Reasons not to create a coiled-coax "choke"

http://www.comm-omni.com/polyweb/hamradio5.htm
Even though inductive properties of the coax cable appear to be
beneficial, and some extra inductance can be created by adding
a few turns to the coax; don' t do it. The added turns can also
act like an air wound transformer that can couple more energy
into the line. This is just the opposite of the desired effect.
Instead, make sure that coax lines leaving the tower remain at
right angles to the magnetic field surrounding the tower.

http://www.wrblock.com/Papers/Amatue.../APARS_P09.htm
Neatness counts - cables (transmission lines, power (ac and dc),
speaker, microphone, computer, control) should be cut to length
and routed neatly and cleanly between boxes using the most direct
practical route. The coiling of excess cable length on the
protected side should be avoided since it could act as an air-wound
transformer coupling magnetic energy from a nearby lightning strike
back into the protected equipment.

http://www.marcspages.co.uk/tech/2100.htm
Some in the RF industry would have seen coils used as static drains.
The theory is the coil is high impedance at RF and so looks open
circuit, whilst still presenting a short to the DC and draining it
to deck. The problem with them is they too can start reacting
('scuse the pun!) with the capacitance present on the system,
especially at the lower ends of the band.


24hr ops FULL COVERAGE PROTECTION (no "chokes")
http://users.erols.com/n3rr/lightningprotection/

http://www.alvarion.com/RunTime/Mate...arch31_R41.pdf
ALVIRON SUBSCRIBER SYSTEMS TOWER LIGHTNING PROTECTION
(no "chokes")

And one major US communications company which drawings and specs
are confidential and proprietary information - but they do NOT use
any kind of coiled-coax and prohibit same from all systems.

Here's one exception - from an Amplifier and relay company - they
are NOT in the lightning protecton business and this is very
outdated advice, but shown anyway becasue we're honest!

http://www.ameritron.com/ameritron/man/pdf/RCS-4.pdf

We strongly recommend the use of lightning retarding loops
in the coaxial cables near the relay box (see illustration).
Remember that lightning travels through the path of least
resistance. Station ground leads should be solid, large surface
area conductors. Do not use braided or stranded wire for the
ground leads. Avoid sharp bends in the ground leads. Use
multiple ground rods and/or radials to provide the earth
termination.
---
Recommend you ignore this and maintain direct paths - JP

Finally, Richard Clark's mention of "code" is pretty important. Reference
the NEC-70 and NFPA-780 for US installations.

Jack Painter
Virginia Beach VA
http://members.cox.net/pc-usa/station/grounding.htm