David, Here is what I did in your same situation. Make sure you have at least 3 feet of mast extending above the antenna from the rotator. Attach at least a #10 STRANDED copper wire to the tower/tripod just below the rotator and route it as straight and short as possible to the thickest and longest copper-coated ground rod you can find directly below (as much as possible) your tower/tripod. Then, KYFC because lightning will go wherever it pleases. But, at least you will have given it the most pleasing path you could. GL/73, Bob K8BL P.S. If you have a tower, DO NOT trust the connection between the sections to give you the best lightning ground. ALWAYS run the ground wire all the way to the TOP. Otherwise, your coax will have the least resistance.
From: David Carr dc@dcarr.org To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Wednesday, October 16, 2013 4:10 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] Lightning protection
Hi group,
I have a new wooden outbuilding and am thinking of putting a rotator on the roof. What are the best practices for lightning protection for a setup like this?
I'm not as worried about the equipment as I am the building catching on fire. There are some things inside that are very important to me.
Thanks for the help, David KD5QGR _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb