"Frank Gilliland" wrote in message
...
In , "Kevin Muenzler, WB5RUE"

wrote:

Here's a tip that helps me with the cold weather problem of coax that
needs
to flex. Use your high quality coax for the long run from your rig to
the
base of your antenna, I use LMR-400. Run a short piece of RG-8x from the
base of the rotor to the connection on your antenna. You will need to
replace it every few years but it's cheep and a length of 10 or so feet
isn't going to give you much, if any measurable loss on 11-meters.


Good idea. It also provides a convenient break in the run to install a
grounding
block.


Actually if you install a grounding block and lightning hits you replace
your coax, your antenna and a grounding block. They don't do squat. Most
antennas are at DC ground anyway so ground your entire system not just the
coax. Of course if you are using a dipole you should be using a BALUN and
most come with a ground connection. DON'T expect it to save your radio in
the event of a direct (or close) strike. You are looking at hundreds of
millions of volts at hundreds of thousands of amps. That little grounding
block is going to vaporize along with your coax. If you want real
protection visit poliphaser. They have excellent stuff (at more than
"excellent" prices). Don't buy the $20 grounding blocks and expect
protection.

Kevin, WB5RUE




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