. Tested them with a 0-230v supply with a 20k protection resistor. Big surprise. The flush screw ones were 230v rather than 90v advertised so checked the tubes. Yep 2r230's. Some sold at 90v had 230v tubes. The ones with big screws have double ended gas tubes rated at 230v but the tubes are meant for a center ground so 460v end to end. Bad news for most radios. So far only 1 of 8 have had what they were sold as. Beware the big bulging screw ones and check the small inset screw ones.
Hi Dave. Thanks for another great video. I'm setting up my first shack and find this information very helpful. Why would one not go directly for the 2000Watt high power model of the Alpha Delta right out of the gate? They are the same price. Seems like a good way to future proof. What am I missing? W8ROG
Ground everything outside as Dave indicated in his last grounding video. The arrestor is to try and protect your inside gear and people inside your house by allowing the high voltage on the center conductor to be easily able to shunt it to ground. No protecting a chunk of metal from a direct strike (except with a sacrificial lightning rod).... But even then, 20kV is 20kV regardless if it's - or + (ie: if lightning hits the ground or neutral or your transmitter things will go pop)
You answered several questions I had about Lightning Arresters --- now when I go to one of the local elmer's for details to help with my setup, I'll have a base of knowledge to start with. Thank you.
I did a search for "this type of a situation" and couldn't find anything resembling the picture at 7:15. Does it have another name? I didn't see anything on it in the reference station info on the web site either. Anyone? Anyone?
Thank you for the video! As a new ham I appreciate that you recommend some specific products both in your videos and reference station. I understand you’re not saying that’s what everyone should have but for me needing a place to start the hobby, it’s nice to have specific items recommended that I know will work well in a first system. Thank you!
Yep. Once inflation happens, there's no resulting deflation. Rather a steadying of prices. Eventually wages creep up. As a "retiree," I certainly feel the inflation.
Dave, back in February I had set the new HF antenna and its coax from the ground rods to shack grounds as per your directions, including DX arresters. Two days ago a cold front moved through the area, and while we didn't have a lightning strike at the antenna or within a block of us, the arrester that protected the HF at the ground "popped" as designed. The gear is safe. Thanks for that! AA7MO
Watching some of the back catalog prior to hanging a new antenna. I picked up some useful things. Thanks Dave. Hope you are doing well.
CAUTION: Flash tube suppression is NOT compatible with non-resonant (high SWR) antennas like doublets, popular 43’ verticals, etc., as the high voltages can cause the tube to arc (and possibly damage transmitter finals).. An antenna “tuner” will not mitigate this phenomenon as it does not reduce high SWR on the antenna side of the antenna system. Flash tube suppressors, when not used with a parallel inductor, will quickly fail after several suppression events. Morgan Manufacturing (formerly ICE, Industrial Communion Engineers) has, in my opinion, a superior product that eliminates flash tube “fatigue/failure”.
Excellent comment. if the suppressor is between a tuner and an antenna it could be high voltage. I always put a suppressor on the line between the radio and the tuner. At 50 ohm the max voltage at 100w is about or 70v on a 50ohm load. But at 1000 w its about 223v so a 230v suppressor may work. But after a tuner the voltage can be in the thousands. You light up the suppressors more than you get out on the antennas till they burn up and possibly short out.
Muy buenos consejos. Los tomaré en cuenta para instalar mi antena y radio. Gracias Dave. Saludos desde Costa Rica. 73 de TI2FRN
KF7P has arrestors made by Morgan Manufacturing. Very impressive stats on them.
I use them...top notch
I also use the Morgan Mfg. arrestors. Excellent pieces. As a great additional benefit, tbe Morgan arrestors also provide continuous static bleed, which (I believe) the other units depicted here do not.
@@Calico5string1962 correct
I bought some Gas dsc tubes not long ago and enclosures to make my own. Haven't got it done yet! Your channel is sure a blessing, Dave!
Thank you. As always, I appreciate your tutelage.
Love your channel ! The reference equipment is awesome ! I'm trying to setup my shack. This is an expensive hobby, even buying used equipment ! Last month I spent a bunch for coaxial cables, connectors and adapters. Plus one of the MFJ window pass throughs. I still have to get my ground system set up and lightning arresters. I have not yet picked my home base unit. I have a couple of mobile 2m and an HT. I also bought a 817 for QRP in the field. What suggestions do you have for one of the really nice radios that everyone is dumping for the 7300 ? Thanks Curtis
I live in central Florida, I have the Alpha Delta UHF Connector Coaxial Cable Surge Protectors ATT3G50UHP and the
ARRAY SOLUTIONS AS-302U - 3 kW CW / 5 kW PEP Coaxial Lightning Arrestor, SO-239 type connectors, 1 to 500 MHz
With all the lightning strikes we get close to our houses I have found that the ARRAY SOLUTIONS outperforms others I also have a PolyPhaser Coaxial Lightning Protectors IS-50UX-C0 for our CERT radio, it is good but the ARRAY SOLUTIONS out performs them all just my 2 cents Eddie kj4fgi
Edward, I appreciate your comment and experience. Can you provide specifics as to how the Array Solutions arrester(s) were superior to the others? Did they prevent equipment damage while others resulted in damaged equipment during the same strike?
