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Old December 23rd 05, 10:08 PM posted to rec.radio.shortwave
David
 
Posts: n/a
Default Gas Tube Lightning Protectors: Which To Get ?

On Fri, 23 Dec 2005 16:18:28 -0500, "Robert11"
wrote:

Hello:



The folks at Antenna Supermarker have a gas tube lightning protector that
they claim fires at 1/7 (other text says 1/17)

the voltage of...



"Zap TrapperT Electronic Gas Tube Lightning Arrestors. Receive-only
design shunts damaging transients to ground at only 1/17th the voltage
buildup as compared to the commonly available 200 watt transmit-type
arrestors, providing maximum solid state receiver protection.



Protect your investment - combine an excellent shortwave receiving
antenna with the best receiver protection money can buy.



RCVR/T- Our maximum-sensitivity receive-only electronic Gas Tube
Lightning Surge voltage protector * Fires at only 1/7th of the voltage
buildup that is required to activate the lowest power (200 Watt)
transmitting-type lightning arrestors available, thus providing vastly
superior protection for solid state receivers * Uses two gas tubes * /T
model for twinlead-fed and longwire antennas * Input is two binding posts,
output is also two binding posts * No patch cable required. $22.95 "



I guess, but am not sure, that they are comparing the firing voltage to the
typical Alpha-Delta units.



I'm interest in getting some unit, frankly, probably more for supposed peace
of mind than anything else.



The 1/7 firing voltage sounds real good, as I do listening only, and am
always quite worried about voltage transients possibly being picked up and
ruining the front end of my receiver from nearby strikes if I'm not home to
disconnect things.



Anyone have any thoughts or opinions on the Alpha Delta units and these from
Antenna Supermarket ?



Which would you buy for a receive only setup ?



Thanks,

Bob



If I lived where there's lightning I would.

I'd also use something like this to get my whole antenna system
connected to DC ground. More important here because of steady wind
and blowing particles.

http://www.geocities.com/qrp_baluns/QB-9E.html