Thanks!
73,
John - KK7JBZ
Any thoughts on the Diamond brand lightning arresters? Thank you for all of videos they are an amazing resource.
I have the Diamond ones. They work well. I mostly use it as an RF ground.
If it's diamond as in the antenna company: it's probably good.
Dave, great video. I've watched this one several times. Question: is there a benefit to having a DC-block arrestor? Seems there are more DC-block arrestors on the market. I use Alpa Deltas because I power tower-mounted pre-amps through a bias T, but wondering if I'm missing something not having a DC-block arrestor. Thanks Dave!
We’ve been having Frequent lightning storms in the evening, but the lightning always seems to be distant, until last week. Wow! Lightning struck a power pole about 100 feet way. Loud as heck! Scared the crap out of me! It appears close lightning strikes in my area are unusual, but every few years, boom!
Ground conductivity.
I live in Florida. The ground conductivity is very poor here as it is mostly sand.
It was recommended that I install an _array_ of ground rods. So what I did was install about 20 copper clad rods each 8 feet long in a grid. each spaced abt 10 feet apart. Then use 6 ga cooper to bond em all together. With what I call a _grounding_ _station_ outside the shack,.
Good idea! You can also create a large copper grid and bury it in the sand.
"You don't want lightning in the house"
That's the most understated way I think that's ever been said before.
I just ordered an entrance box a a few of the Alpha Deltas from DX Engineering last week. I now have a permanent shack location in the house.
Thanks for explaining those lightning arresters, summer is coming and I need to do something before that , no ham but same problem anyway. 73' from Finland.
No problem. I noticed your icon is a pipe organ. Are you an organist? I had to stop playing the organ because my finger shake too much now. I miss it. 73 from Dave
Thank you. Question, please. I purchased another brand before viewing your lightning instructions and recommendation. I know where and how to connect the ground wire, but I don't know what the large screw port is on the other side. Please advise me. With respect, Dallas KJ4VJL
From what I understand, unless you absolutely need DC, the Poly Phasers bleed off static electricity before it can wreak havic on your equipment.
Beware beware beware. Got a few so called lightning arrestors that had no gas tubes inside just a couple small screws on the sides. No protection at all. Got ones with flush screws and some labeled 230v with big bulging screws. Tested them with a 0-230v supply with a 20k protection resistor. Big surprise. The flush screw ones were 230v rather than 90v advertised so checked the tubes. Yep 2r230's. Some sold at 90v had 230v tubes. The ones with big screws have double ended gas tubes rated at 230v but the tubes are meant for a center ground so 460v end to end. Bad news for most radios. So far only 1 of 8 have had what they were sold as. Beware the big bulging screw ones and check the small inset screw ones.
Hi Dave. Thanks for another great video. I'm setting up my first shack and find this information very helpful. Why would one not go directly for the 2000Watt high power model of the Alpha Delta right out of the gate? They are the same price. Seems like a good way to future proof. What am I missing? W8ROG
Guess there is no way to protect outside at the antenna, antenna tuners from lightning.
Ground everything outside as Dave indicated in his last grounding video. The arrestor is to try and protect your inside gear and people inside your house by allowing the high voltage on the center conductor to be easily able to shunt it to ground.
No protecting a chunk of metal from a direct strike (except with a sacrificial lightning rod).... But even then, 20kV is 20kV regardless if it's - or + (ie: if lightning hits the ground or neutral or your transmitter things will go pop)
You answered several questions I had about Lightning Arresters --- now when I go to one of the local elmer's for details to help with my setup, I'll have a base of knowledge to start with. Thank you.
I did a search for "this type of a situation" and couldn't find anything resembling the picture at 7:15. Does it have another name? I didn't see anything on it in the reference station info on the web site either.
Anyone? Anyone?
Array Solutions Control Line Surge Suppressor
If my shack is on the 2nd floor of my house, where do you recommend placing the lightning arrester?
Thank you for the video! As a new ham I appreciate that you recommend some specific products both in your videos and reference station. I understand you’re not saying that’s what everyone should have but for me needing a place to start the hobby, it’s nice to have specific items recommended that I know will work well in a first system.
Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
If all of a sudden it blows i wouldnt take the advice to go and run out to see what happened. It might still be dangerous out there!
Once again, you have brought forth great information for this aspiring ham. Well done.
heres a question for you,why are pl-259 connectors called uhf,when they get bad at vhf and shit at uhf??.
Two and half years later, these parts went from $52 to $80 thanks to the money printer going brrrrr. Cheaper if priced in Bitcoin.
Yep. Once inflation happens, there's no resulting deflation. Rather a steadying of prices. Eventually wages creep up. As a "retiree," I certainly feel the inflation.
What about for mobile equipment in vehicles? And no, they are not lightening proof by default.
Thanks for the helpful info Dave... Much appreciated. 73 KO4NMT
Hey man you can't bring up the nice little box for the rotator! I need more info I'm putting up one hopefully soon. City is giving me hell
Thank, you Dave. 73 N8JVC
Good information to know for sure!
Nece to know ,beautiful
Thank you!
Your generosity with time and talent is much appreciated. Subscribed!
73
KK7JBZ